Agenda and decisions

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.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee held on 27 May 2025.

A brief update in respect of the Outside Body to be provided by the Borough Council’s appointee (Cllr R Betts).

The report provides an update on progress to date with regard to the Council’s Digital and IT Strategy for the period 2023-2027.

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report provided an update on progress to date with regard to the Council’s Digital and IT Strategy for the period 2023-2027.

Over the past two years, the Council had made significant progress in delivering its Digital and IT Strategy 2023-27.  The focus had been on improving service delivery, strengthening cyber security, and enhancing the digital experience for residents and staff.  The roadmap for the strategy was attached at Annex 1 to the report and a detailed list of projects was attached at Annex 2.

Following consideration by the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services

RESOLVED:  That

(1)      the progress made to date on the Council’s Digital and IT Strategy since its adoption in May 2023, and the direction of travel, be noted.

The report advises Members that notice was formally given on 10 June 2025 of a formal merger between the Lower Medway Board and North Kent Marshes Water Level Management Board.  The consultation period closed on 10 July 2025.

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules this report informs Members of the 2024/25 Financial Outturn and current financial position to the end of May 2025 for the 2025/26 Financial Year.

The Revenue and Capital Outturn Booklet (Annex 1) is published as a supplement.

The report advises Members of the release of the ‘Fair Funding Review’ consultation which was launched on 20 June 2025 and closes on 15 August 2025.

The report advises of the release of a consultation ‘Modernising and improving the administration of council tax’ which was launched on 20 June 2025 and closes on 12 September 2025.

The Work Programme setting out matters to be scrutinised during 2025/26 is attached for information.  Members can suggest future items by liaising with the Chair of the Committee.  

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.

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

The new Annual Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) Report provides a comprehensive overview of the key activities, achievements and challenges faced by the Council over the past year.