Issue details

Summary
This report outlines proposed steps to address the needs for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in 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.

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

Whilst this item was included on the Forward Plan as an open report in compliance of the regulations, it is noted that the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012 also 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. The Chairperson of the Regeneration, Culture and Environment 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 until the next Cabinet meeting on 25 August 2026. The report is considered to be urgent because timely decisions are required to support the progression and adoption of the Medway Local Plan and to ensure that the Council can meet the identified accommodation need for Gypsy and Traveller sites. Any delay in considering this information could adversely affect the Local Plan examination timetable, including the anticipated Stage 2 hearing sessions in late 2026, and hinder the Council’s ability to demonstrate progress in addressing identified accommodation needs. The Cabinet’s response to any representations will be published on 27 July 2026 within the Cabinet Agenda. A final decision on whether information contained within an appendix to the report  will be determined in private will be taken during the meeting.