Long Course Weekend future decision to come under scrutiny
The long-distance swim, cycle and running events returned to Tenby this June, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle, and a marathon across the weekend.
The July 22 decision by Cabinet member Cllr Rhys Sinnett approved a retrospective agreement to enter a host agreement with Activity Wales to cover 2026 to 2029 events to 'ensure the event operates in line with the clear requirements of the Host Agreement, as per the recommendation of Cabinet in January 2025'.
It added: 'Continuing to support an event which links to PCC's Major Events Strategy and continues to support the tourism, economic and the associated benefits surrounding the event through visitor, participant and spectator contributions to the local economy.'
The 'call in' was made by Councillor Huw Murphy with the support of Councillors Alec Cormack, Chris Williams, Viv Stoddart, Tim Evans, Vanessa Thomas and Iwan Ward, considering the decision made by Councillor Sinnett did not fully comply with the budget and policy framework.
The call in was reviewed by Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on August 8 where it was recommended the Cabinet member decision be referred to Cabinet on three grounds.
'For Cabinet and the Senior Leadership Team to have the opportunity to jointly review the decision-making processes related to the Long Course Weekend Host Agreement and identify any appropriate actions that might be taken.
'For Cabinet to determine whether they wish this Individual Cabinet Member decision to be signed immediately or alternatively be considered in advance of the 2026 event, but after member engagement and possible review by Overview and Scrutiny.
'Given the admission of governance failure both in the papers and verbally today [August 8] by the Head of Law and Governance, the matter be referred to the Governance and Audit Committee for further investigation.'
It is recommended members 'uphold the decision made by the Cabinet Member surrounding the approval of the ICM for the LCW Host Agreement 2026-2029. Continue with the review of the Events Strategy by the Events Advisory Board prior to the decision to formally adopt and also undertake consultation with the Events Advisory Board and Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, along with those local members whose wards are impacted by the event on the contents of the LCW Host Agreement (to include meaningful discussions on whether to implement the break clauses for future years) in advance of the 2026 event'.
The recommendation adds: 'This will allow any changes to the agreement to be considered by Cabinet and negotiations with events organisers prior to the 2026 event to enable continued support for events from 2027 onwards.'
It concludes that option would 'ensure the event operates in line with the clear requirements of the Host Agreement, in accordance with the recommendation of Cabinet in January 2025'.
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