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  • Cabinet Member decisions
  • Cabinet Member decisions

    Earlier - Later

    Decisions published

    30/07/2020 - 20/00065 - Manston Green - Junction Improvement ref: 2379    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    The proposed highway infrastructure, will support and enable the Manston Green development, delivering 785 new dwellings and a primary school, to come forward. It is also a key part of the Thanet Transport Strategy, which seeks to serve the development of 17,140 units within the emerging Local Plan and reduce pressure on the existing network. Therefore, the infrastructure would indirectly assist in the delivery of housing across the district, but particularly assisting in relieving traffic on the Haine Road corridor that serves the Eurokent housing site (410 units), Westwood Village (900 units) and existing Westwood Cross development (1000 units). To improve the viability of the development, TDC made the funding bid, which was approved in December 2019, subject to concluding pre-contract and pre-drawdown conditions, which TDC are currently progressing to conclude prior to the end of July 2020. The funding is required to be spent by end of March 2023 and based on the current programme, completion is expected during Summer/Autumn 2022.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded)

     

    Alternative options for the proposed infrastructure are restricted due to the land constraints, and alignment and layout of the existing highway. Planning for the infrastructure layout was agreed as part of the planning consent for the wider Manston Green development.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 30/07/2020

    Effective from: 07/08/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport I agree to give:

     

    i)     Approval to enter into legal agreements with Thanet District Council to undertake the delivery of the Infrastructure Works at no cost or risk to the County Council.

     

    ii)    Approval for KCC officers to project manage, input into the delivery and supervision of the project, with the cost of all staff and consultant time being recoverable against the project funding.

     

    iii)   Approval to undertake the detailed design and surveys for the project. This work will be undertaken by appointing a consultant through the KCC professional Services Framework Contract.

     

    iv)   Approval to acquire the land and rights for carrying out the construction and maintenance of the Manston Green project. All land is being provided at NIL cost to the project by the development company with an option on the land.

     

    v)    Approval to progress all statutory approvals and consents required for the scheme including, drainage and environmental consents and stopping up orders.

     

    vi)   Approval to enter into construction contracts as necessary for the delivery of the scheme.

     

    vii)  The Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations and in consultation with the Corporate Director for Finance and Procurement, to enter into relevant legal agreements and take other actions necessary to implement this decision

    Lead officer: Barry Stiff


    30/07/2020 - 20/00064 - Local Growth Fund & Developer Funded Scheme - A2/A251 Junction Improvement Scheme ref: 2378    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    In the original Growth Deal announcement in July 2014; KCC secured £4.8m for the delivery of the Kent Strategic Congestion Management Programme (KSCMP) in order to deliver schemes throughout the County to reduce the impact of increasing vehicular traffic. 

     

    The A2/A251 junction improvement scheme is proposed to be brought forwards as part of the KSCMP and a business case for the remaining £500k of the £4.8m programme is due to be considered by SELEP Accountability Board on 3rd July 2020.

     

    The A2/A251 priority junction provides the primary access for Faversham and eastern Swale to the strategic road network. The junction caters for significant volumes of traffic and is currently operating over capacity in peak periods with serious levels of congestion and delay. This is a constraint to key strategic housing allocations in the Faversham area and to the economic wellbeing of the town.

     

    The proposed scheme replaces the existing priority junction arrangement with a new signalised junction, which will include a controlled pedestrian crossing across the A2 eastern arm.

     

    There is £900k of match funding secured for the scheme through S106 agreements.  A Kent Lane Rental bid is also being prepared which if successful will provide a further £300k towards the scheme delivery.  Any delay to the S106 funding coming forwards can be offset using existing Local Transport Plan funding.

     

    A key decision is required to allow KCC to progress with the next stages of scheme delivery; including negotiations with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and The Abbey School regarding small areas of land required to deliver the scheme, pursuing the Utility works and entering into a construction contract. This is required prior to the LGF business case sign off to ensure that the £500k LGF contribution can be spent within the Growth Deal period (prior to March 2021).

     

    Options:

     

    The A2/A251 junction improvement proposed has emerged from a process of option sifting and review. A number of studies have taken place to consider potential options for the junctions at A2/A251 Ashford Road/Preston Grove and A2/B2041 The Mall with the objective of improving traffic flow to reduce queues and delays.

