Issue details

Summary

This report will provide an update on devolution and local government reorganisation. It will ask the Cabinet to agree a delegated authority to submit an interim plan setting out draft proposals for a single tier of local government in Kent and Medway.

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.

It is noted that the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012 requires 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make a key decision. On this occasion it has not been practicable to provide this 28 clear days’ notice and therefore Section 10 (general exception) of the above regulations have been complied with. It was not possible to include this report on the Forward Plan with 28 days’ notice as the need for the report to be considered at Cabinet 11 March 2025 had not been identified at that point. The matter cannot wait until Cabinet 8 April 2025 as the deadline for submitting draft proposals to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is 21 March 2025.