Decisions

This report sets out the background to be considered in developing a Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the five-year period 2025/26 to 2029/30. It describes the issues and risks involved, starting with the Council’s current financial position, and possible factors that may arise in further developing the strategy. The report concludes by setting out the subsequent steps involved in developing an updated MTFS and agreeing budget proposals for 2025/26.

That

1. The issues and risks associated with updating the Medium Term Financial Strategy be noted; and

2. The proposed approach and timetable for the development of updated Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 – 2029/30 and a budget for 2025/26 be approved.

To seek approval to carry out scoping, feasibility and design work costing £57,000, which would be matched by funding from the Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board for the delivery of the schemes arising from this work.

That

1. £57,000 be allocated to scoping, feasibility and design work, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, with other measures considered over time as appropriate;

2. The Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery, be delegated authority to conclude agreement on terms for disbursement of the funding with the South East Rivers Trust and the Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board; and

3. A review of the outcomes from the proposed work be reported to Cabinet within 12 months.

This report seeks updated approval for a project to carry out the decarbonisation and energy savings measures at Maidstone House and the Link, including a replacement low carbon heating system, replacement glazing, full external insulation of the building, upgrading of the lights to LED, installation of solar PV on the Link / Business Terrace roof and refurbishment of the 4th Floor. The project is a key component of the Council’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Programme.

That

1. Capital expenditure of £5.85 million for the decarbonisation project, comprising Salix grant funding of £3.13 million and a Council contribution of £2.72 million be approved;

2. £300,000 to complete 4th floor refit works, funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership be approved;

3. Further reports be received as the project progresses; and

4. The Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement be delegated authority to select and appoint contractors for applicable services as necessary.

The report sets out the 2023/24 financial and performance position for the services reporting into the Climate Transition, Corporate and Environmental Services Policy Advisory Committee (CTCE PAC), Planning and Healthier Stronger Communities (PHSC PAC) and Housing and Community Cohesion (HACC PAC) as at 31st March 2024 (Quarter 4). The primary focus is on:

•  The 2023/24 Revenue and Capital budgets; and

•  The 2023/24 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that relate to the delivery of the Strategic Plan 2019-2045.

That

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 4 for 2023/24, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant variances have been identified, be noted;

2.  The Capital position at the end of Quarter 4 for 2023/24 be noted;

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 4 for 2023/24, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified, be noted;

4.  The UK Shared Prosperity Fund update, attached at Appendix 3 to the report be noted;

5.  The uncollectable Business Rates (NNDR) listed at Appendix 4 to the report be approved for write-off; and

6.  The Risk Update, attached at Appendix 5 to the report be noted.

To seek approval for the Council’s housebuilding programme funded via the Council’s adopted Capital Programme and encompassing homes for Affordable Housing (AH), Private Rented Sector Housing (PRS) and on occasion a limited amount of exposure to Market Sale (MS) Housing.

That:

1.  The financial returns for the proposed acquisition as shown in Exempt Appendix 3 to the report, which supports the Housing Development and Regeneration Investment Plan and overall Development Strategy be approved;

2.  Delegated authority be given to the Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement to:

a.  Negotiate terms for the purchase of the proposed acquisition for the sum as shown in the Exempt Appendix 3 to the report;

b.  Procure and enter into all such deeds, agreements, contracts and documents which may be required to facilitate the purchase of the site, and the subsequent redevelopment works required to deliver the scheme referred to in this report. Including (but not limited to) any related appointments such as suitably qualified consultants and a Contractor;

c.  Subject to satisfactory conclusion of all due diligence, to negotiate and finalise and complete all legal formalities, deeds and agreements which may be required to facilitate the purchase.

3.  The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services be authorised to appoint the Solicitors required to negotiate and complete the necessary contract documentation, deeds and agreements associated with the purchase and construction works on the terms as agreed by the Director of Finance, Resources & Business Improvement; and

4.  It be agreed, post completion of the procurement process, to appoint a contractor for the works cost detailed in the financial summary at Exempt Appendix 3 to the report. If in the event tenders for the works cost are in excess of the agreed sum then officers will return to the Committee/Cabinet to seek further approval prior to the development itself commencing.

5.  The Council maximises the green space by available means and that the size of the maisonettes meet Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), and to return to Cabinet if unable to achieve standards.

To seek approval for three solar photovoltaic (PV) investment projects aimed at supporting the Council's goal of achieving net zero by 2030. The proposed projects encompass the Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex, the Parkwood Depot, and Mote Park and the Leisure Centre.

That

1.  Investment in solar photovoltaic projects, as outlined in the report, be approved for:

a.  Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex;

b.  Parkwood Depot; and

c.  Mote Park and the Leisure Centre.