Proposed Celebrations To Mark The 25th Twinning Anniversary Between Perth And Bydgoszcz
Perth and Kinross Council · 23 January 2023
Back to Provost's Sub-Committee — 23 January 2023 and its agenda
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PERTH & KINROSS COUNCIL Provost’s Sub Committee 23 January 2023 PROPOSED CELEBRATIONS TO MARK THE 25TH TWINNING ANNIVERSARY BETWEEN PERTH AND BYDGOSZCZ Report by Acting Democratic Services Manager (Report No. 23/13) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide the Sub-Committee with an update on a proposal to mark the 25th twinning anniversary between Perth and Bydgoszcz in 2023, including to officially invite the Civic Head of the city of Bydgoszcz to Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Sub-Committee: • Approves in principle that the Council marks the 25th twinning anniversary between Perth and Bydgoszcz by hosting a twinning celebration weekend from 8 to 12 June 2023 to mark the anniversary • Agrees that an invitation is extended to President Rafal Bruski and delegation from Bydgoszcz to attend events in Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023 • Agrees that any formal invitation for the Provost to visit Bydgoszcz is accepted, subject to dates, and that the Council is represented by the Provost, Bailie Bailey and the Chief Executive, supported by the Council Officer • Agrees that the Council seek external funding towards costs for the anniversary celebrations in Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023, with a further report back providing more detailed costings to a future meeting. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Proposals • Section 6: Conclusions
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4. BACKGROUND 4.1 Plans are being considered for a series of events in Perth and Bydgoszcz to mark the 25th twinning anniversary in 2023. 4.2 Perth’s twinning link with Bydgoszcz dates back to 9 May 1988 when the twinning agreement was signed in Perth. It is an extremely active twinning with various groups and exchange visits over the years, for example, Perth Youth Orchestra and Perthshire Brass regularly visit. 4.3 A delegation from Bydgoszcz was invited to Perth in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, during which the official unveiling of the Bydgoszcz crest stone carving took place. Perth’s other twinned cities were also invited to attend. 4.4 The Polish War Graves site in Wellshill was established in 1940 after Polish authorities in Scotland asked for a dedicated cemetery site for the burial of their soldiers. Half of all Polish war burials in Scotland are at Wellshill, and a Remembrance ceremony takes place every year to mark their sacrifice. 4.5 The Polish community in Perthshire is one of the largest in Scotland, with many choosing to stay and make Perthshire their home after the Second World War. 4.6 In more recent times Perthshire has also welcomed a new generation of Polish migrants and the Council has engaged with this new community to support their integration and recognise the economic contribution they make. 4.7 The Council is working together with partners, hosts and communities across Perth and Kinross in providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. The Polish Community in Perthshire have given significant support for Ukraine refugees in Perth and Kinross, and in Poland. 4.8 It is anticipated that Provost McDade will receive a reciprocal invitation to attend city celebrations in Bydgoszcz approx. September 2023. 5. PROPOSALS 5.1 It is proposed that the Council marks the 25th twinning anniversary between Perth and Bydgoszcz by hosting a twinning celebration weekend from 8 to 12 June 2023 to mark the anniversary. 5.2 It is proposed that an official invitation be extended to President Rafal Bruski, Civic Head of the city of Bydgoszcz and partner, and a translator. Visiting dignitaries would be invited to attend events planned in Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023. 5.3 It is proposed that 25th anniversary twinning anniversary programme include the PKC Mela event on 10 June 2023 and be fully developed working in partnership with the Friends of Bydgoszcz group and the local Polish Community.
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5.4 It is proposed that the Council accept the anticipated invitation to Provost McDade to attend city celebrations in Bydgoszcz during 2023. 5.5 It is proposed that the Council seek external funding towards costs for the anniversary celebrations in Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023. 5.6 It is proposed that the final twinning programme for June and associated costs are presented back to the Sub-Committee in February 2023. 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 There are significant links with the local Polish Community members across Perth and Kinross and it would be appropriate for the Council to make plans to mark this important twinning anniversary. 6.2 The proposed 25th anniversary twinning programme will give the Council the opportunity to work closely with members of the Polish community in the design and implementation of proposals, continuing to foster good relations. 6.3 The PKC Mela event would encourage people to come to Perth for the day, adding to the economic impact for the city and surrounding areas. Authors Name Designation Contact Details Michelle Glencorse Stewart Grant Scott Hendry PA to Provost and Depute Provost Council Officer Acting Democratic Services Manager Civicservices@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Karen Donaldson Chief Operating Officer 18 January 2023
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement None Corporate Plan None Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce No Asset Management (land, property, IST) No Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment None Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) None Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External Yes Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Corporate Plan 1.1 The Council’s Corporate Plan 2018 – 2023 lays out five outcome focussed strategic objectives which provide clear strategic direction, inform decisions at a corporate and service level and shape resources allocation. They are as follows: (i) Giving every child the best start in life. (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens. (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy. (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. 1.2 This report relates to (ii) and (iii) above. 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 The Council will seek external funding towards costs for the anniversary celebrations in Perth from 8 to 12 June 2023. 2.2 The final twinning programme for June and associated costs will be reported back to the Sub-Committee.
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Workforce 2.3 There are no direct workforce implications arising from this report other than those reported within the body of the main report. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.4 There are no direct asset management implications arising from this report other than those reported within the body of the main report. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.3 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Sustainability 3.5 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. In terms of the Climate Change Act, the Council has a general duty to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community, environmental and economic impacts of its actions. 3.6 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. 4. Consultation Internal The Provost, Depute Provost, Chief Executive and Executive Director (Communities) have been consulted during the preparation of this report.
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External Full consultation will take place with external organisations should the report be agreed. 5. BACKGROUND PAPERS No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (other than any containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to any material extent in preparing the above report. 6. APPENDICES N/A