To consider any questions submitted by Members.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm the Wednesday before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

The Mayor advised that eight questions had been submitted by Members, the answers to which had been provided, can be viewed on the Council’s website and are attached as Appendix II to these minutes.

The Mayor invited Members to ask a supplementary question.

Question One

Councillor Roger Truelove thanked the Cabinet Member for his answer and asked if he could share any information with him?

The Cabinet Member responded by saying it would be lovely to acquire the land, and referred to the different responsibilities the Council had in terms of on-street and off-street parking. 

Question Two

Councillor Roger Truelove asked the Cabinet Member if he would share the information?  The Cabinet Member responded by saying he was sure it would appear on an agenda.

Question Four

Councillor Ghlin Whelan asked if the Cabinet Member could tell him what permissions were outstanding, and if any would prevent the start of the project this year or next year?

The Cabinet Member advised that a written answer would be provided, but work would start before the end of this year, and works would be completed by Spring 2018.

Question Five

Councillor Nigel Kay advised that Faversham was looking better after the deep-clean, and asked if the deep-clean would be repeated, and whether there was an annual commitment to a deep-clean in Faversham, Sittingbourne and Sheerness and, if considered appropriate, for the larger villages?

The Cabinet Member advised of progress with the deep-cleans in the main towns, and asked for the public’s help to dispose of their rubbish responsibly, in particular chewing gum.  The cost was in addition to the street cleaning contract, and so he could not give assurance regarding an annual deep-clean due to budget implications.  He encouraged community groups and organisations to help, referring to the excellent work with schools and community groups being undertaken.

Question Six

Councillor Mike Baldock referred to the heritage strategy that was being prepared, and asked if there would be an opportunity for local heritage groups to get involved?  He asked what opportunity there would be for local groups to contribute to the strategy?

The Cabinet Member advised that he would ask officers to develop a project plan which would be shared with Members.  There would be wide consultation.

Question Seven

Councillor Mike Baldock referred to the answer given and advised that it had been a serious question, referring to air quality; and said that in view of the response given, he would not be asking a supplementary question.

The Leader advised that the answer to the question would have been zero, however, the question submitted had not referred to air quality, and he suggested there were better ways of asking a question.  He acknowledged that there was a danger to health in developments, but there was also a danger in leaving people to sleep on the streets.

Question Eight

Councillor Cameron Beart advised that he could not claim credit for the hard work, referring to Mr Wilcock, and asked if the Cabinet Member would consider including the ferry service in the Visitor Economy Strategy?

The Cabinet Member agreed to consider if this could be included in the Strategy.