Issue - meetings

Councillor Ashbee, the Leader of the Council, presented the report and the following points were noted:

·  A review had been undertaken by the East Kent audit partnership.

·  Thanks were given to Christine Parker, the head of internal audit, for the thorough review of this project.

·  The detailed management response was yet to be formed, however the corporate management team had accepted all nine recommendations in the report.

·  There was confidence that the council would learn from the review, and successfully deliver the projects which were upcoming over the following years.

Members commented and made the following points:

·  Thanks were given to officers, in particular Mike Humber for their work in the project.

·  The matter had not been concluded, it was important to keep up the momentum for the project.

·  Information should be shared with both councillors and residents as much as possible.

Councillor Ashbee proposed, Councillor Bob Bayford seconded and members noted the  report.

Cabinet discussed and considered the update on the Independent Review of the 4/5 Berth Project. The recommendations of the Head of East Kent Internal Audit Partnership were welcomed and the Management Team had accepted all recommendations. Important lessons had been learnt from the project. Cabinet acknowledged the important work that had been undertaken by Internal Audit and their report had provided extensive detail as a platform to work from.

Cabinet concurred that the report was comprehensive and highlighted areas for improvement. It was acknowledged that the present more stable situation would present a much more beneficial environment for progress to be made. The Cabinet also recognised the importance of the role of scrutiny from Members.

Councillor Austin, Councillor Everitt and Councillor Wing spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1.

Councillor Ashbee proposed, Councillor Pugh seconded and Cabinet agreed the following:

To note the report and to recommend to Full Council to note the report.