Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from the Development Sub-Committee on the appointment of a contractor for construction works at Victory Place in Ashford.

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in the bidding process for the services by allowing other bidders to know the position of the Council. This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the bids process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to acquire services in order to enable regeneration in the Borough.

It was proposed by Councillor J Boughtflower, Seconded by Councillor T Fidler and resolved that the public and press be excluded during consideration of this item, in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it was likely to disclose information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in being able to undertake even-handed negotiations and finalising acceptable contract terms.

Council considered a report on Ashford Victory Place.

It was proposed by Councillor T Mitchell and seconded by Councillor J Boughtflower that this item be discussed at the Council meeting on 10 March 2022 when the remaining items on the agenda would be considered.

This motion fell.

It was proposed by Councillor R Noble and seconded by Councillor L Nichols and resolved to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.

The meeting was adjourned until 7.00pm on 10 March 2022.

The Development Advisor, Richard Mortimer presented the report to the Committee that sought agreement of the recommendations outlined in the report.

The Committee resolved to agree all three recommendations outlined in the report.