Agenda 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 Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 June 2019

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 June 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To suggest a revised scheme of co-option to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The report of the Chief Executive set out details of a revised scheme for the co-option of individuals and organisations to the Committee to assist with the scrutiny process in accordance with recently published Statutory Guidance on Overview and Scrutiny in Local and Combined Authorities.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Borough Council’s proposed Scheme of Co-Option, as set out at section 1.2 to the report, be endorsed.

The report sets out the basis for a review of the Council’s Public Health function, including the delivery of the One You Kent Service

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health outlined a review of the Council’s Public Health function with particular reference to the One You Kent Service, the resources available from Kent County Council, within the Council and from partnership arrangements in West Kent.  The report identified a number of options for consideration in the review.  Members requested that the Director of Public Health at Kent County Council, a representative of local GPs and a member of the One You Kent team be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 5 December of assist in the consideration of the delivery of public health services.  

RESOLVED:  That the content of the report be noted and a further report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 5 December 2019 regarding the options set out at section 1.9 of the report.

To set out the annual report of the Ombudsman regarding complaints received and dealt with over the past year.

The report of the Chief Executive set out the annual report of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman regarding formal complaints made against the Council over the period for 2018/19.

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 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person

The report updates Members on a review of the Council offices at Gibson Drive, Kings Hill.

(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 provided an update on discussions held with Kent County Council following the review of the Council’s offices at Gibson Drive, Kings Hill undertaken in 2018. 

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)          a formal response be sent to Kent County Council declining their proposal as being financially unviable; and

(2)          Officers continue to pursue opportunities to maximise the rental income from third parties for occupation and use of the Gibson Building.

LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 7 – Prevention, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences

The report sets out the basis for a review of community safety, including CCTV provision and the role of the Community Safety Unit

(Reasons:  LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 7 – Prevention, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences)

The joint report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services set out in detail the basis for the review of community safety, including CCTV provision and the role of the Community Safety Unit.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the report be noted and a further report be made to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 10 October 2019 regarding the options identified at section 1.9 of the report.