Issue - meetings

Decision:

That the Director of Strategic Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to submit a bid for city status for the borough of Guildford as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Reason:

To authorise the submission of a bid for city status.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.

As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, there was a civic honours competition for city status. Any local authority that considered that its town ought to be granted city status was able to enter. The Executive considered a report that sought approval for Guildford to submit a bid. In the past there had been three previous bids for city status that had been unsuccessful.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and explained that city status would support local businesses and tourism and attract investment which were corporate priorities. It was noted that the county of Surrey had no cities within its borders and that Guildford, considered to be the ‘County Town’ had significant and worthy merit to be awarded the status including a rich history and cultural heritage, successful cutting-edge technologies and businesses and excellent educational opportunities including a world-class university. A ‘Back the Bid’ campaign had been launched to canvass support in the local community and an updated list of supporters was included on the Supplementary Information Sheet. There was wide-ranging support from a variety of individuals and institutions and cross-party support from within the Council itself.

The Leader observed that those not in support of the bid had expressed concerns about the cost of the bid, potential urban growth, and a change of character for the town. It was confirmed that costs had been sourced from existing budgets and that the Government had specifically requested ‘slimline’ bids in reflection of the financial challenges faced by local authorities. The Leader believed that the small investment made to submit a bid would be an investment in the longer term. There had been voluntary support from other organisations who were supportive of the bid such as the University of Surrey. It was observed that economic growth was inevitable for the future irrespective if Guildford were a city or a town in terms of status. The Leader observed that should the outcome of the bid be unsuccessful the process of gathering support had been a positive experience for all involved and he would share some of those sentiments about Guildford that he had received.

The significant advantages with regard to future investment potential should city status be awarded were acknowledged. Accordingly, the Executive

RESOLVED: That the Director of Strategic Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to submit a bid for city status for the borough of Guildford as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Reason:

To authorise the submission of a bid for city status.