Issue details

Summary

This report will seek Cabinet approval for the commencement of the procurement process forthe procurement of a wireless network solution for the Hoo Peninsula.

The Hoo Peninsula is poorly served by the major telecommunications companies and as such connections to council buildings and schools is expensive and slow. ICT has undertaken a separate feasibility study for a high speed wireless solution that will serve the majority of these sites.

Access to Information

The report together with any other documents being considered (unless they contain exempt information) will be available for inspection 5 clear days before the decision is taken by the Cabinet. Copies are available on the Council's website or requested from Democratic Services Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TR or email democratic.services@medway.gov.ukIf you wish to submit information to the Cabinet about the item please also contact Democratic Services.

Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private

This report will contain some information which the Cabinet may decide to consider in private. This is because, in the view of the Proper Officer, consideration of the information in public would give rise to the disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Should you wish to make any representation for the discussion of this item to be held in public, you should contact: Democratic Services, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TR or email democratic.services@medway.gov.uk  

It is noted that the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012 requires 28 clear days’ notice of a Cabinet meeting to be held in private. On this occasion it has not been possible to provide this 28 clear days’ notice. The Chairmen of the Children and Young People and Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committees have agreed, in accordance with the provisions of the 2012 Regulations, that this matter is both urgent and cannot be reasonably deferred. This is because it is imperative that the Internet connectivity to schools on the Hoo Peninsula is improved as soon as possible and any delay in commencing the procurement process will lead to a delay in the implementation of the project.

The Cabinet’s response to any representations will be published on 23 September 2013 within the Cabinet Agenda.A final decision on whether this item will be determined in private will be taken during the meeting.