Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 February 2018

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8 February 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report explores the use of software to enable the authority to comply with new data protection legislation.

The joint report of the Director of Central Services and Director of Finance and Transformation explored the use of software to enable the Council to comply with new data protection legislation due to come into effect in May 2018.  The requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) were outlined in terms of accountability, privacy by design and default and the need for protection of personal data to be embedded throughout the organisation.  It was noted that the Council was required to demonstrate data governance processes and procedures in order to mitigate the risk of substantial fines by the Information Commissioners Office in the event of a data breach. 

Consideration was given to a Capital Plan evaluation which had been conducted for the purchase of an automated software solution which could reduce the risks under the GDPR.  Considerable discussion ensued and officers undertook to examine some of the points raised by Members before the Council meeting.  Reference was made to the Member training being arranged and all Councillors were urged to attend.

RECOMMENDED:  That an automated software solution for General Data Protection Regulation purposes be added to the Capital Plan, funded from the Invest to Save reserve.

*Referred to Council

The report sets out the need for access to additional temporary accommodation to address both housing management and cost issues together with a preferred way of moving forward in the short term utilising funds from planning obligations.

The joint report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and Director of Central Services set out the need for access to additional temporary accommodation in order to address both housing management and cost issues in dealing with applications under homelessness legislation.  The report presented a preferred way of moving forward in the short term utilising funds from planning obligations.  Consideration was given to a Capital Plan evaluation for the purchase of property for temporary accommodation purposes.

Members welcomed the proposal and expressed the wish that the accommodation should be within the Borough where possible although it was recognised that it might be necessary to look beyond the boundary to obtain best value.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the sum of up to £1.6m be added to the Capital Plan for the purchase of property for temporary accommodation purposes funded from section 106 monies; and

(2)             delegated authority be granted to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and Director of Central Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, to progress the purchase of property for temporary accommodation purposes as set out in the report.
*Referred to Council

Item SSE 18/3 referred from Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board minutes of 13 February 2018

Decision Notice D180023CAB

Item SSE 18/5 referred from Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board minutes of 13 February 2018

Decision Notice D180024CAB

The report provides an update on proposals for the potential outsourcing of the management of Leybourne Lakes Country Park, brings forward Heads of Terms for consideration and approval and advises on the procurement route, timeframe and evaluation criteria.

Decision Notice D180025CAB

Item JTB 18/3 referred from Joint Transportation Board minutes of 12 March 2018

Decision Notice D180026CAB

Item JTB 18/4 referred from Joint Transportation Board minutes of 12 March 2018

Decision Notice D180027CAB

The notes of meetings of Advisory Boards are attached, any recommendations identified by an arrow being for determination by the Cabinet. Notices relating to any decisions already taken by Cabinet Members under the arrangements for delegated decision making have previously been circulated.

The notes of the meetings of the following Advisory Boards were received, any recommendations contained therein being incorporated within the decisions of the Cabinet reproduced at the annex to these Minutes.

Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board of 13 February 2018

Economic Regeneration Advisory Board of 21 February 2018

Planning and Transportation Advisory Board of 6 March 2018

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

The minutes of meetings of Advisory Panels and Other Groups are attached, any recommendations being identified by an arrow.

The Minutes of the meetings of the following Advisory Panels and other Groups were received, any recommendations contained therein being incorporated within the decisions of the Cabinet reproduced at the annex to these Minutes.

Parish Partnership Panel of 15 February 2018

Joint Transportation Board of 12 March 2018

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

An information report to advise Cabinet of the current strategic risks and how they are being managed.

The report of the Management Team presented the latest iteration of the Strategic Risk Register which had been reviewed and updated to align with the new Corporate Strategy in the autumn.  It was noted that updates had been made in respect of emergency arrangements, contaminated land and the potential demise of a large partner organisation.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

Alongside the 2018/19 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, the then Department for Communities and Local Government published a technical consultation paper entitled ‘Fair funding review: a review of relative needs and resources’.  The report provides an overview of the paper, comments, observations and the Council’s response.

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation referred to the publication of a technical consultation paper entitled “Fair funding review: a review of relative needs and resources” alongside the 2018/19 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.  An overview of the paper was given together with comments and the response submitted by the 12 March 2018 deadline with the agreement of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

The report provides information on changes made to the Discretionary Fund Relief Scheme Policy

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation gave details of changes made to the Discretionary Fund Relief Scheme Policy to ensure that the amount of relief awarded to eligible businesses was maximised.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

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.

LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 2 – Information likely to reveal information about an individual

Approval is sought for the writing-off of debts that are considered to be irrecoverable.

(LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 2 – Information likely to reveal information about an individual)

Decision Notice D180028CAB