Issue - meetings

The paper considers in principle decisions relating to: (1) developing a Customer Access Point within Folkestone Town Centre; and (2) developing a more detailed plan for the relocation of reduced office space in a modern, sustainable civic suite facility within the district.

The paper considered in principle decisions relating to: (1) developing a Customer Access Point within Folkestone Town Centre; and (2) developing a more detailed plan for the relocation of reduced office space in a modern, sustainable civic suite facility within the district.

A Cabinet Member requested that it be noted that the Council should strive for an ‘excellent’ BREEAM standard, rather than ‘very good’. Concerns were also noted around the potential legal obstacles referred to in the risks, set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report, and reassurance was sought that there would be no significant expenditure until assurance was given.

Proposed by Councillor Monk,

Seconded by Councillor Field; and

RESOLVED:

1.         That report C/20/70 be received and noted;

2.         That the strategic principles as set out in paragraph 3.2 be agreed in relation to future service provision;

3.         That officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Digital Transformation, continue to undertake further work to identify a customer access point in Folkestone and to bring detailed proposals back to Cabinet for approval during 2021;

4.         That officers, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, commence further work to produce a detailed proposal for the future relocation of the civic offices for Cabinet consideration in due course;

5.         That an indicative budget of up to £250,000 be agreed to undertake the development and feasibility works for the Customer Access Point and the relocation of the Civic Centre to be funded from reserves and built into the 2021/22 budget.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations for the reasons below:

(a)           So that the Council can consider its future service delivery and working practices in light of the recent pandemic and changes that has brought. 

(b)           To agree in principle in order that further work on the detail of the proposals can be developed so the Cabinet can take an informed decision on the future of its civic suite during 2021.