Agenda and minutes

Venue: Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT

Contact: Democratic Services, 01795 417330  Democratic Services Officer

Items
No. Item

446.

Prayers

Minutes:

The Mayor’s Chaplain said Prayers.

447.

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

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.  Nobody must leave the assembly point until everybody can be accounted for and nobody must return to the building until the Chairman has informed them that it is safe to do so; 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.

Minutes:

The Mayor drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

448.

Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 December 2017 (Minute Nos. 390 - 401) as a correct record.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 December 2017 (Minute Nos. 390 – 401) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

449.

Declarations of Interest

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 Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

Minutes:

No interests were declared.

450.

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

The Mayor drew Members’ attention to the tabled paper which included the number of engagements he had attended and his visits to emergency services, hospitals and Post Office staff over the Christmas period.

451.

Motions submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 15

The following motion has been received:

 

There is growing acknowledgement on this Council from all sides about the issue of air quality across Swale, together with the need for focussed air quality monitoring, so as to gauge an accurate picture of the current situation facing our residents now and in to the future.

 

The A2, in particular in the area surrounding the Key Street roundabout, is of prime concern. 

 

With significant development coming forward, such as that at Wises Lane in Borden, increased vehicle movements undoubtedly will adversely impact air quality further.

 

We believe the Council has a duty of care to its residents and ensure existing levels do not deteriorate further. 

 

It is difficult, therefore, to conclude no adverse impact on air quality will occur from developments when the Council does not have adequate, if any, air quality monitoring systems in place at key potential development sites.

 

This cannot continue.

 

This is even more pressing following the Supreme High Court ruling in Newington.  This judgement indicated that “both applicant and council need to demonstrate that mitigation measures actually work.”

 

Additionally, we were shocked to learn from a public meeting held on Saturday 9 December 2017 at Borden Parish Hall, that independent spot checks in the Key Street area showed air quality levels to be considerably worse than those put forward by the developer in their planning application for Wises Lane.

 

We kindly ask, therefore, that this Council increases the budget for air quality monitoring in the Borough in its Budget for 2018/19 and, as a starter, immediately reviews the air quality monitoring equipment along the A2 and at the Key Street/Chestnut Street/Wises Lane area without undue hesitation.

 

Proposed by Councillor Nicholas Hampshire and seconded by Councillor Mike Baldock.

Minutes:

Councillor Nicholas Hampshire proposed that:

 

“There is growing acknowledgement on this Council from all sides about the issue of air quality across Swale, together with the need for focused air quality monitoring, so as to gauge an accurate picture of the current situation facing our residents now and into the future.

 

The A2, in particular in the area surrounding the Key Street roundabout, is of prime concern.

 

With significant development coming forward, such as that at Wises Lane in Borden, increased vehicle movements undoubtedly will adversely impact air quality further.

 

We believe the Council has a duty of care to its residents and ensure existing levels do not deteriorate further.

 

It is difficult, therefore, to conclude no adverse impact on air quality will occur from development when the Council does not have adequate, if any, air quality monitoring systems in place at key potential development sites.

 

This cannot continue.

 

This is even more pressing following the Supreme High Court ruling in Newington.  This judgement indicated that “both applicant and council need to demonstrate that mitigation measures actually work”.

 

Additionally, we were shocked to learn from a public meeting held on Saturday 9 December 2017 at Borden Parish Hall, that independent spot checks in the Key Street area showed air quality levels to be considerably worse that those put forward by the developer in their planning application for Wises Lane.

 

We kindly ask, therefore, that this Council increases the budget for air quality monitoring in the Borough in its Budget for 2018/19 and, as a starter, immediately reviews the air quality monitoring equipment along the A2 and at the Key Street/Chestnut Street/Wises Lane area without undue hesitation.”

 

The Motion was seconded by Councillor Mike Baldock who reserved his right to speak.

 

In proposing the motion, Councillor Nicholas Hampshire proposed an amendment to include the word “potential” after “With significant…..” on the first line of the third paragraph of the motion.  He referred to the Newington case and the defence of data sets put forward by developers and said that the Council needed its own data sets.  He highlighted the cross-party backing and support already received from the Leader.

 

The Leader of the Labour Group agreed that Air Quality was a critical issue but said that it was a Borough-wide issue, not just the Key Street area.  He added that the proposal was too vague and specific borrowing costs had not been included in the motion.

 

In the debate that followed the following points were made:

 

·         monitoring equipment should be placed at pinch points;

·         the whole of the A2 should be included;

·         the motion was a good starting point;

·         air quality had been measured for many years but no action taken;

·         some measuring equipment was inaccurate;

·         monitoring stations were expensive;

·         all areas were affected and the motion included monitoring for the whole Borough;

·         there had been no feedback from the Air Quality Management Plan; and

·         the measuring of particulates was misrepresented.

 

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 451.

452.

Questions submitted by the Public pdf icon PDF 47 KB

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

 

Question and response added 23 January 2018.

 

 

Minutes:

The Mayor advised that one question had been submitted by a member of the public.  Mr Greenhill, on behalf of the Swale Seniors Forum, was not in attendance at the meeting but had acknowledged receipt of the response which can be viewed on the Council’s website, and is attached as Appendix I to these minutes.

453.

Questions submitted by Members pdf icon PDF 76 KB

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).

 

Questions and Response added 22 January 2018.

Minutes:

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

 

Question One

 

Councillor Mick Galvin had arranged to meet with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Wellbeing and did not have a supplementary question.

 

 

Question Two

 

Councillor George Samuel asked what action had been taken to engage traders?  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration advised that there had been two meetings with traders and officers had been communicating with individual traders about their specific concerns, including financial hardship.  He added that all deliveries were made last Friday and he thanked the traders for their cooperation in assisting with integrating the High Street into the regeneration scheme.

