Agenda, decisions and minutes

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.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 February 2026

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 February 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

This report seeks Members' approval to fund a two-year fixed term Learning & Development Manager post from the Local Government Reorganisation Reserve.

(Decision Notice D260032CAB)

Consideration was given to proposals to strengthen the Borough Council’s capacity to deliver its Workforce Development Strategy, to ensure that key programmes were effectively implemented, monitored and evaluated and to provide organisational development support in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and legal implications.

In recognition that the additional capacity would support the authority in maintaining an effective and resilient workforce, particularly during the transition associated with LGR, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Keers seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That the funding for a full-time two-year fixed-term Learning and Development Manager from the Local Government Reorganisation Reserve be approved.

The minutes of meetings of Advisory Panels, Boards and Other Groups are attached:

·        Notes of Parish Partnership Panel of 5 February 2026

·        Notes of Tonbridge Community Forum of 23 February – To Follow

Any recommendations arising from these minutes are set out as individual items on this agenda.

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.

A record of the decisions taken by portfolio holders since the last meeting of Cabinet are attached.

Details of the Decisions taken in accordance with the rules for the making of decisions by executive members, as set out in Part 4 of the Constitution, were presented for information.

The Notice setting out the Key Decisions anticipated to be considered during the period March to April 2026 is attached.

A Notice informing of General Exception is also attached. 

The Notice setting out Key Decisions anticipated to be taken during the period April to May 2026 was noted.

A further Notice explained that, in accordance with Rule 15 of the Access to Information Rules (Part 4 of the Constitution), the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been informed that a decision would be taken as a general exception due to the need to implement as soon as possible. 

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.

It was moved by Cllr Betts, seconded by Cllr Taylor and

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

(Reasons: Part 2 - Private: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

This report sets out the proposed purchase of a residential property from Clarion to meet the requirements of the Local Authority Housing Fund.

(Decision Notice D260033CAB)

(Reasons: Part 2 – Private – LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

Consideration was given to the proposed purchase of a residential property in Aylesford from Clarion Housing to meet the requirement of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications.

In recognition of improving housing options for local people whilst protecting outdoor areas of importance,  increasing options for temporary accommodation, delivering resettlement properties and making best use of LAHF, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Betts seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That the purchase of a residential property in Aylesford, as detailed in the report, be approved.

(Reasons: Part 2 - Private: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

Consideration of the recommendations of the Audit Committee in respect of Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Services.

(Decision Notice D260034CAB)

(Reasons: Part 2 – Private – LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

Consideration was given to the recommendation of the Audit Committee in respect of the provision of both Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Services.  These were currently provided by Kent County Council through the Kent Audit Function and was due to end in September 2026.  However, it was recommended that the service continue up to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Due regard was given to the  views of the Audit Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications.

In recognition that the provision of Internal Audit Services was required under LGA 1972 to maintain sufficient governance and control on local authority operations and to maintain an effective council, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Taylor seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED: That the recommendation from the Head of Finance (Section 151 Officer) to appoint Kent County Council to provide Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Services from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2029 be approved.