Cash boost for Bonfire Night event
Councillors have chosen to give fireworks organisers a little extra cash this year so they can put on another spectacular display at Perth’s South Inch on Bonfire Night.
Officials recommended elected members grant Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table a total of £16,240 from the Perth Common Good Fund to cover much of the cost of next month’s event, instead of the usual £15,000.
A report presented to the Perth Common Good Fund committee last week said the voluntary organisation had requested the larger sum to ensure the night’s entertainment can go ahead. It is estimated 8000 people will attend this year’s event.
The paper said: “The total cost of the event is estimated at £23,240 including inkind donations. The grant will cover the costs of the pyrotechnic fireworks display and additional costs associated with safety and logistical requirements for the event.
“The Perth Common Good Fund has been asked to provide £16,240, which is comprised of the £15,000 already earmarked earlier in the year and an additional £1240 for further costs.”
Introducing the paper Councillor Andrew Parrott, who convened the meeting, remarked: “The budget set aside £15,000, but we’ve awarded £15,000 or thereabouts for a period of four years now and given a modest rate of inflation over the four years, my own view is that this year ... an award of £16,240 is not unreasonable.”
Councillor Willie Wilson said he was happy to second Councillor Parrott’s move to approve the recommended amount but his colleague Councillor Peter Barrett was reluctant to support the proposal. Councillor Barrett said to Councillor Parrott: “I hear what you’re saying in terms of the budget being relatively flat for the last four years at £15,000, but I remember when we got more detail on this [in the past] there were a number of fairly large or substantial items including ... things like thousands of pounds for DJs at the event which members of the committee questioned. I do think that we should stick with the £15,000 for the event.”
But Councillor Dave Doogan said to Councillor Parrott: “I would agree with your assessment that costs rise and unless you want quality to fall you have to have a view and a mind to increase funding.
“I think those of us who have had the opportunity to attend the fireworks display on the South Inch for pretty much their whole life know that it’s better now than it’s ever been.”
Councillor Barrett’s proposed amendment to the amount was seconded by Councillor Chris Ahern but the pair only gained the support of one other councillor during a vote so Councillor Parrott’s motion was approved.