Apologies were received from Councillor Robert Jones.

To approve the record of the meeting held on 6 December 2018. 

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 December 2018 (Minute Nos. 1 – 7) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Members are invited to declare any interests in relation to any agenda item in accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by their Authority.

No declarations of interest were made.

The Chairman will announce any late items which do not appear on the main agenda but which he/she has agreed should be considered by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the report.

There were none.

The Democratic Services Officer introduced the report which set out the proposed meetings schedule for the 2019/20 municipal year, in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

The Chairman asked when Canterbury City Council would be hosting and clerking the meetings as part of the now four local authorities.  The Director of Finance and Procurement, Canterbury City Council, explained that it would probably be after Gravesham Borough Council, and she would confirm this at the next meeting.

Resolved: 

(1)      That the timetable of meetings for the 2019/20 municipal year, as set out below be agreed:

Thursday 20 June 2019 (AGM)

Thursday 19 September 2019

Thursday 5 December 2019

Thursday 12 March 2020.

(2)      That Gravesham Borough Council provides a secretary to the joint committee for the 2019/20 municipal year.

To decide whether to pass the resolution set out below in respect of the following item:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act:

3.  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

5.  Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

Resolved:

(1)      That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act:

3.  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

5.  Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

The Acting Director of South Thames Gateway (STG) Building Control Partnership introduced the report which provided an update on the current forecast for the 2018/19 financial year and gave details against the progress of the objectives of the Business Plan 2018/19.

There was some discussion on the challenges the Partnership faced.

Resolved:

(1)      That the report be noted.

The Chairman led the thanks to Tony Van Veghel who was leaving his role as Director of the Partnership, and congratulated Janine Boughton on her recent appointment to Acting Director.

Members of the Partnership spoke on Tony’s passion for building control and all the good work that he had carried out in his role as Director.  This included the challenges that he had faced, and the contribution he had given to the Partnership, with clear, understandable and honest reports. Members wished him well in his retirement.

Tony responded by thanking the Partnership for their support.

The Chairman also thanked Members and officers for their support throughout the past year.