Decision details

14.1

The Charity Trustee Sub-Committee is asked to consider the contents of this report and approve the grant of a licence to the selected operator.

14.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee:-

1.     notes the contents of this report;

2.     approves the grant of a 7-year licence to the selected operator for ice cream provision in Graves Park with a condition that an E-Power Zero Emission Vehicle is used by the end of Year 2 of the licence period; and

3.     delegates authority to Property Services and Parks and Countryside to issue a licence on the terms proposed.

14.3

Reasons for Decision

14.3.1

The selling of ice cream contributes to the objects of the charity, providing amenities within recreation/pleasure grounds for use by the public. It has also become an expected part of visitor’s park experience.

14.3.2

Generating an income allows the council as sole trustee to support the management and maintenance of the park and in turn contribute to the charity objects.

14.3.3

The offer from selected operator is financially better than the other bids. Based on our knowledge of this operator and payment history we have no concerns over its ability to meet the level of fees proposed or the terms of the licence.

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

14.4.1

Alternative Option 1 – Do nothing

There is the option to not offer a license to any of the operators who have bid. This would mean there would be no provision for this type of offer within the park and would impact on the rental income for the charity which contributes directly to the management and maintenance of the park. This would have a detrimental impact on the quality of the visitor experience. This option has therefore been rejected.

14.4.2

Alternative Option 2 – Select the operator who offered less than the highest bidding operator.

There’s a possibility that zero emissions from the Ice Cream vans could be achieved sooner should the recommended operator not be awarded the licences, however the recommended operator does indicate a strong conviction to moving towards zero emissions and this would be achieved within a managed time period, and in line with the 2030 City goals. This would mean accepting an offer which would not be the best financial deal for the charity. This option has therefore been rejected.