MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

29 SEPTEMBER 2021

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRACY AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE HELD ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2021

REQUEST FOR AN ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE BODY

Issue for Decision

A request was received from the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure (SPI) Committee to consider the addition of the Kent Downs Line Partnership as an Outside Body within the remit of that Committee, which the Council are asked to approve.

Recommendations Made

That the Kent Downs Line Partnership be added as an additional outside body within the remit of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee.

Reasons for Recommendation

During the 6 July 2021 meeting of the SPI Committee, consideration was given to having a Council Representative on the Kent Downs Line Partnership (KDLP). The Democracy and General Purposes Committee then considered the request at its meeting on 8 September 2021, with a subsequent recommendation made to Council.

The KDLP is part of the Kent Community Rail Partnership. The Partnership includes three community rail lines; Medway Valley, Swale and most recently, Kent. The aim of the partnership is to work alongside a multitude of organisations to ‘bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities served by rural and secondary rail services’. The Council currently appoints Councillors as representatives to the Medway Valley Line.

In response, the KDLP was approached by Democratic Services to discuss whether this would be a suitable option. The Partnership confirmed that two positions could be provided, but that any number of Councillors that wished to volunteer their time to the KDLP would be welcome, albeit in a voluntary capacity.

Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended

Do nothing - the Kent Downs Line Partnership would not be approved as an additional Outside Body and any future interactions between Councillors and the KDLP would remain in a voluntary capacity.

Background Documents

Minutes from the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 6 July 2021: Minutes Template (maidstone.gov.uk)

Kent Community Rail Partnership Website:

https://kentcrp.org/our-partnership/

Appendices

None