Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Kup.

To receive any declarations of interest. Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest advice attached to this Agenda. If a Member declares an interest, they should complete the Declaration of Interest Form

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.

Cabinet discussed and considered the report that followed the findings of the External Auditor and the Independent Monitoring Officer (IMO), who had been appointed following the advice of the Council’s External Auditor. A number of issues had been raised for the Council to address as a result of the IMO report. The IMO report had provided an opportunity for the Council to learn and build from a number of lessons. Each recommendation from the IMO report had now been addressed.

Cabinet noted that in respect of the IMO Action Plan, recommendation 2.1, concerning the Review of the Council’s Constitution on page 63 of the report, legal advice had been taken, and a broad review of the Constitution would be carried out after the election. A new staff structure was being put in place and where there were gaps, these roles would be fulfilled.

CouncillorAlbon and Councillor Austin spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1.

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

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