Agenda, decisions and minutes

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 Notes of the meeting of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board held on 6 January 2021

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board held on 6 January 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report provides details of a new application for discretionary rate relief. 

Attached at Annex 1 is  the Council’s policy in respect of discretionary rate relief

(Decision Notice D210047MEM)

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation provided details of an application for discretionary rate relief in respect of businesses premises in Platt.  The Borough Council’s policy in respect of discretionary rate relief was set out at Annex 1 to the report.

RECOMMENDED:  That the application for discretionary rate relief received from Keyboard Print Solutions Limited be rejected as it was contrary to the Borough Council’s policy and there was no specific benefit to residents within the Borough over and above the benefit to residents of other areas in which the business operated. 

The report provides information on a number of key budget areas, sets out a provisional outturn position for 2020/21 and updates on capital expenditure and variations that have been agreed in relation to the Capital Plan for the year ended March 2021.

Details of an agreement reached with the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust on the transfer of responsibility for all telephony hardware and systems and its replacement to the Trust is also provided for information.

(Decision Notice D210048MEM)

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation set out information on the three key budget areas of salaries, major income streams and investment income.  Performance of the key budget areas, together with approved variations to the revenue budget and areas identified through revenue budget monitoring, were summarised to provide an indicative provisional outturn position for 2020/21.

In addition, the report provided updates on capital expenditure and variations which had been agreed in relation to the capital plan for the year ended March 2021.

For information, the report set out details of an agreement reached with Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust on the transfer of responsibility for all telephony hardware and systems and its replacement to the Trust.

RECOMMENDED:  That the contents of the report be endorsed and noted.

This report sets out a proposed Community Asset Transfer Policy for Members consideration

(Decision Notice D210049MEM)

Consideration was given to a proposed Community Asset Transfer Policy to deal with enquiries received from local groups or organisations as to whether they could take control or ownership of a Borough Council owned asset.  A draft policy, which identified key objectives and criteria and provided a fair, flexible and transparent system when dealing with these enquiries, was attached at Annex 1 to the report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive.  

RECOMMENDED:  That the Community Asset Transfer Policy, as set out at Annex 1, be adopted.

This report details the proposed disposal of two areas of public open space in Borough Green to Borough Green Parish Council

(Decision Notice D210050MEM)

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive provided details of the proposed disposal of two areas of public open space in Borough Green to Borough Green Parish Council.

It was reported that the sites had no borough-wide significance and, as local amenity areas, would be best served by the Parish Council taking over responsibility for them.  Covenants would be included in the transfers stating that the land could only be used as public open space.  A small saving would be generated by the Borough Council not having to maintain the areas in future.

RECOMMENDED:  That the two areas of open space at Crowhill and Staleys Acre be transferred to Borough Green Parish Council as detailed in the report.

Members are updated on the progress with the new website as we approach the launch date in June 2021.

(Decision notice D210051MEM)

The joint report of the Director of Finance and Transformation and the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive provided an update on the progress made with the new website due to be launched on 29 June 2021 and advised that an on-line informal demonstration of the website would be provided to Members on 22 June 2021.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the progress with the implementation of the new website be noted; and

(2)             an informal on-line demonstration be offered to Members ahead of the launch date of 29 June 2021.

Members are advised of a consultation to be launched in June/July regarding a potential update to the Special Expenses Policy.

(Decision Notice D210052MEM)

The report of the Management Team advised of a consultation to be launched in June/July 2021 regarding a potential update to the Special Expenses Policy.

It was reported that the public consultation should include questions related to public conveniences, to reflect the new arrangements for the provision of these as a concurrent function arising from the transfer of facilities to parish councils, and to the provision of Christmas lighting.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the launch of a consultation in June/July 2021 related to the provision of public conveniences and Christmas lighting be noted; and

(2)             delegated authority be given to the Leader, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property and the Chairman of the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board to agree consultation material with the Head of Communications in advance of the launch.

Publication of the Statement is required in accordance with regulation 15 (3) of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation provided details of the Statement of Allowances paid to Members published in accordance with regulation 15(3) of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

RESOLVED:  That the content of the report be 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. 

This report sets out the proposed disposal of land to Hilden Oaks School

(Decision Notice D210053MEM)

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

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive set out details of a proposed disposal of land to Hilden Oaks School.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             approval be given to dispose of the freehold interest in the area shown at Annex 1 to the report to Hilden Oaks School; and

(2)             the remaining area be leased to Hilden Oaks School.