Agenda and minutes

To receive and record any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 15 December 2021.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 December 2021 were confirmed as an accurate record.

To receive and record any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no matters the Chairman wished to report.

To note the following urgent decision taken in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders and reported to the Cabinet for information:

Termination of the Joint Management Team Agreement

Cabinet noted the urgent decision taken by the Leader in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.

The Leader introduced the item in relation to the withdrawal from the Joint Management and shared staff arrangements and extended Thanks to officers working across both Councils delivering services to residents. 

Proposed by Cllr Rennie and seconded by Cllr Bowerman, follow a vote it was RESOLVED that Cabinet recommend to Council the following: 

a.       To note the initial discussions between the two Councils Leaders and their mutual view based on the reasoning set out in this report, that it is in the interests of both Councils to consider the withdrawal from shared management arrangements, with a degree of expediency.

b.       To agree to withdraw from the Joint Management Team Agreement, subject to a business case being reported to the next meeting of the Council exploring the risks, issues, benefits and costs of the withdrawal and further exploring those in light of a proposed reduction of the 24 months exit period.

c.       In the interests of ensuring that both Councils ensure appropriate governance, to request that the Chief Executive

             i.            puts in place appropriate measures for both Councils to adhere to the conflict-of-interest policy as this matter is considered, and in that respect to ensure appropriate acting up arrangements or deputies are appointed to represent the interests of both Councils.

           ii.            to report to each meeting of the Council on progress against the proposals to exit the Joint Management Team Agreement with a view to reporting separate management structures to each Council meeting by May 2022, ensuring stability in the management teams at the earliest opportunity.

d.       to request that Kim Sawyer is confirmed as the acting Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for Havant Borough Council until such time as the Council may secure an interim Chief Executive.

e.       That Council receive legal advice on:

             i.            appropriate procedures to recruit an interim Chief Executive

           ii.            the process to secure a permanent Chief Executive and to make appropriate arrangements to begin a recruitment process, subject to confirming the advice received

f.         To request that as part of the budget report to be brought to the next full Council, it includes a timetable and project plan in respect of the actions above.