Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee received a Report of the Chamberlain concerning the Provisional Outturn for FY 2018/19.

Members expressed their concern with the Barbican Centre’s outturn; the Chamberlain indicated that the large variance (circa £3m) was due to both the absence of high profile, “blockbuster” shows over the past year compared with recent times, and a significant carry forward from FY 2017/18. In response, Members pointed out that the Barbican was a successful commercial operator which had delivered a good track record over the past decade; it should therefore not be unreasonable to examine whether a reduction in subsidies from the centre would be justified. The Chairman added that a topic of discussion at the recent Resource Allocation Sub-Committee Away Day was around the future of the levels of funding for our cultural programmes in general – this would be further explored as the Fundamental Review progressed.   

Members again stressed that there needs to be greater clarity presented in the figures between the original approved budget and subsequent in-year-changes; the original budget should be tracked throughout the year. It was also incumbent on Chief Officers to try to minimise carry forwards.

The Chamberlain confirmed that the McCloud revision was not included in the outturn due to the publication date of the Report. the Provision will however be in the final accounts following advice from BDO, as per the discussion during ITEM 8.

RESOLVED – that the Committee noted the Report.