Another £11m to be dedicated to Coventry's reign as UK City of Culture 2021

[dutchman]

Another £11million is set to be dedicated to Coventry’s reign as UK City of Culture 2021 after the announcement of a new preparation plan



Coventry City Council will recommend a cash boost to deliver a ‘city readiness and legacy programme’.

The new £6million programme will see investment in city infrastructure, promotion and cultural organisations to prepare for Coventry’s complete campaign from 2018-2023.

The council argues the significant benefits of such a programme will act as a catalyst for future development and regeneration after 2021.

Separate to the new programme, the council will also recommend another £5million to be used for securing external grants to enhance the city’s cultural venues and destinations.

The council has already set aside around £5million for events costs which was allocated last year.

New positions will be created to oversee the programme and funds will also be dedicated to preparation for Coventry’s year as European City of Sport 2019.

A report to be discussed at the cabinet meeting next Tuesday (August 28) claims the programme could boost pride in Coventry, confidence and wellbeing as well as making the city a more attractive place to live.

The recommended funding package would enable investment in cleanliness of the city, better access to key locations and new parking provision.

It also promises improvements to traffic control, prompt and effective planning and building services as well as the city’s creative industries.

[rebbonk]

I'm afraid I find this really offensive.

The council have cut many much needed services, yet they can find money for this folly. I have yet to see any proof that being a City of Culture improves finances by anything like the 'finger in the air' amounts that are being bandied about.

To me, it all stinks of the Emperor's New Clothes!

[Jock Strapp]

Just look at that poor old bu**er bottom center in the picture. Is that expression agony or ecstacy ? 11 million of OUR money to be spent but not for the benefit of the ordinary man/woman in the street.

[Melisandre]

On the free radio news the other day Rebbonk they were pulled up on wasting money some on the cars they have and if I recall right £17. 000 to fuel them as well also other things.

[rebbonk]

According to a facebook article (By Simon Gilbert I believe) the council is hoping to claw some of this money back by increasing fines on motorists in the city.

City of culture? The only culture that the council has is the sort that grows in a petri-dish.

[rebbonk]

On the free radio news the other day Rebbonk they were pulled up on wasting money some on the cars they have and if I recall right £17. 000 to fuel them as well also other things.

I once tried to 'get into' the council as a specialist at removing waste from businesses. I secured one meeting with a mid level manager. After about an hour, he had to admit that I was right, there was plenty of waste going on, but it would be "a braver man than me" that would try to tackle it. I simply couldn't be bothered after that.

How much did they spend on getting waste/duplication removal advice from consultants? - If these consultants were any good they'd have worked on a percentage of savings made. But then again, maybe they knew of the council's lack of will to tackle things?

[Melisandre]

Wasting our money has been going on for years Rebbonk one lady mayoress a friend of my mum which I won't reveal on here told my mum about it when my mum said why don't you reveal this to the public her reply was we are told to keep our mouths shut I was about 6 at the time I use to pick her apples off the floor in her garden as she instructed.

Years ago the public were allowed to go and look at the account books of the council not sure if you still can.. I know not to many years ago an oap couple in Wales did where councilors lost their jobs as the books had been fiddled.