The King George's Field Charity Board met to approve the audited accounts for the year ending March 31st, 2021, and the annual report for submission to the Charity Commission. The board also agreed in principle to review the current hire charges for the Arts and Ecology Pavilions in Mylon Park.

King George's Field Trust Finance Report

The board reviewed and approved the audited accounts for the year ending March 31st, 2021, and the annual report for the King George's Field Trust. Catherine Boyd, Interim Head of Arts, Parks and Events, explained that the submission of these documents is a legal requirement for charities with a turnover exceeding £1 million. She noted that the 2020-2021 financial year was exceptional due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted income generation from the trust's primary assets, the Arts and Ecology Pavilions. Despite this, the trust ended the financial year with a cumulative unrestricted revenue reserve of £77,000, meaning it was not in deficit.

Paul Sammut, who manages the day-to-day operations for the charity, highlighted that while commercial and community activities were reduced due to COVID-19 restrictions, the pavilions were utilised as COVID-19 centres, food banks, and testing centres, providing community benefits. During this period, renovation projects were undertaken, including upgrading the ventilation systems in both pavilions, installing a new outdoor gym on Wellington Green, new planting, biodiversity habitat creation, and refurbishment of the multi-use games areas in Mylon Park.

Kevin Bartle confirmed that the accounts had been independently audited by Arnold Hill and received a clean bill of health, providing a true and fair view of the financial position. He clarified that the Mayor, Mayor Lutfur Rahman, would sign the accounts as the council, as a corporate body, is the trustee. He also assured the board that the council was up to date with its returns to the Charity Commission, having resolved previous issues with late submissions.

Councillor Maium Talukdar (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning) raised concerns about the appointment of Carter Jonas by asset management colleagues to manage green properties under Green Bridge. He requested further information on their appointment, the duration of their contract, and the scope of their powers, particularly regarding reviewing leases and finding tenants, expressing discomfort with this function being delegated. He also asked for details on lease endings and any tenant issues.

Councillor Saied Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living) inquired about government support received by some premises during lockdown and whether this had been accounted for and transferred to the trust. It was confirmed that the £77,000 surplus included funding transferred from the council's COVID funding.

The board expressed satisfaction with the approval of the accounts and the assurance of their accuracy, though some disappointment was noted regarding the delay in their submission. There was a strong desire to ensure that the trust's properties, particularly those under Green Bridge, were not only breaking even but generating profit to fund public realm improvements. The board requested a future report detailing the trust's performance, expectations, and any potential risks.

Review of Hire Charges for Arts and Ecology Pavilions

The board agreed in principle to review the current hire charges for the Arts and Ecology Pavilions in Mylon Park. Catherine Boyd explained that these charges had not been formally reviewed since 2014 and that rising costs, such as utilities, necessitated a review to ensure best value and sustainability for the charity. Officers will undertake a benchmarking exercise, and a subsequent meeting will consider any proposed increases.

Councillor Maium Talukdar sought clarification on whether this was an approval to increase fees, which was confirmed as not being the case at this stage. He requested a breakdown of potential increases, differentiating between private and community-oriented hires, and considering different subsidy models.

Catherine Boyd clarified that the review would focus on the Arts and Ecology Pavilions, particularly for commercial, corporate, and private hires, rather than facilities like the AstroTurf which provide public health benefits. The intention is to review the subsidised hire policy, not to eliminate it, but to ensure it remains sustainable given increased costs and in line with the Charity Commission's guidance to act in the best interests of the charity. The board agreed to a constructive discussion on this matter at a future meeting.