Agenda and minutes

Notification of substitute members were recorded as set out below:

·         Cllr D Keers substituted for Cllr M Coffin

·         Cllr S Pilgrim substituted for Cllr B Parry

·         Cllr G Bridge substituted for Cllr R Roud

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules 17.5 to 17.9 these Councillors had the same rights as the ordinary member of the committee for whom they were substituting.

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private.

(Reason: Part 2 - Private: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 1 - Information relating to an individual)

The report outlines amendments to the Council’s establishment arising from the retirement of the Council’s long-serving Director of Finance and Transformation.

(Reason: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

The report of the Chief Executive set out for Members’ approval a number of changes to the Council’s establishment following the announcement of the retirement of the Council’s long-serving Director of Finance and Transformation. 

Members noted that, in accordance with adopted conventions, all of the savings/costs referred to in the report reflected the salary at the top of the scale/grade plus associated on costs.

Finally, Members recorded their appreciation to the Director of Finance and Transformation for her over 42 years of outstanding service to the Borough Council and distinctive contribution to the Council’s strong financial position.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the post of Director of Finance and Transformation (Grade M2a) be deleted with effect from 1 September 2025;

(2)          a new post of Head of Finance and S151 Officer (Grade M3) be created with effect from 28 July 2025;

(3)          the Financial Services be transferred to the Chief Executive’s directorate with effect from 28 July 2025; and

(4)          the Information Technology Services be transferred to the Central Services directorate with effect from 28 July 2025.