Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received form Councillors Edwards and Gibson, the Democratic Services Officer explained that whilst a substitute Member had been expected, this was not possible due to unforeseen circumstances and, consequently, the meeting was inquorate.

It was agreed that the Members present would take the opportunity to informally discuss the draft Business Plan 2026-29 though no formal decision making would be made at the meeting.

To approve the record of the meeting held on 12 June 2025.

The item was deferred until the December meeting.

Members are invited to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Significant Interests in accordance with the Member Code of Conduct. Guidance on this is set out in agenda item 3.

Not required due to the meeting being inquorate.

The Chairperson will announce any late items which do not appear on the main agenda but which he/she has agreed should be considered by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the report.  

Not required due to the meeting being inquorate.

The item was deferred until the December meeting.

This report summarises the content of agenda items 7 and 8 which, in the opinion of the proper officer, contains exempt information within one of the categories in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. It is a matter for the Committee to determine whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of documents. 

Not required due to the meeting being inquorate.

The report updates the Joint Committee on the current forecast for the 2025/2026 financial year and gives details about the progress of the objectives of the Business Plan 2025/2026.

The item was deferred until the December meeting.

The report seeks agreement for the South Thames Gateway Building Control Partnership’s Business Plan 2026-2029.

Discussion:

The Partnership Director introduced the report. She highlighted the sector had seen significant cost increases compared to forecasts in the last business plan caused by an increase in salary costs and additional requirements to mentor and check work undertaken by officers which had to be completed on site. There had also been an increase in the resource required for enforcement work. Both these elements of the partnership were statutory requirements so could not be removed. The response of the partnership to this increased cost base would need to be to increase income from chargeable work and for the authorities to increase their contributions to the partnership.

The following issues were discussed:

Members acknowledged the challenges which faced the Partnership and that this would mean additional resources were required from the partnership authorities to support it. The Partnership Director stated that the current economic circumstances meant that the income received by the partnership was not forecast to cover the costs of statutory work at this time.

Communications – a Member commented that the work of the partnership was very positive, it provided value for money and work was of a high standard. He felt more could be done to promote the work of the partnership and generate more income. The Partnership Director undertook to review opportunities to promote the partnership more effectively within the four authorities and include proposals within the business plan.

Members were broadly supportive of the RBI establishment growth plan and agreed this should be discussed further, the partnership director added that the partnership had identified the potential to employ a trained for the next financial year which could be done through an apprenticeship and almost no cost to the partnership.

It was agreed to have an informal discussion with Members and officers prior to the December meeting so the Business Plan could be developed further and more discussion undertaken.

Conclusion

a)       Members were supportive of the Business Plan for 2026–2029, which outlines the strategic objectives, performance targets, and financial arrangements for non-chargeable activities. Further discussion to be undertaken through an informal meeting of the Committee prior to the December.

b)       Members were supportive of the Registered Building Inspector (RBI) establishment growth plan.