     

    The options assessed included traffic signals and different roundabout arrangements, designed within the existing highway limits except for a small area of land within KCC’s ownership.

     

    Initial options were presented for public consultation in April and May 2014 and the results reported to Swale JTB in June 2014. The junction layouts within the existing highway boundary were found to not offer a significant increase in highway capacity. Further options were developed which would require additional land within control of KCC, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Abbey School.

     

    Consequently, four options, all of which include a requirement for land outside the highway boundary, were selected for further consideration.

     

    The options assessed included:

     

            Option 2b: An elongated roundabout with partial signal control at the A2/B2041 The Mall;

            Option 3: Signalisation of the A2/A251 Ashford Road and A2/The Mall;

            Option 5: Roundabout at the A2/A251junction; and

            Option 6: Roundabout at the A2/A251junction and signalisation of the right turn from the A2 to B2041 The Mall.

     

    The 4 options were assessed based on key issues including traffic capacity, traffic queueing, pedestrian crossing provision, traffic ‘U’ turning, land take required, estimated cost and programme and a preferred option identified.

     

    A variation on Option 3 was selected to be taken forward as the preferred scheme. This option includes a signal-controlled arrangement for the junction of the A2 and A251 Ashford Road. Access to Preston Road is maintained while egress is possible via give way control for traffic heading east on the A2.

     

    In addition two lanes are provided for each signal-controlled approach to the junction for approximately 50 metres before reverting to a single lane carriageway. A pedestrian crossing is also provided across the A2 Canterbury Road eastern arm. The existing priority junction layout at the A2/B2041 The Mall junction is retained in its current form.

     

    The Preferred Option was found to provide improvement in junction capacity and to perform better in terms of land take, cost and the avoidance of traffic making U turns.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 30/07/2020

    Effective from: 07/08/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport I approve the progression, via KCC’s Local Growth Fund arrangements, for the A2/A251 Junction Improvement Scheme; allowing it to progress to the next stages of development and delivery.

     

    Specifically this comprises approval for:

     

    i)     KCC to act as the accountable body for the project;

    ii)    KCC to enter into a Local Growth Fund (LGF) funding agreement;

    iii)   KCC to progress all statutory approvals or consents required for the scheme;

    iv)   KCC to progress with the necessary land acquisitions required to deliver the scheme;

    v)    KCC to carry out public engagement on the scheme;

    vi)   KCC to enter into construction contracts as necessary for the delivery of the scheme

    vii)  The Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations and in consultation with the Corporate Director for Finance and Procurement, to enter into relevant legal agreements and take other actions necessary to implement this decision.

    Division affected: Faversham;

    Lead officer: Tim Read


    30/07/2020 - 20/00062 - Kent County Council adoption of the Kent & Medway Energy & Low Emission Strategy (sub-Strategy of the Kent Environment Strategy) ref: 2377    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    The purpose of the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy is to identify an evidence-based pathway to deliver clean growth and specifically strategies and actions to eliminate poor air quality, reduce fuel poverty and deliver an affordable, clean and secure energy supply for Kent and Medway. The Strategy includes the commitment to meet the UK Government’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for the county.

     

    Options:

     

    1.    Do nothing and continue action under Kent Environment Strategy (KES) - the last iteration of the KES in 2006 identified the need to conduct more in-depth research to inform and develop a Low Emissions Strategy. This to address emissions in addition to carbon dioxide, which cause poor air quality and harms health, which was of growing political and public concern. 

     

    2.    Develop a separate Energy Strategy and a Low Emissions Strategy – this was the initial plan until it was realised that many of the key actions to deliver both strategies were the same.

     

    3.    Develop a combined Energy & Low Emissions Strategy – this option demonstrates the interlinking nature of actions required to address climate change emissions, air pollution, energy security and the opportunities for greater partnership activity.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment

    Decision published: 30/07/2020

    Effective from: 07/08/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to approve the Strategy for adoption and implementation, working in partnership with all Local Authorities in Kent & Medway, utilising the existing Kent Environment Strategy delivery framework; and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to take relevant actions, including but not limited to entering into contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement this decision.

