Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Munsur Ali who was unable to attend in person but observed some of the meeting online.

There were no declarations.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 October 2024.

RESOLVED, That the minutes of the meeting of 11 October 2024 be approved as an accurate record of the proceedings.

To receive the report of the Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee noted the report of the Executive Director Environment updating Members of the Keats House Consultative Committee on achievements at Keats House for the period April 2024 – March 2025 and viewed a presentation on current activities and plans.

The Committee also reviewed the assurance that risk management procedures in place for Keats House are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011 (as set out in the appended risk register) and recommended its approval to the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee.

On this risk: ‘ENV-NE-KH 003 Insufficient maintenance’ a Member commented that there appeared to be no sign of significant maintenance initiatives to arrest any deterioration of the house’s fabric notwithstanding repeated consideration of the matter, noting also the security and fire safety improvements completed in early 2025. The meeting also noted that a conservation architect has been appointed by the Corporation and that both buildings have been comprehensively assessed with detailed recommendations submitted, some of which have now been scheduled by the Corporation’s City Surveyors with more urgent works (ivy ingress, and roof) top of the list and remedial action expected to take place during 2025 as soon as the costs are obtained and the funds released.

In response to questions on the timeline on costings information provision and the timing of the urgent works, the meeting heard that the costs are expected to be received and a schedule of works drawn up within the next few months, noting that the budget is already earmarked.

A Member asked whether the Keats-Shelley Association of America and/or the UK-based Keats-Shelley Memorial Association were involved in conversations about the house’s upkeep. The meeting heard that these organisations were not directly involved in those conversations and that the 100^th anniversary celebrations are

There were no questions.

Two matters were raised:

1. The notice board on the fence should be replaced as it is not fit for purpose, and is unusable in the winter season due to condensation.

2. The cleaner’s hours merit re-examination as the cleaning disrupts the library’s operation, and the cleaner does not appear to have suitable equipment.

The meeting heard that the cleaner is contracted to work 9am-midday on four days / week, and that regular audits take place with the cleaning contract manager, when these points can be raised.  

The next meeting will take place at 2pm on Friday 31 October 2025 at Keats House.

Upcoming meetings during 2025 and 2026 are as follows:

31 October 2025 at 2pm at Keats House

30 April 2026 at 2pm at Keats House

30 October 2026 at 2pm at Guildhall