The Chairman introduced the report which updated the Committee on a technical report on the Council’s CCTV system and options to create a multi-council West Kent Hub.

Members were advised of the progress made since 2016 with the feasibility of merging the Sevenoaks District Council (SDC), Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) CCTV Control Rooms, with the hub based at SDC. Further reports had been considered and although the Council had approved for a central control hub, partnering authorities had decided not to proceed with the project. As a result, Officers investigated the options available.

The Head of Direct Services detailed the options available to Members as set out in the report.

Resolved: That, under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act  1972, the public be excluded from the meeting when considering item 13 (Minute 25) and Appendix 1 of Item 12 (Minute 24), on the grounds that likely disclosure of exempt information was involved as defined by Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3 (Relating to the business or financial affairs of a particular person (or the authority holding that information)).

Members discussed the report and the exempt information. Members also discussed the usefulness of CCTV for the security of the District.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That the report be noted and that officers further consider with the Councils partners the options presented in the technical report.