    Lead officer: Carolyn McKenzie


    24/07/2020 - 20/00067 - Infection Control Fund - wider social care market support ref: 2376    Recommendations Approved

    Background –

     

    On 14 May, the government wrote to Local Authorities announcing that £600 million will be issued to councils to support care providers through a new Infection Control Fund. This is to be received in two instalments: 50% in late May and 50% in July.  The government has required that 75% of this funding is for direct passporting to homes that have met the conditions outlined in the grant. There is more discretion over how the remaining 25% of the grant can be spent.

     

    In a Q & A document issued by government on 8th June, further clarification was given as to the areas on which the 25% of the grant can spent.

     

    “Local authorities may use 25% of the Grant on other Covid-19 infection control measures, including payments to domiciliary care providers or wider workforce measures. These wider measures could include, for example, additional financial support for the purchase of personal protective equipment by providers or by the local authority directly (although not for costs already incurred) or measures the local authority could put in place to boost the resilience and supply of the adult social care workforce in their area in order to support effective infection control.”

     

      DHSC Infection Control Fund Question and Answer

     

    The proposals will be developed in co-production with social care providers to ensure that they will meet the needs of the market.

     

    Reason for the decision -

     

    Under Decision 20/00061 Infection Control Fund, KCC accepted an £18.88m grant from government.  75% of this was passported to care homes in accordance with direction from government but with the requirement that KCC take on accountability and responsibility for management of the funding.

     

    25% of this funding (£4.72) must now be deployed on other infection control measures as determined by KCC.  As part of the previous key decision, it was agreed that:

     

    the Corporate Director for Adult Social Care will develop proposals on how to allocate the remaining 25% (£4.72m) of the Infection Control Fund grant, in line with the terms of  the grant, to support the whole care market (including homecare, supported living and those on direct payments) with wider resilience in relation to COVID-19 Infection Control.

     

    This decision is necessary to progress with delivering this allocation of the £4.72m.

     

    In recognition of the challenging situation for providers, KCC is moving at pace to develop the detailed proposals with providers via co-production.  These will be considered by the Cabinet Member and included when further formal decision notices are issued.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

    Decision published: 24/07/2020

    Effective from: 01/08/2020

    Decision:

    To approve the spending proposals relating to the 25% (£4.72m) of the Infection Control Fund grant allocated to the Council for infection control measures across the wider social care market.

     

    The proposed arrangements will remain subject to the terms of use included within KCC’s acceptance of the grant conditionsvia Decision 20/00061.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Clare Maynard


    24/07/2020 - 20/00063 - Reinvestment of Growing Places Fund ref: 2375    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    In 2019, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) announced the release of a further tranche of the Growing Places Fund (known as GPF). GPF is a revolving capital loan scheme, and it funds capital infrastructure projects that support job creation, housing delivery, and wider economic growth.

     

    SELEP has now received £12m in repayments from existing GPF schemes, and this loan funding is now available to reallocate to new projects. SELEP asked its local federated boards (including the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership) to select prospective projects for the SELEP Strategic Board to consider at their meeting on 12 June 2020. At this meeting, the SELEP Strategic Board chose five Kent projects to be added to its SELEP pipeline of projects to receive GPF as repayments become available, subject to final approval of the business case being granted by the SELEP Accountability Board.

     

    SELEP asks Kent County Council to enter into a loan agreement with Essex County Council (which is SELEP’s accountable body) for all schemes awarded GPF by SELEP within KCC’s administrative boundary, whether the projects are Kent County Council projects, or alternatively projects promoted by a third party (e.g. a private sector business). If Kent County Council is not the promoter of a project within its administrative boundary, Kent County Council is asked to enter a back-to-back loan agreement with the third party.

     

    This key decision is therefore required to enable loan agreements to be entered into, so that funding may be secured for the Kent projects from the fifth tranche of Growing Places Funding.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded):

     

    If Kent County Council were to choose to not enter into a loan agreement for the GPF projects selected by the SELEP Strategic Board, the GPF funding would be reallocated to the other projects that are being promoted by the other federated boards represent East Sussex, Essex, Southend and Thurrock. 

