Issue details

Summary

This report will provide an update on partnership work undertaken by officers around the visitor economy and inward investment since the closure of both Visit Kent and Locate in Kent. It will seek Cabinet approval to proceed with a joint delivery model that safeguards regional competitiveness, retains key assets and prepares the ground for future devolution.

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 possible 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 because, it only became clear following the commencement of the liquidation process for both Visit Kent and Locate in Kent, that the tourism industry, key businesses, partners and stakeholders were looking to Kent County Council and Medway Council, to take a lead on finding a practical solution to support ongoing service delivery in Kent and Medway.