Issue details

Summary

This report will seek Cabinet approval to commence a procurement process in relation to the delivery of the Medway Test as the current contract runs out in January 2026.

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 on 29 July 2025 had not been identified at that point.

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

The Chairperson of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed, in accordance with Section 5 (procedures prior to private meetings) of the above regulations, that this matter is both urgent and cannot be reasonably deferred until the next Cabinet meeting on 26 August 2025 as the Tender timeframe is extremely tight for the new provider to be in place in time to start planning the 2026 Medway test.

A final decision on whether any of this item will be determined in private will be taken during the meeting.