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Economic Development

    Decision published: 24/07/2020

    Effective from: 01/08/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Economic Development, I agree that Kent County Council shall:

     

    ·    Note the projects in Kent that the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Board has prioritised to receive Growing Places Funding (GPF)

     

    ·   Act as the accountable body for projects within Kent’s geographical boundaries that are selected by the SELEP to receive GPF loan funding.

     

    ·   Delegate to the Section 151 the authority to sign on KCC’s behalf a loan agreement or equivalent, where this is required to draw down funds following business case approval

    Division affected: Herne Village & Sturry; Malling Central;

    Lead officer: Sarah Nurden


    22/07/2020 - 19/00083 - Proposal to Expand Gravesend Grammar School from 174 places to 210 places in September 2021 ref: 2373    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    Kent County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out the future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent.  A copy of the plan can be viewed from this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision

     

    KCC forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2019-20 academic year.  The Gravesend and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 36 Year 7 places (1FE) from 2019-20 that increases to a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.

     

    Gravesend Grammar School has a Published Admission Number of 174, but has in the past, offered extra places through appeals.

     

    KCC proposed an expansion of the school to take the PAN to 210 (7FE).  The school currently has a permanent infrastructure that can accommodate a PAN of 150.  There is a temporary two storey block on site that offers additional accommodation, facilitating the extra 24 places.  To expand Gravesend Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the temporary block and building a new block at the school, together with other infill and enhancement work to social spaces.  This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake.  This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 22/07/2020

    Effective from: 30/07/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to expand Gravesend Grammar School, Church Walk, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2PR increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 174 places to 210 places from September 2021.

     

    Division affected: Gravesend East;

    Lead officer: Ian Watts


    22/07/2020 - 20/00058 - Local Growth Fund Round 3b Third Party Scheme - M2 Junction 5 Improvement Scheme ref: 2371    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    In the Growth Deal announcements in July 2014 (Round One), January 2015 (Round Two) and February 2017 (Round Three), the Government allocated £570 million from the Local Growth Fund to capital projects across the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) area.

     

    In total, through the three rounds, £128m Local Growth Fund was allocated towards the delivery of 25 Highways and Transportation projects and 6 non-transport projects in Kent.

     

    As the end of the Growth Deal (March 2021) approaches, several projects throughout the SELEP region have experienced difficulty with delivery.  This has resulted in projects having their LGF allocations removed and to date £33.396m of funding has been returned to SELEP for reallocation to projects which have demonstrated deliverability by March 2021. 

     

    Through this process, an allocation has been made available for the M2 junction 5 improvement scheme.  This scheme will be delivered by Highways England and KCC will transfer the LGF on to the third party for the delivery of the scheme.

     

    It has been agreed with Government that SELEP and therefore Kent County Council will receive Local Growth Fund in quarterly instalments in advance in accordance with the scheme spending profiles, subject to completion of a Business Case for each project and the approval of the project by SELEP Accountability Board.

     

    A legal agreement has been prepared between KCC and Highways England which will transfer all the LGF spend and project management responsibility on to them. This includes updating Kent County Council monthly on project progress and spend; as well as completing the post scheme monitoring required by SELEP.

     

    The scheme will be delivered in line with the current governance arrangements under the Local Growth Fund (KCC and SELEP). Therefore, it will carry out necessary consultation and equality impact assessments as part of the scheme progression.

     

    The business case for the M2 junction 5 scheme was approved at SELEP Accountability Board on 14th February 2020.

     

    The M2 Junction 5 scheme is subject to a Public Inquiry which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 emergency.  It is likely that the Public Inquiry will now be considered in August 2020.  In order to demonstrate that the full funding package is in place; Highways England need to have sealed legal agreements available to show the LGF and KCC contributions towards the scheme delivery.

     

    Before the legal agreement can be sealed for the scheme; a key decision is required.  The LGF cannot be spent until the Key Decision is in place.

     

    No funding will be transferred to Highways England until the result of the Public Inquiry is announced; and it can be demonstrated that the project will proceed to delivery.

