Agenda item - Pride 2021

Report of the Interim Executive Director Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities (Copy attached)

RESOLVED: That committee:

1.    Agreed in principle to Pride CIC running the event for a further year in 2021. (Subject to consideration of the financial implications at committee in June).

2.    Noted that a report would be presented to committee on June 2020 covering proposals for the operation and development of Pride from 2021.

3.    Note that the above June report set out the estimated costs to the Council of supporting the event in 2021, and in recognition of the significant financial losses likely to affect all council community events and community and voluntary services following the Covid 19 crisis that such a report would also:

(i)   Make clear the council’s continued commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and the annual Pride event, with acknowledgement given to the work of Pride CIC, costs absorbed by both the council and event organisers

(ii)  Detail the significant revenue allocated to the Rainbow Fund, and which was subsequently given to smaller LGBT+ organisations and HIV projects across the city

(iii)  Explore how the Council could continue to support Pride while recovering any necessary costs, to ensure the event could continue in challenging times

4.    Continue to explore ways in which diversity and inclusion could still be celebrated through positive communications, in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ organisations in the city in light of the cancellation of Pride 2020.

72.1    The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities which sought to reaffirm Brighton & Hove City Council’s commitment to work in partnership with Pride CIC to ensure delivery of the event in the City. The report was provided by the Head of Safer Communities.

72.2    Councillor Mears enquired if it would be extended to other events which were booked yearly to ensure that they had an opportunity to success as well.

72.3    The Assistant Director Culture, Tourism & Sport confirmed that all events would be invited and that a diary for all organisations who had cancellations this year would be kept open.

72.4    Councillor Powell moved a motion to amend recommendation 2.3 and to add a recommendation as shown below in bold italics:

            2.3       That the above June report sets out the estimated costs to the Council of supporting the event in 2021, and in recognition the context of the significant financial drain losses likely to affect all council, community events and community and voluntary services following the Covid 19 crisis, and how such costs will be recovered both in 2021 and in subsequent years that such a report will also:

-      make clear the council’s continued commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and the annual Pride event, with acknowledgement given to the work of Pride CIC, costs absorbed by both the council and event organisers

-      detail the significant revenue allocated to the Rainbow Fund, and which is subsequently given to smaller LGBT+ organisations and HIV projects across the city

-      explore how the Council can continue to support Pride while recovering any necessary costs, to ensure the event can continue in challenging times

2.4       That in light of the cancellation of Pride 2020, that the Council continues to explore ways in which diversity and inclusion can still be celebrated through positive communications, in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ organisations in the city

72.5    Councillor Ebel formally seconded the motion.

72.6    The Chair put the amendment to the vote which was carried.

72.7    The Chair then put the substantive vote as amended which was carried.

72.8    RESOLVED: That committee:

1.    Agreed in principle to Pride CIC running the event for a further year in 2021. (Subject to consideration of the financial implications at committee in June).

2.    Noted that a report would be presented to committee on June 2020 covering proposals for the operation and development of Pride from 2021.

3.    Note that the above June report set out the estimated costs to the Council of supporting the event in 2021, and in recognition of the significant financial losses likely to affect all council community events and community and voluntary services following the Covid 19 crisis that such a report would also:

(i)   Make clear the council’s continued commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and the annual Pride event, with acknowledgement given to the work of Pride CIC, costs absorbed by both the council and event organisers

(ii)  Detail the significant revenue allocated to the Rainbow Fund, and which was subsequently given to smaller LGBT+ organisations and HIV projects across the city

(iii)  Explore how the Council could continue to support Pride while recovering any necessary costs, to ensure the event could continue in challenging times

4.    Continue to explore ways in which diversity and inclusion could still be celebrated through positive communications, in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ organisations in the city in light of the cancellation of Pride 2020.