 

Question Three

 

Councillor Roger Truelove asked the Cabinet Member for Regeneration if he considered that the construction industry failure and lack of skills were linked? He stated that investment in training was essential.  In response, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration said that the four major issues were: the commercialisation of education; the running down of alternative adequate policy; the failure of the nation not to follow the German model having a 3 tier post-11 education system and lastly not learning practical skills from parents.

 

Question Four

 

Councillor Mike Henderson thanked the Cabinet Member for his direct and precise answer and asked if the Empty Dwelling Management Order process was being used. He referred to the housing of Syrian refugees.  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Wellbeing said that three pieces of strong legislation were being used to bring properties back into use as the reduction in empty properties showed.  He added that more Syrian refugee families would be housed.

 

Question Five

 

There was no supplementary question.

454.

Leader's Statement pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Members may ask questions on the Leader’s Statement.  (To follow).

 

Leader’s Statement added 23 January 2018.

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader introduced the Leader’s Statement.

 

HGV Parking and Associated Issues

 

The Deputy Leader extended his congratulations to Councillor Mike Whiting on his recent appointment as Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transportation and Waste.  Members shared their thoughts of the families of the young men who had lost their lives in the recent accident on the A2 near Boughton.  A Member sent his good wishes for a speedy recovery to the Leader after his recent knee surgery.

 

A Member requested a meeting with Councillor Whiting, the Leader and Deputy Leader to discuss appropriate areas for HGV’s to park.  Another Member suggested that lorry parks should be cost effective to encourage use.  The Mayor added that HGV drivers often received payment for accommodation and parking.

 

A Member said that many hauliers had nowhere appropriate to park and suggested smaller lorry parks in local areas rather than concreting over large areas.  The Deputy Leader agreed that KCC should look at hotspots.

 

A Member spoke of the new Swale Police District Commander Chief Inspector Rachel McNeil, as referred to in the Leader’s Statement, and informed Members that Inspector Craig West had also joined the Swale Community Safety Team.  The Deputy Leader welcomed the news.

 

Kent Environment Champions Group Celebration Event  - 21 December 2017

 

The Leader of the UKIP Group congratulated those recognised for their achievements at the event, at which the Chief Executive had accompanied SBC staff.  In response to a question from the Leader of the Labour Group, the Deputy Leader advised that he was not familiar with the Kent Environment Strategy.  The Leader of the Independent Group advised that as well as his work at Milton Creek Country Park, Kris Staples had also worked hard and made a huge difference at Oare Country Park.  A Member advised that Faversham had won gold in the South and South East in Bloom competition.

 

Reflections and Aspirations

 

Members referred to the Leader’s comments on the new Multi-Screen Cinema and drew attention to the existing cinemas in Sittingbourne and Faversham.

 

The Leader of the UKIP Group highlighted the Leader’s comments on the proposed development at Cleve and Nagden Marshes and asked if Members would have the opportunity to comment on the proposal? The Deputy Leader said that he would seek clarification on this going forward.

 

The Leader of the Labour Group drew attention that 11,000 more new homes in Swale was in excess of the 36% required by Central Government.  The Deputy Leader advised that he would be attending a meeting later in the week to discuss the Mayor of London Local Plan and its impact on surrounding areas.

 

The Leader of the Independent Group asked the Deputy Leader if he could confirm that there had been communication with the Duchy of Cornwall on possible development on land in the borough?  The Deputy Leader confirmed that there had been communication in the Council’s call for sites in the borough.

 

A Member spoke of the increase in housing in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 454.

455.

Treasury Management Half Year Review pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Audit Committee introduced the report which outlined the treasury management transactions for 2017/18, which had been discussed by the Audit Committee on 29 November 2017.  He thanked the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, the Chief Financial Officer and the Management Accountant and proposed the recommendations which were seconded by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance.

 

Resolved:

 

(1)  That the performance information in the report be noted.

(2)  That the prudential and treasury management indicators within the report be approved.

456.

Resolutions for Calculating Council Tax Base pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance introduced the report which asked the Council to agree the Council Tax resolutions, and proposed the recommendations.  The Deputy Leader seconded the proposal.

 

The Leader of the UKIP Group referred to paragraph 3.3 on page 14 of the report and asked how the collection rate would be increased?  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance agreed to provide a response.

 

The Leader of the Independent Group asked how the tax base in Tonge Parish had doubled in 12 months and was advised that this was due to the increase in housing at East Hall Farm.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19(5), a recorded vote was taken and voting was as follows:

 

For:  Councillors Sarah, Aldridge, Mike Baldock, Cameron Beart, Bobbin, Monique Bonney, Andy Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Roger Clark, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Paul Fleming, Mick Galvin, James Hall, Nicholas Hampshire, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Ken Ingleton, Nigel Kay, Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Padmini Nissanga, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, David Simmons, Ben Stokes, Roger Truelove, Anita Walker, Ghlin Whelan, Mike Whiting, Ted Wilcox, Tony Winckless and John Wright. Total equals: 38

 

Against: None

 

Abstained: None

 

Resolved:

 

(1)  That the report of the Chief Financial Officer for the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the year 2018/19 be approved.

 

(2)  That pursuant to the Chief Financial Officer’s report and in accordance with the Regulations made under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (The Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 (as amended)) and the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012:2914), and the Local Government Act 2003, the amount calculated by Swale Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the whole area for the year 2018/19 shall be 46,590.79  The Council Tax Base for the individual Town and Parish Councils within the borough area shall be as itemised in Appendix II to the report.