Agenda and minutes

It was noted that an apology for absence had been received from Councillor C A Vinson.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The decisions of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 6 December 2021 numbered CAB 57 to CAB 68 (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the meeting held on 6 December 2021, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 57 to CAB 68, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Digital and Climate Change

It was agreed:

(a)  That the Fees and Charges (F&Cs) for 2022/23, as set out at Appendices 2.1 to 2.14 and 5.1 (with the exception of the Section 106 Monitoring Fee which has been approved by the Planning Committee) and 5.3, be approved.

(b)  That the general principle that fees are set at an appropriate inclusive level, irrespective of VAT status, and that the VAT element within the overall fee level is then determined, be approved.

(c)   That any F&Cs will be adjusted by Strategic Directors, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders, to comply with any subsequently received Government guidelines (when they are received), and any other minor changes made without being the subject of a further report unless they are materially different from current charges or have a material impact on the level of income.

(d)  That the F&Cs approved separately by the Licensing and Regulatory Committees, as set out at Appendices 3 and 4, be noted. 

To consider the attached report of the Head of Regulatory Services.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services

It was agreed:

(a)  That the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2022-2027 be approved.

(b)  That the Head of Regulatory Services be authorised to make any minor or typographical amendments to the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2022-2027 which may prove necessary following approval. 

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and the public be excluded during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Assets and Building Control.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that a three-year contract (with an option to extend for a further two years) for the cleaning of the Council offices at Whitfield be awarded to the Kent Gurkha Company Ltd for the consideration set out in the report. 

To consider the attached report of the Head of Assets and Building Control.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that a three-year contract (with an option to extend for a further two years) for the cleaning and routine maintenance of public conveniences and the locking/unlocking of other Council assets be awarded to Monitor Cleaning Services Ltd for the consideration set out in the report.