Decision details

24/2003 - see attached minutes

25/2003 That the Cabinet consider, as part of the budget setting process for next year, the provision of £4,250 to meet the setting up and running costs of the forum in 2003/4.

The form of the forum is set out in the regulations and the proposed framework provides a starting point for the consultation process.Representation on the Kent County Council's access forum is both permitted by the regulations and allows representation on a forum looking at wider access implications across Kent. This in turn would allow Medway's forum to contribute to this debate, and to seek assistance, advice and support from a group with wider contacts and potentially greater resources.The proposed delegation would enable the director to streamline the process of establishing the forum, whilst maintaining members involvement. Allowing the forum to manage and develop its own business without undue interference from the council would preserve an independent approach to countryside access issues.Feedback into the Local Strategic Partnership would make use of existing partnership structures within the council and co-ordinate the business of the forum with other environmental groups and actions.