Issue - meetings

This report summarises the issues discussed at the Civic Working Group meetings held since the last Charter Trustee meeting and seeks support for any recommendations arising.

The Chair of the Civic Working Group, Councillor Lawrence Williams, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. This report summarised the issues discussed at the Civic Working Group meetings held since the last Charter Trustee meeting.

Regarding the hanging of Mayoral Portraits in the Mayor’s Parlour, the CWG had suggested that this matter be deferred to the Town Council’s new Clerk once they were in post.

The CWG had authorised the Civic team to procure new robes for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to replace historic robes that were in a state of disrepair. However, given that the expected delivery date and subsequent invoicing was to be after the Charter Trustees have been dissolved, advice received from the Responsible Finance Officer was that this expenditure should be approved by the Shadow Bournemouth Town Council at its meeting on 24 March 2026.

Civic assets had recently been re-verified and re-valued ahead of their transfer to the new Town Council. Insurance for the assets would be in place from 1 April 2026. Regarding the transfer of mayoral vehicles and number plates, Trustees were reminded that the current vehicle and plate were transferred to BCP Council in 2019.

Some Trustees raised concerns over whether the authority granted to the Shadow Council by BCP Council included the release of funds for the purchase of new robes.

Officers advised that the Shadow Council was established for the purpose of recruiting a new Town Clerk and any other matters requiring a resolution prior to the implementation date. Given that the remit was broad, it was considered that the resolution covered requests for expenditure such as for the purchase of robes.

Trustees were reminded that one of the requirements of the Charter Trustees was the transfer of the civic assets, which included the robes. The Civic working group had identified a need for replacement robes. As Trustees were responsible for the maintenance of the historic assets, were the Charter Trustees to continue beyond 31 March, there would be a requirement to replace or repair these robes.

It was therefore considered appropriate for the Shadow Council to debate whether it wished to fund the purchase of new robes.

It was confirmed that the new Town Council would be able to use reserves to support events such as Remembrance, should they wish.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor George Farquhar, highlighted that this was the final meeting of the Charter Trustees of Bournemouth and expressed his thanks on behalf of Trustees to CWG members and the Civic team for their support over the years.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.