Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised:

(a)      No fire drill is planned during the meeting.  If the alarm sounds please leave the building quickly without collecting any of your possessions, using the doors signed as fire escapes, and assemble outside where directed.

(b)      Await instructions before re-entering the building.

(c)      Anyone who requires assistance in evacuating the building should make officers aware of any special needs so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the record of the meeting held on 22 September 2022.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22 September 2022 (Minute Nos. 1 - 7) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair 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 interests were declared.

The Chair will announce any late items which do not appear on the main agenda but which they have agreed should be considered by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the report.

There were no urgent matters.

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

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.

Agreed:

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 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 Director of South Thames Gateway (STG) Building Control Partnership introduced the report which updated the committee on the current forecast for the 2022/23 financial year and gave details against the progress of the objectives of the Business Plan 2022/23.  She spoke on the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on the construction industry; balancing the budget; the importance of the team being able to meet in person post pandemic; gave an update on the delivery plan; an overview of the use of resources; and performance of the partnership.

Members were invited to make comments, and these included:

·         Acknowledged the importance of team working;

·         this had been a tough year; and

·         thanked the partnership for all the work they had carried out during challenging times.

Resolved:

(1)      That the report be noted.

The Director of South Thames Gateway (STG) Building Control Partnership introduced the report which sought agreement of the STG Building Control Partnership’s Business Plan and Delivery Plan for 2023 – 2026.  She explained that the draft version had been considered by the Committee in September 2022.  The Director of STG gave an overview on staffing and the importance on putting succession planning in place.

Resolved:

(1)      That the updated version of the Business Plan, incorporating any comments received, be approved and it be referred to the Cabinet or relevant Committee of each partner authority to approve the Final Draft Business Plan.

The Director of South Thames Gateway (STG) Building Control Partnership introduced the report which sought approval of the proposed changes to the STG Building Control Partnership’s Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).  She explained that the current MoA was approved in 2007 and had not been updated since then.  It was important that it was updated to reflect the current needs and to strengthen and modernise the Partnership, and reflect legislation.

Members made the following comments:

·         It was important to get this right;

·         acknowledged the financial pressures, but the Partnership had worked well;

·         very proud of the Partnership and what it had achieved;

·         joint working with other local authorities worked in this instance;

·         there would have been more cost implications for the individual councils if the work had been carried out separately from the Partnership;

·         suggested the work of the STG was included within the Member induction for each council;

·         there were opportunities to improve the Partnership even more in the future; and

·         the work carried out so far should be valued.

Resolved:

(1)      That the changes to STG Building Control Partnership’s Memorandum of Agreement be approved and it be referred to the respective Councils to affix their Common Seals.