Issue details

Summary

This report will set out details of proposals for a new Family History Centre, offering local people a way to discover their personal Medway story. The proposals will include moving the current Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre, which is currently at the Civic Centre in Strood.

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.uk If 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.

Since the publication of the Forward Plan (on 12 January 2015) it has been clarified that a feasibility report, providing a site options assessment, will accompany the report and would contain exempt information. The Chairmen of the Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed, in accordance with the provisions of the 2012 Regulations, that this matter is both urgent and cannot be reasonably deferred. The matter is considered urgent and cannot be reasonably deferred because submission of the report to Cabinet on 10 February 2015 would ensure that the proposed addition of the Medway Archives & Local Studies scheme to the capital programme is considered at Council on 26 February 2015, alongside the 2015/2016 capital programme.

The Cabinet’s response to any representations will be published on 2 February 2015 within the Cabinet Agenda.A final decision on whether this item will be determined in private will be taken during the meeting.