The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park; and

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Chairman reminded Members of the evacuation procedures.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 March 2016 (Minute Nos. 620 – 626) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 March 2016 (Minute Nos. 620 – 626) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Director of Corporate Services as Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

The Committee is asked to consider the Draft Annual Report to Council (attached).

The Policy and Performance Officer introduced the report which set out the Committee’s 2015/16 draft Annual Report to Council (Appendix I of the report), and the schedule of meetings, policies, plans and strategies considered by the Committee during 2015/16 at Appendix II. 

A Member suggested that the report could include reference to changes suggested by the Committee that were taken on board by Cabinet and the Policy and Performance Officer agreed to update the report to reflect this.

Resolved:  That the draft Annual Report  2015/16 be agreed and submitted to Full Council for consideration.

The Committee is asked to consider the Work Programme 2016/17 (attached).

The Policy and Performance Officer introduced the report, which set out the policies, plans and strategies due to be reviewed by the Committee during the coming year, and when those documents should be reviewed.

The Chairman advised the meeting that Cabinet Members did make use of the Committee’s suggestions and Officers found the feedback invaluable.

The Policy and Performance Officer referred to the Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment and advised that whilst the document was not adopted by Swale Borough Council (SBC), the Policy Development and Review Committee were a consultee.

Members raised a number of points which included:

·        Considering the Council Tax Benefit/Localisation Policy sooner;

·        Clarification on whether the Waste Management Strategy would include food waste collection?;

·        Including the implications of the Housing and Planning Act alongside the new housing strategy;

·        Clarification on when the Tourism Strategy would be reviewed; and

·        The introduction of Swale’s own Parking Standards in Planning.

The Policy and Performance Officer agreed to update Members with more information on the Council Tax Benefit/Localism Policy and Waste Management Strategy.  He further advised that any proposed Tourism Strategy should come before the Committee for consideration.

The Chairman advised Members that the Policy Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for 2 November 2016 would be held on Tuesday 29 November 2016.

Resolved: That the schedule of Polices, plans and strategies due for review in 2016/17 be agreed.