Issue - items at meetings - Royal Pavilion & Museums - Fees & Charges

Report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

            RESOLVED:

i)          That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Admissions for 2017/18 & 2018/19 in Appendix A.

ii)        That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Room Hire for 2017/18 in Appendix B.

iii)       That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Photography & Reproduction 2017/18 Appendix C.

iv)       That the Committee note previously agreed fees and charges for Schools and Bookings for 2017/18 in Appendix D.

31.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in relation to Royal Pavilion & Museums - Fees & Charges. The purpose of the report was to set out the proposed fees and charges for the Royal Pavilion & Museums services for 2017/18 and where appropriate for 2018/19.

31.2    In response to Councillor Nemeth it was explained that most of the free museums were national and received direct government funding; the Royal Pavilion had been charging for admission since the 1970s. The spend was approximately £1.34 and 56p in the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum Gift shops respectively.

31.3    In response to Councillor Allen it was explained that Brighton Museum had been charging since 2015; comparable other museums in the region were still free; however, many of these were also considering introducing charges. It was acknowledged that the recent weakness of the pound and the relative strength of the dollar could be beneficial, and it was anticipated that the income performance of Brighton Museum would be better next financial year. In relation to the museum café it was explained that it had not been possible to award the contract following the tender process, and other options were currently being considered.

31.4    In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was explained that a 50% drop in visitor numbers had been envisaged when the charging for Brighton Museum was introduced, and this had largely been the case. In the relation to joint tickets a ‘history pass’ was available that was valued for two days with access to the Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Preston Manor.

31.5    In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn it was explained that school parties visiting the museums and the Pavilion were still free and this included academies. It was also clarified that bookings were received for all the charging categories offered and none were redundant.

31.6    In response to Councillor Nemeth the following responses were given. The Pavilion operated at capacity in July/August; however, there was some capacity in the winter and there had been an initiative this year to drive footfall in the quieter months. As a general rule when venues charged for entry the amount given in donations was lower. A joint ticket with the Sea Life Centre was offered, and representatives from Brighton Pavilion & Museums would be attending travel shows with representatives from the i360 to seek to increase visitor numbers.

31.7    In response to Councillor Morris the following responses were given. Improvements had been made to the range at the Pavilion Gift shop including bespoke items. In relation to benchmarking for corporate hire it was explained that this was done against other venues in the city and region that were comparable.

31.8    In response to Councillor Druitt it was explained that there was a general trend in the industry to move away from concessionary fares and simply have rates for adult and child; however, an advantageous family ticket was offered.

31.9    Councillor Allen stated his view that the offer at Brighton Museum could be confusing for visitors, and he felt a lower admission price could attract more visitors. He agreed that that the café needed a long term solution.

31.10  Councillor C. Theobald welcomed the Christmas theme at the Pavilion this year, but also noted her disappointment at the reduced number of visitors at Brighton Museum.

31.11  The Chair then put the recommendation to the vote. These were carried with 7 in support and 3 against.

31.12  The Chair put the recommendations to the vote.

31.13  RESOLVED:

i)          That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Admissions for 2017/18 & 2018/19 in Appendix A.

ii)        That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Room Hire for 2017/18 in Appendix B.

iii)       That the Committee approve the fees and charges for Photography & Reproduction 2017/18 Appendix C.

iv)       That the Committee note previously agreed fees and charges for Schools and Bookings for 2017/18 in Appendix D.