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 15 March 2022; and

·        the extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 April 2022

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 March 2022 and the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 12 April 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

·        Tonbridge Community Forum of 28 February and 9 May 2022

The Notes of the Parish Partnership Panel held on 26 May 2022 would be presented to the next meeting of Cabinet.

This report considers the objections and comments received during the statutory consultation period relating to proposed off-street parking charges and relates to existing car parks where charges are already in place in Tonbridge, West Malling, Borough Green, Blue Bell Hill and the Council’s two Country Parks.

Decision Notice: D220052CAB

The Cabinet considered the objections and comments received during the statutory consultation period related to proposed off-street car parking charges.  The proposals related to the existing car parks where charges were already in place in Tonbridge, West Malling, Borough Green, Blue Bell Hill and the country parks.

A summary of the responses received and the associated officer advice was set out in the report.

Whilst careful consideration was given to the responses received it was recognised that the introduction and management of parking charges was effective in maintaining accessible short-stay parking and in managing demand for long-stay parking. This assisted in generating availability of spaces for short-stay shopping visits and people working in and commuting from the Borough.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the proposed parking charges outlined in the report, and detailed in the Traffic Regulation Order advertisement at Annex 1, be approved to come into effect in July 2022; subject to

(i)               nearby residents to the Ryarsh Lane car park in West Malling being offered the ability to purchase an annual season ticket; and

(ii)            the appropriate Traffic Regulation Order being made to facilitate the variation of the off-street parking charges

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules the report and accompanying information details actual Revenue and Capital Outturn for the year ended 31 March 2022, subsequent adjustments made in light of the Outturn position and, in the light of the current economic situation, also sets out how the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Savings & Transformation Strategy might be impacted moving forward.

Due to its size the Revenue and Capital Outturn booklet (Annex 1) is attached as a supplement

Decision Number: D220053CAB

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules, consideration was given to information detailing actual Revenue and Outturn for the year ended March 2022. Subsequent adjustments made in light of the Outturn position were also considered.   In addition,  the report set out how the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the Savings and Transformation Strategy might be impacted by the current global economic situation.

Despite a positive outturn position, the Borough Council continued to face a difficult and challenging financial outlook which was exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on global economic conditions.   The high level of inflation could worsen and these levels had not been reflected in the last local government finance settlement.  Whilst it was difficult to predict the financial impact on the Borough Council it was possible that the ‘funding gap’ could now sit between £2.5m and £3.0m, although it could be more.

Concern was expressed in respect of the significant challenges faced by the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust as a result of rising energy prices.  The Cabinet welcomed the setting aside of £500,000 to support energy efficiency measures and it was hoped that renewable energy sources could be considered at Borough Council facilities.

RESOLVED: That

(1)             the Revenue and Capital Outturn for the year 2021/22 be noted and endorsed;

(2)             the action taken following a review of specific earmarked reserves, set out at paragraph 1.2.3, be noted and endorsed;

(3)             the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy Review 2021/22, (as set out at Annex 4) be noted and endorsed;

(4)             in order to ensure that the target of £350,000 is achieved by the start of the financial year 2023/24, a comprehensive report detailing all strands of work being undertaken in respect of the Savings and Transformation Strategy, including progress being made on achieving targets and outcomes be presented to Cabinet in November 2022; and

(5)             in respect of the significant external factors of high energy prices, the Borough Council should write to central government adding its support to calls for financial support for the public sector leisure industry and seeking grants for renewable energy sources.

A report updating Members on the arrangements for payment of the £150 rebates.

The Cabinet noted the good progress achieved in making energy rebate payments under the mandatory scheme.   Payments under the discretionary scheme would be started upon completion of all the phases within the mandatory scheme.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

An information report providing details requested by Members at the former Finance, Innovation & Property Advisory Board on staff resource allocations to the budget heading General Advice to Parish Councils.

Following a request from Members, the report provided details on staff resource allocations to the budget heading ‘general advice to Parish Councils’. 

It was explained that the budget heading included in the detailed Revenue Estimates was made up of management and administration costs.  In addition, it was noted that these costs were recharges of permanent staff time and did not represent new costs.

However, to avoid future confusion the budget heading would be amended to ‘Liaison, Support and Advice’ which also better reflected the nature of the work being undertaken with parish councils.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted.

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.

Subsequent to the publication of the agenda, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property had taken a decision in respect of discretionary rate relief applications (D220051MEM).

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Member Decisions as presented be received and noted.

The decisions taken under emergency and/or urgency provisions since the last meeting of Cabinet are attached.

There were no decisions taken in accordance with emergency and/or urgency provisions since the last meeting of Cabinet.

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.

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

This report sets out the proposed letting of Unit 29 Martin Square, Larkfield

Decision Notice: D220054CAB

(Reasons: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report set out proposals for the letting of Unit 29, Martin Square, Larkfield.

RESOLVED: That

(1)             the granting of a lease of 29 Martin Square, Larkfield, as detailed in the report, be approved.