COUNCIL'S ALERT TO EVENT ORGANISERS: WE MAY HIT YOU IN THE POCKET

                                                             

Is the annual Santa Run  at Cleethorpes Boating Lake a commercial event or a community event?

ORGANISATIONS and individuals seeking to stage events on North East Lincolnshire Council land may be required to pay hire charges as from as soon as next Monday June 1.

According to the authority, the the following will apply:

* Commercial events – fee payable, depending on audience capacity

* Community and civic events – no charge

A deposit scheme has been introduced for event organisers. 

This is for events that may result in additional costs to the council in terms of reinstating the land or venue that the event took place in or the removal of litter and posters.

Says NELC's portfolio holder for tourism, Cllr Callum Procter: “As a council, we do recognise the value and importance of events.

"We will continue to work with event organisers so that we can attract safe, successful events in to the borough, events that our community and businesses can benefit from.

“The development of an events programme is a vital element of our recently agreed culture framework.

"It will help the borough to promote the best locations and activities, showcasing local talent, tapping into artistic and sporting excellence whilst celebrating cultural heritage and diversity. 

"But in supporting these events, we need to make sure that we balance competing demands for physical resources."

The  portfolio holder added: “We hope that, as part of the recovery from the current pandemic, events will be seen as part of the return to normal as soon as it is safe to hold them and of course in line with government guidance.”

The new policy, which will be reviewed annually, is available to view at: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/licensing/organising-an-event

The Grimsby News says: With its  finances certain to be depleted by its commendable (but expensive) response to lockdown, NELC needs to find new ways to generate income if it is to balance the books. But with this particular gambit, it needs to tread warily. What if a drama group is deterred from staging an open-air production of Twelfth Night in People's Park because of a prohibitive fee? Or, for the same reason, if a Tai Chi class is no longer able to hold weekly sessions in Haverstoe Park? What is the definition of a "community" event. Would a Gay Pride march fall into that category - or an Armed Forces weekend? Or a 10k run through the streets of the borough? What is the precise schedule of fees payable? NELC needs both  to provide clarity on its proposals and to pledge fairness in how they are applied.