Decision details

(i)  That Cabinet adopts the Memorials Policy (Appendix 1) amended following public consultation.

(ii)  That Cabinet notes a summary of the public consultation feedback identified below (and in Appendix 2) and the ESIA (Appendix 3).

(iii)  That the Head of Culture & Tourism has delegated authority to make minor amends to the policy, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture and Executive Director, Place.

(iv)  The Head of Culture & Tourism has delegated authority, where appropriate, to consult on substantial changes which, following review after a 12 month period of implementation of the policy, may be deemed necessary and, after consideration of any representations made, to implement these changes, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture and Executive Director, Place

The policy aims to provide a fair, transparent and systematic approach to making informed decisions about the creation, installation, management and maintenance of memorials on land owned by Southampton City Council.

The policy aims to enable communities and stakeholders to be involved and engaged in the process of co-creating Southampton’s public spaces to create a greater sense of pride, belonging, identity and shape the look, feel and experience of the city.

The policy aims to provides a clear framework around the criteria, application process and governance for prospective proposals for memorials on land owned by Southampton City Council and their management and maintenance in the future.

Not adopting the proposed Memorials Policy – rejected on the basis that it will not address:

·  the need for a clear and transparent framework to inform decision-making

·  address the Government’s 2021 ‘retain or explain’ legislation and 2023 guidance for historic monuments

·  the Full Council Motion in March 2021 that committed to ‘never arbitrarily extract or displace any monument, memorial or statue and to subject the decision to appropriate levels of resident consultation’.

Adopting the Memorials Policy without the proposed criteria, application process and governance route – rejected on the basis that it will not address:

·  the need for clear criteria and processes to support prospective applicants and Council employees advising individuals and groups

·  the opportunity to involve communities and stakeholders in the process of co-creating Southampton’s public spaces

·  the opportunity to garner a range of perspectives and draw on expertise to inform the final decision by Cabinet on proposals surrounding new or existing memorials.