     

    Options

     

    The options considered for the M2 Junction 5 Improvement Scheme are set out in the business case document which can be accessed here:

     

    M2 Junction 5 (pages 13-15)

    https://www.southeastlep.com/app/uploads/2019/07/M2-J5-LGF-Business-Case-redacted.pdf

     

    How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’

     

    The scheme particularly addresses Strategic Outcome 2 “Kent communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life”. The improvement scheme will increase the capacity at the already constrained M2 junction 5; reducing journey times to assist Kent’s residents to reach employment, education and leisure activities.  The junction is one of the top 50 national casualty locations on England’s major A roads and motorways; and the scheme will improve the safety for residents and visitors to Kent.  The infrastructure will also unlock housing sites in Swale to generate economic growth within the area.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 22/07/2020

    Effective from: 30/07/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport I approve the progression, via KCC’s Local Growth Fund arrangements, for the M2 Junction 5 Improvement Scheme; allowing it to progress to the next stages of development and delivery.

     

    To facilitate this, I agree:

    -          to confirm that KCC will act as the accountable body for the project;

    -          to enter into a Local Growth Fund (LGF) funding agreement; and

    -          to enter into legal agreements with the relevant third parties delivering the schemes to transfer the conditions of the LGF spend and project management to them

     

    I also agree to delegate authority to Corporate Director of GET, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance & Procurement, to enter into relevant legal agreements and take other actions necessary to implement this decision.

    Division affected: Maidstone Rural East; Swale East; Swale West;

    Lead officer: Tim Read


    22/07/2020 - 20/00060 - Adjustments to the Kent Test and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions scheme as a result of COVID-19 restrictions ref: 2374    Recommendations Approved

    Background

     

    The Kent Test is an essential element of KCC’s co-ordinated admissions process, assessing children’s eligibility to apply for any of Kent’s Grammar schools. It is defined within all Kent Grammar school admission arrangements as the method for identifying eligible candidates, even where grammar schools also offer their own selection test. KCC therefore has a legal responsibility to provide an assessment method:

     

    o   for the Kent Grammar schools for which it is the Admissions Authority (Dover Grammar School for Girls, Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys), and

    o   for Kent’s “own admission authority” grammar schools who also make use of the Kent Test. 

     

    The Kent Test is currently timetabled for 10 September 2020.  The latest announcement by the Secretary of State for Education is that Government is no longer expecting all Primary aged pupils to have some time in school before the close of the current academic year.  The wider reopening of schools in England is now being planned for the beginning of September.  There remains the potential for the reintroduction of Covid-19 related restrictions which could further impact on the return to school of pupils and our ability to operate the Kent Test.  KCC must also consider what impact an extended interruption to classroom teaching will have on those learners, ensuring that the assessment process remains as fair as possible within current limitations.

     

     

    The proposed delay will allow KCC to take appropriate steps to ensure that the Kent Test can be delivered in the safest way possible, with sufficient social distancing controls in place, but also accounting for the unexpected educational environment that Year 5 pupils will have experienced in the lead up to taking part in the Kent Test.

     

    The proposed delay will also provide an opportunity for all students to take part in school-based learning before undertaking the Kent Test, while still ensuring that the wider co-ordinated admissions timeline can be implemented to ensure that school offers are made on 1 March 2021.

     

    To account for the fact that, on this occasion, parents would not have their child’s test result by the National Closing Date for admission applications, the proposed increase to the number of permitted school preferences will enable parents who are uncertain of their child’s eligibility for a grammar school to name up to two without reducing the number of non-selective schools on their application. Parents who are not considering a grammar school for their child will also have six preferences to ensure fairness across the co-ordinated process.

     

     

     

     

     

    Legal Implications

     

    KCC, in accordance with statutory requirements, determined its co-ordinated admissions scheme for 2021 intake into Secondary schools on 22 January 2020, which defined the process for entry into secondary schools including the Kent Test. This includes the dates by which parts of the process will happen, including the Kent Test.  These proposals change relevant aspects of that determined scheme.

     

    KCC is obliged to ensure a process remains available to identify children who are eligible for a place in Kent Grammar schools. 

