Agenda item

To consider a progress report on individual risks identified in the Council’s Strategic Risk Register.

The Committee considered a progress report in relation to the individual risks identified on the Strategic Risk Register, specifically in relation to risks regarding Reputational Damage. The Committee discussed plans to control and mitigate the risks with the strategic risk owners, Mr Jack, Chief Executive and Mr Cavill, Director of Place.

Mr Jack advised that in order to assess the measurement of the reputation of the Council and of Blackpool, the media, which included social media, was monitored daily. He explained to Members the process that was followed in regards to granting interviews with media organisations and producing press releases, which helped to build the reputation of the Council and the town.

The Committee was informed that the Government’s view of the Council and Blackpool was significantly shaped by inspections and GCSE results. Mr Jack explained that receiving ‘inadequate’ ratings in more than one inspection could have a detrimental impact on the reputation of the Council as a whole, not just on the inspected services. He reported to the Committee that recent improvements in Children’s Services had resulted in improved inspection findings and that had subsequently helped to improve the reputation of the Council.

Members were provided with details of the work that was being undertaken to promote a positive image of Blackpool in order to encourage investment. It was noted that a lot of people in influential positions had links to the town and positive memories of the place, which had helped to build relationships and connections. Members questioned whether more could be done to work with the private sector, especially with regards to businesses that were not part of the tourism industry. Mr Cavill advised that there had been more than 30 enquiries from businesses regarding the enterprise zone, which should help to increase the promotion of Blackpool.

Mr Cavill advised the Committee of the multi-agency Communications Operative Group, whose purpose was to manage media requests. Members were provided with details of the various requests to film in Blackpool that were considered by the Group and it was noted that Blackpool was one of the most filmed locations in the North West. Mr Cavill reported to the Committee that the Group worked to ensure that the people filming in Blackpool enjoyed a positive experience, in an attempt to increase the likelihood of their return. Mr Cavill also advised the Committee of the success of the joint ‘Blackpool’s Back’ campaign to promote the town and noted the high quality marketing material that was produced.

Members noted that a sub-risk of the Strategic Risk was ‘Residents’ negative image of Blackpool’ and the Committee discussed the requirement to provide high quality services in order to help generate more local pride in Blackpool. It was also considered that the development of Channel Shift would help to further improve residents’ opinion of the quality of services delivered. , Members also raised questions relating to the establishment of Citizen’s Panels. Mr Jack noted that the aim of the Citizen’s Panels was to change the way the Council engaged with the public, but that the establishment of the Panels was currently a work in progress.

The Committee raised questions relating to the potential for attracting more conference trade to the town and Mr Cavill advised of the work that was being undertaken to increase the number of good quality hotel rooms, which would make Blackpool more attractive for potential conference organisers.

A question was raised regarding the damage to the reputation of the town as a result of the off-field issues of Blackpool Football Club. Mr Jack advised that the success of a local football club was often overstated in its impact upon the local economy and noted that, as a result of changes to kick off times to accommodate television schedules, businesses in the Bloomfield Ward area close to the stadium had benefitted to a greater extent when the football club was in the Championship rather than in the Premier League.

Members raised questions relating to the Sub Risk of ‘Visitors’ negative image of Blackpool’, with specific regards to the Cookson Street approach to the Talbot Gateway. Members were advised of the complexities that were involved in improving the area, but that there was a long term ambition to make improvements.

Background papers: None.