Resolved: That all items on the agenda be web-cast.

It was noted that Councillors Bradshaw and Marshall had given their apologies for the meeting. The Committee noted that Neil Harris, the Democratic Services Manager had also given his apologies for the meeting.

There were no substitute Members.

There were none.

a)  Disclosures of interest.

b)  Disclosures of lobbying.

c)  Disclosures of whipping.

There were no disclosures.

Resolved:   That all items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2010 be agreed as a correct record and duly signed by the Chairman.

The Committee agreed at the last meeting to interview the Democratic Services Manager with regard to consultation with Councillors on Council decisions.

It was agreed that this item be deferred as the Democratic Services Manager had given his apologies because of illness. It was noted that the Committee was disappointed that the officer had been unable to attend or send a substitute to the meeting.

Resolved:   That the interview with the Democratic Services Manager be deferred until July 2010.

The Committee expressed its disappointment that the Leader of the Council, who had been invited in March, was not in attendance to be interviewed regarding the progress made with his priorities 2009-10.

Resolved:   That the Committee’s disappointment at the non-attendance of the Leader of the Council be noted.

The Chairman welcomed the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Ash to the meeting. The Committee thanked Councillor Ash for the work that he had put into the Cabinet Bulletin. Councillor Ash outlined the progress made in the areas of his portfolio relevant to the Committee as follows:

Enhancing Local Democracy

The Committee was informed that enhancing local democracy should always be a priority for the Council. It was noted that Councillor Ash had undertaken work to promote democracy to young people, however this had been limited to a single event in one school in 2009-10. The event had been very successful and it was hoped that this success could be used to gain interest from other schools for similar events in 2010-11. In answer to a question it was explained that the school event had been used to promote the Council as an employer. The Committee discussed the profile of Town Hall and its importance as a local building of historic interest.

Benefits

Councillor Ash stated that the main priority for this area was to ensure fraud was tackled effectively and a partnership was now in place with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.  The Committee was pleased to hear that the two extra staff employed to assist in processing benefit claims had made a difference. In answer to a question Councillor Ash stated that benefits claims had begun to reduce in number.

Gateway

The Committee was pleased to hear that the Gateway had been a successful project for the Council with Kent County Council. There had been a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Council, the average waiting time was twelve minutes. It was agreed that more partners should be encouraged to deliver services from the Gateway. A Member highlighted that there had been problems with the reception.

Becoming a Councillor Event

The Committee discussed the success of the recent event with Councillor Ash, it was agreed that to increase attendance the event should be held on a Saturday and the Mall should be considered as a venue in the future. The Committee also noted that the event should have been held earlier in the year. At least two candidates for the local elections had been identified because of the event.

Partnerships

Councillor Ash informed the Committee that the Mid Kent Improvement Partnership was progressing well and there were now a number of services shared or being progressed as shared services.

Asset Management and Procurement

Councillor Ash reported that property packs had now been created for 13 and 26 Tonbridge Road, these packs had been created to aid potential buyers. The Committee agreed that the market had impacted on the sale and value of the properties.

Parishes

Councillor Ash outlined to the Committee that there had been some communication issues with the Parish Councils. The Parish Councils now subscribed to a free email alert for agendas so that they could view these electronically rather than receiving paper copies. It was clarified that they still received paper copies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

The Head of Change and Scrutiny requested that the Committee consider what items it would like to suggest for the work programme for 2010-11. The Committee agreed that the following items should be put forward as suggestion for the 2010-11 work programme:

·  Gateway

·  Workforce Planning

·  Asset Management; and

·  Maidstone House and the ongoing negotiations with the Mall.

Resolved:  That the following items be suggested for the Corporate Services 2010-11 work programme:

a)  Gateway

b)  Workforce Planning

c)  Asset Management; and

d)  Maidstone House and the ongoing negotiations with the Mall.

6.30 p.m. to 7.50 p.m.