Agenda item

Report of the Director of Communications.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Communications proposing the adoption of a policy for commercial filming at City Corporation-owned buildings and open spaces.

A number of Members spoke to express concerns as to whether the proposal constituted value for money, noting it would result in only a modest uplift in overall income whilst also requiring the City Corporation to pay commission on income which would be generated under the existing arrangements, rather than just on the additional funds raised by the consultant. It was also noted that there would be no off-setting savings through reduction in posts in the existing Film Team. In response to Members’ concerns, the Director of Communications advised that the commission arrangements were likely to have arisen through the procurement process and were relatively standard for such activities, but undertook to explore this further. Members agreed that this should be examined and consideration deferred until clarity was available.

Further comments were made in relation to the retention of income by service departments, with it suggested that the proposed removal of this arrangement and the introduction of a central pot might disincentivise them from engaging in filming activities. The Director of Communications advised that a number of changes to the proposals had been made in response to these very concerns, following consideration by the  Public Relations & Economic Development Sub-Committee, which were set out in paragraph 8b. The Committee also recognised that many central departments were not able to raise income through commercial filming arrangements and, accordingly, a corporate and collegiate approach needed to be taken.

RESOLVED: That consideration be deferred and that officers be instructed to re-explore the arrangements associated with commission, prior to re-submitting the report for consideration.