Issue details

Summary

This report will seek Cabinet approval to the rescindment of Cabinet Decision No. 08i/2026, 13 January 2026, as well as the review of the service delivery model with the recommendation to bring this service in-house.

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not possible to include this report on the Forward Plan with 28 days’ notice because the need for the contract to be rescinded had not been identified at this point.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.ukThe Chairperson of the Regeneration, Culture and Environment 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 7 April 2026 as there isneed for contract clarity; for certainty for the members of staff involved; and continuity of the service itself beyond 31 March 2026. The Cabinet’s response to any representations will be published on 2 March 2026 within the Cabinet Agenda. A final decision on whether this item will be determined in private will be taken during the meeting.