     

    The School Admissions Code (2014) requires selective admission authorities to take all reasonable steps to provide applicants with the result of any assessment before National Closing Date for Secondary Admissions applications (31 October 2020). KCC’s original determined scheme provided applicants their results on 15 October 2020. Proposals will result in test outcomes being delayed until late November.  As this proposed decision is developed further, KCC continues to engage with the DfE on relevant considerations for balancing the need to comply with existing legal obligations and statutory requirements with the particular challenges caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, which need to be resolved to deliver an outcome that minimises negative impacts on parents and children.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 22/07/2020

    Effective from: 30/07/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to delay the Kent Test assessment until 15 October (17 October for out-county applicants) to allow children additional time to settle once they return to school; and Increase the number permitted school preferences as part of the Secondary Common Application process from 4 to 6 for this year only.

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: David Adams


    22/07/2020 - 20/00009 - Proposal to expand Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 places to 300 places from September 2021 ref: 2372    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    Kent County Council (KCC) as the local authority has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent.

     

    It is forecast that there will be significant short and medium-term pressure for additional Year 7 places in the West Kent Selective Planning Group which indicates that additional capacity will be needed for 2019/20 and in later years.  The planning group includes all Grammar schools in the districts of Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tonbridge Wells.

     

    In 2012, Kent County Council agreed to identify and pursue options to increase Grammar provision in that area.

     

    Therefore, KCC has asked Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys to provide additional places for local children by expanding the school onto a satellite in Sevenoaks district.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 22/07/2020

    Effective from: 30/07/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to expand Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 places to 300 places, facilitated by the establishment of a satellite of the school on the Wildernesse site in Sevenoaks, from September 2021.

     

    Division affected: Sevenoaks Town;

    Lead officer: Ian Watts


    15/07/2020 - 20/00059 - West & Mid Kent Dry Recyclables Processing Contracts Lots 1 & 2 and the Contract for the Processing of Wood Waste 2010 - 2015 (2020) - Request for approval to extend the Contracts. ref: 2370    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    KCC Waste Management are looking to extend the following two contracts for further 12 month periods under the Procurement Policy Note 01/20: Responding to COVID-19 which states that where there is an urgent requirement for goods, services or works due to or responding to the impact of COVID-19, procurement is permissible under Public Contract Regulations 2015 (PCRs) using regulation 32(2)(C):

     

     

          West & Mid Kent Dry Recyclable Processing Contracts Lots 1 & 2 (ref. SS15105) with Viridor Waste Management Limited, for the processing of household recyclable materials that are collected kerbside from seven Waste Collection Authorities within Kent: Maidstone, Swale, Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Ashford and Tonbridge & Malling. The Contract commenced 4th July 2016 and following the extension periods specified within the Contracts are due to end 3rd July 2020. KCC Waste Management is looking to extend these Contracts to 3rd July 2021 with the agreement of Viridor Waste Management Limited.

     

          Contract for the Processing & Recycling of Wood Waste 2020 (09/23) with Countrystyle Recycling Limited had an initial term of 5 years with an option to extend for a further 5 years which was invoked. The original contract commenced 4th October 2010 and following the extension period is due to end 14th November 2020. KCC Waste Management are looking to extend the Contract to 14th November 2021 with the agreement of Countrystyle at a reduced gate fee.

     

    Original Records of Decision expire the cessation of the original contracts, as such a new decision needs to be made. Expected expenditure remains within budget on both contracts.

     

    Options - it is a legal requirement (2012 Executive Arrangements regulations) to outline other options considered

     

    There are two options as follows:

     

    1.         Do nothing – the current contracts will elapse with no arrangement in place.

     

    2.         Extend the existing arrangements under the current contracts’ terms and conditions to fulfil the Statutory duty of KCC operating under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to dispose of collected municipal waste.

     

    The 2nd option is necessary due to the existing contracts being satisfactory and performing well and to allow KCC time to undertake full Procurements of both waste materials to ensure that the best outcomes are reached for Kent residents, whilst dealing with the Challenges and pressures due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment

    Decision published: 15/07/2020

    Effective from: 23/07/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to provide authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport to extend the:

    ·         West & Mid Kent Dry Recyclables Processing Contracts Lots 1 & 2 (SS15105); and

    ·         Contract for the Processing of Wood Waste 2010 – 2015 (2020) (09/23).

    Lead officer: Kay Groves