The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:
· Matters which are the subject of current or pending legal proceedings or
· Matters relating to employees or former employees of the Council or comments in respect of individual Council Officers.
Minutes:
29.1 Mr Paul Soden, representing the Licensed Victuallers Association, acknowledged the success of the Rugby World Cup Fanzone, but asked the Leader of the Council whether he considered it fair for the Fanzone to remain open for the remainder of the tournament and continue taking business away from city centre venues that had invested in screens to attract customers during the World Cup because the original intention had been for the Fanzone to close after the group stages of the competition.
29.2 Councillor McLellan declared a personal interest as he had been appointed as a volunteer at the fanzone.
29.3 Councillor James (Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy) thanked Mr Soden for his question and praised the work of staff and volunteers in making the Fanzone a success. He stated that a commitment had been given to review the operation of the Fanzone after the group stages and that there were a number of factors to consider, including the impact of Docks residents, the financial impact and the interests of businesses across the City. A decision would be made in the best interests of the City’s residents and economy after all of the facts had been considered.