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Consideration of recommendation OS 24/50 of
the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 14 November 2024 in respect
of the operation of the Tonbridge Community Forum.
 
Cabinet had due regard to the views of the
Committee, the financial and value for money considerations and
legal implications and noted that there was a preference for
in-person meetings with greater input from community groups and a
more collaborative approach.
 
A preference for meetings to be held at the
Tonbridge Methodist Church for a trial period to reduce costs
associated with room hire and provision of audio-visual support was
also noted.  To provide clarity around
open discussion (as set out in recommendation (3)) Cllr Boughton
proposed that the words ‘on that item’ be
added.  This was seconded by Cllr Coffin
and supported unanimously by Cabinet.
 
The views of the Parish Partnership Panel of
21 November 2024 would be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee in due course. 
 
RESOLVED: 
That
 

(1)       
the venue for Tonbridge Community Forum be moved to
Tonbridge Methodist Church on a trial basis for all meetings in
2025;
 

(2)       
all Meetings of the Tonbridge Community Forum be
held in person on a trial basis in 2025;
 

(3)       
following a topic or item raised at Tonbridge
Community Forum a section should be dedicated to open discussion on
that item to provide an opportunity for all members to discuss and
respond to the matter; and
 

(4)       
it be noted that the views of the Parish Partnership
Panel would be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in
due course.