Issue - items at meetings - Rugby World Cup 2015

Report of the Interim Lead, Culture, Tourism & Leisure (copy attached).

(1)               That bid for Brighton & Hove to become a host city for the Rugby World Cup 2015 be supported; and

(2)               That it be agreed that the council should enter into a contract with England Rugby 2015 Ltd in accordance with the financial commitments and other terms outlined in the report should it be selected;

(3)               That the Interim Lead Chief Executive Services be authorised to undertake all necessary arrangements to complete the contract in (2) above, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Interim Lead for Culture.

97.1         The Commissioner for Culture introduced the report which detailed the opportunity for the city to host a number of games during the Rugby World Cup in 2015, following the selection of the Amex Community Stadium as a possible venue.  She stated that the report sought approval for contractual arrangements to be put in place should the city be selected as a host city in early January.

97.2         The Chair welcomed the report and stated that the council was delighted to support the bid and hoped that it would be successful.

97.3         Councillor Bowden welcomed the cross-party support for the bid.

97.4         Councillor G. Theobald stated that he was pleased to support the bid and believed that, if successful, it would bring benefits to the local economy and enhance the city’s international reputation.

97.5         The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.

97.6         RESOLVED:

(1)         That bid for Brighton & Hove to become a host city for the Rugby World Cup 2015 be supported; and

(2)         That it be agreed that the council should enter into a contract with England Rugby 2015 Ltd in accordance with the financial commitments and other terms outlined in the report should it be selected;

(3)         That the Interim Lead Chief Executive Services be authorised to undertake all necessary arrangements to complete the contract in (2) above, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Interim Lead for Culture.