Decision details

This report provides an update to the discussions on the Council's continued participation in the three-way shared planning support service.

RESOLVED:

1.    That it be agreed “in principle” that the Planning Support service be brought back in-house;

2.    That the Finance Director be delegated authority to conclude negotiations with Maidstone and Swale Borough Councils to enable Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to exit the shared service collaboration agreement, and to reimburse any direct financial consequences of this Council leaving the agreement;

3.    That a virement of up to £150,000 from the Invest to Save Reserve to establish an in-house Planning Support service be agreed; and

4.    That it be acknowledged that no changes to the current Planning Support service can be implemented without the agreement of Maidstone and Swale Borough Councils.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

The Council needed to provide a Planning Support service which met the expectations of the Council and stakeholders, and, for the reasons set out in the report, the best prospect for achieving this would be to re-establish a standalone in-house service.