The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report which gave an update of projects that had been funded from one-off reserve allocations to deliver a range of public improvements in Swale, over the last three years.  He said that just under £5million from dormant reserve funds was invested and he referred to the projects listed on pages 137 – 141 of the report.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said that money had been invested to improve the recreational experience for residents and visitors to Swale and he said that toilet facilities, tree planting, play areas and public parks, community groups and public events had been funded. There had also been support for Area Committees and Member grants and continued improvements to the High Streets, and for vulnerable people. He said that it was money well spent.

The Cabinet Member for Planning said the support represented a sea change across Swale and he listed projects that had benefited from funding including work to update the Tree Preservation Order register, a more effective and transparent Planning Enforcement register, work to neglected churchyards and the Eastchurch War Memorial and the Artesian Well at Oare.  He referred to the Brexit Fund and said that money from that had made improvements to village halls and had provided new defibrillators across the Borough which would save lives.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Property praised staff working on projects that helped make Swale a nicer environment to be in.

The Cabinet Member for Housing said that the £5million was being used to improve every part of the Borough and reminded Members that officers had worked on projects that were in addition to their routine work and he thanked and praised them.

The Cabinet Member for Community spoke about the changes that had taken place since the coalition led the Council in 2019 and the additional challenges faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and he said that the community was more resilient going forward.

The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency said the funding of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Officer had made a huge difference in being able to deliver on projects as part of the Climate and Ecological Emergency, and he was very proud of the progress made.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing referred to the positive difference the Fuel and Water Poverty Officer had made on the community. 

The Leader joined other Members in praise of the work of officers in delivering projects.

Resolved:

(1)  That the schemes funded from the Improvement & Resilience Fund, the Special Projects Fund and the High Street Fund be noted.