Issue - meetings

This report proposes a new legal and funding relationship between City of York Council and York Museums Trust  and asks Members to note the Trust’s revised charging plans, agree a process for updating the legal agreement, commission further work to protect the museums assets and agree the release of contingency monies to fund the cost of the new concessions.

Resolved: That the Executive agree to:

(i)      Note York Museums Trust’s (YMT) revised charging plans following discussions between the Council and YMT.

(ii)    Agree a process for updating the legal agreements between CYC and the trust to reflect new funding levels

(iii)   Commission further work with regard to options for new legal structures to better protect the museum assets

(iv)  Agree the release of £20k from contingency to fund the maximum cost of the new concessions.

Reason:     To ensure a vibrant and sustainable museums service over the long-term.

Consideration was given to a report which proposed a new legal framework and funding relationship between the Council and the York Museums Trust (YMT). Members noted the issues relating to the YMT’s financial position, the legal position regarding charging, the clause for the lease of the building and the Partnership Funding Agreement and Charitable status of the Trust.

The Executive Member highlighted the background to the Museums present charging plans and, in particular, the maintenance costs for the collections and buildings. He outlined details of the revised charging scheme and confirmed that consideration had been given to a number of options however he felt that the proposals provided the best way of funding the assets in the future.

Some Members expressed their disappointment at the method in which the charging proposals had been brought forward and suggested that other options should be considered to provide as wide access as possible to the YMT sites.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

1.           To refuse YMT’s request and continue to insist on free access for YorkCard holders

2.          To agree to YMT’s request and seek to reframe the legal and financial relationship between the Council and YMT

Following further discussion it was

Resolved: That the Executive agree to:

(i)      Note York Museums Trust’s (YMT) revised charging plans following discussions between the Council and YMT

(ii)    Agree a process for updating the legal agreements between CYC and the trust to reflect new funding levels

(iii)   Commission further work with regard to options for new legal structures to better protect the museum assets

(iv)  Agree the release of £20k from contingency to fund the maximum cost of the new concessions. ^1.

Reason:     To ensure a vibrant and sustainable museums service over the long-term.