In accordance with Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman had agreed to accept the papers for this item as an urgent matter.  The papers had not been available five clear working days before the meeting due to the finalisation of governance issues and the report needed to be considered by Cabinet in order to meet West Kent timescales.

The Chief Officer Communities and Business presented the report which set out proposed arrangements for an integrated approach towards public health (preventative services) across West Kent between Kent County Council, this Council and Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils.  The arrangements included using Kent County Council public health preventative service budgets to deliver agreed health outcomes and using District and Borough Councils’ existing health-related resources in a way that complemented the agreed outcomes, consistent with the West Kent Health Deal approach. 

It enabled District and Borough Councils to play a full role in the co-ordination of and provision of some, local services relating to health improvement, ensuring that services addressed local needs and are co-ordinated with other local delivery.  It also enabled District and Borough Councils to play a full role in and be equal partners in the procurement of health improvement services previously procured by Kent County Council, ensuring that the needs of local residents were addressed. The proposals respond to the King’s Fund report highlighting the role of district councils in health and to the West Kent Health Deal.

The Housing & Health Advisory Committee had considered similar report and had agreed to recommend that to Cabinet, however this report superseded the information that had been presented at that meeting.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved:  That

a)        the approach, principles and district council role in the West Kent Public Health Preventative Services devolution model set out in  the report, be approved;

b)        a partnership agreement between Kent County Council, Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils be developed as a basis to work together to deliver the West Kent Public Health Preventative Services devolution model over the three years 2017/18 to 2019/20; and

c)         the principle of the governance arrangements set out in the report be endorsed and the approval of detailed matters (including a partnership agreement) be delegated to the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing & Health in consultation with the Chief Officer, Communities & Business.