Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the  Minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2024 (Minute Nos. 128 - 146) as a correct record.

Councillor Tom Nundy raised a point of order under part 3.1.5 of the Constitution that the reason for the late addition of the Report for Standards subcommittee from 27 November 2023 as discussed at Full Council was noted and should be set out in the minutes. Councillor Richard Palmer referred to the Local Government Act 1972 and further raised that the special circumstances should be recorded in the minutes. Subject to the inclusions of the special circumstances being added, the minutes were taken as read, approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

Councillor Shelley Cheeseman declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 13 Review of  Current Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 as she ran a small lottery scheme.

Councillors Mike Baldock, Andy Booth and Rich Lehmann declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Motion on Seashells Children’s Centre as they were Kent County Council (KCC) Councillors.

Councillor Dolley Wooster declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Motion on Seashells Children’s Centre as she sat on the Seashells Steering Group.

During the debate on the Winter Fuel Allowance, the Mayor declared a non-pecuniary interest as he worked with Policy in Practice documentation.

The Mayor advised that there had been over 20 events attended by himself or the Deputy Mayor since the previous Council meeting at the end of July 2024.  He highlighted the Civic Service, Faversham Hop Festival, the RNLI Summer Ball on the Isle of Sheppey, a Sittingbourne Salvation Army event and the recent visit to Landsdowne Primary School whose pupils had impressed him with their Microsoft skills.

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Alex Eyre to her first Full Council meeting since being elected to represent the Priory ward in Faversham.

The Mayor advised that the funeral details of former Mayor, Alderman Steve Worrall had changed and would now be held on Monday 21 October 2024 at midday. 

Councillor Angela Harrison led the tributes to Former Mayor, Alderman Steve Worrall. She said he was the first inclusive Councillor and was passionate about Labour politics when in the Chamber. Councillor Harrison said he always represented his residents well and had left a lasting tribute in his campaign for the successful development of a railway crossing at West Minster. 

Councillor Mike Baldock said Alderman Worrall’s passing was a sad day for Swale and the community had lost someone special. He said he had firm opinions and was a good speaker. Councillor Baldock said he would be remembered very fondly.

Councillor Lloyd Bowen said he felt lucky to have shared a Chamber with Alderman Worrall. He remembered him as passionate, loud, caring and with a wealth of knowledge and said he was a credit to residents and to the Council.

Although having not met Alderman Worrall, Councillor Hannah Perkin had spoken to those who had and they described him as a Councillor that worked hard, stood by his principles and commanded a room.  She sent her condolences to the family.

Councillor Tony Winckless said Alderman Worrall was passionate and had taught him a lot.  He referred to his forty-three year term and said he was a character.

Councillor Ashley Wise recounted his personal experience of the guidance Alderman Worrall had given him as a teenager to progress his interest in politics which led to him asking a public question at Full Council.  He said he was an entertaining character, often with a twinkle in his eye.

Councillor Dolley Wooster said she hoped the family of Alderman Worrall would be very proud to hear how highly spoken he was by Members.

The Mayor said that past Mayors and the former MP had both contacted him to pay their tributes to Alderman Worrall who they had described as a man of principle who was well respected.

There was a minute’s silence in memory of former Mayor, Alderman Steve Worrall.

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

There were no questions submitted by public.

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

The Mayor advised that two questions had been received from Members.

Question 1 – Councillor Hannah Perkin

I have recently been helping a number of residents that are waiting an unacceptable time for their PIP reviews. One resident I have been supporting has already been waiting for 40 weeks and has been told that it will be a minimum of 55 weeks. Is there more that the council could be doing to support residents in a similar position? 

Response – Chair of Housing and Health

I am aware that there has been a backlog of PIP reviews for several years, I have asked Officers to contact the DWP to understand the latest position and what more can be done, I am still waiting for their response.  As a Council we will review any other benefits that a resident may be entitled to and signpost them to other avenues of support whilst they wait.  We have developed our support in partnership with the Voluntary and Community Sector to help people access support through our One Swale Roadshows, our targeted support through Household Support Fund and our continued financial support of Swale Citizens Advice Service.

Supplementary

Will there be any One Swale Roadshows online to cater for those with mobility issues?

Supplementary Response

Thank you for the suggestion, it is a good idea which I will take back.

Question 2 – Councillor Hannah Perkin

The centre of Faversham is increasingly full of cars parked along previous double yellow lines that are being left to fade and reportedly now unenforceable. The JTB will not open a discussion on reinstating the lines because senior members are looking at other ways of controlling parking. The pedestrianisation of the Town Centre was mentioned. Could I please have an update on the scheme and an expected timeline. 

Response – Chair of Community and Leisure

Members will be aware that the administration investigated support for town centre pedestrianisation schemes in the period following Covid-19-related town centre traffic closures. Following positive indications, we committed to exploring this further for Faversham, and dedicated town centre reserve funding to preparatory work.

As part of this, we undertook an Equalities Impact Assessment which was clear that the scheme would require exemption for blue badge holders in order not to have a negative impact for disabled residents / visitors.

Kent County Council would be responsible for enforcing violations of any ANPR-supported pedestrianisation scheme, and have advised

• they are working with their contracted camera provider to enable appropriate exemptions.
• All KCC schemes had been temporarily on hold as the Department for Transport changed vehicle owner access software. This hold was released to enable schemes to progress only in mid September.

We have been and continue to be, dependent on third party timescales.

Implementation will also require further formal engagement and consultation – from KCC on the use of their enforcement powers, and as part of the Traffic Regulation Order process via JTB.

Members may wish to note that KCC have very recently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 291.

The Leader said:

“Thank you Mr Mayor and good evening one and all. Firstly, could I, as leader of the council align myself with the tributes paid to former Mayor, Alderman Steve Worrall. Like many here this evening I never had the fortune of sharing the chamber with Steve, but through so many anecdotes from those that did I know that he was thoroughly respected, forthright and a truly outstanding representative, advocate and servant to his residents in Sheerness.

Whilst reflecting on Members past I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest Councillor to the chamber and formally congratulate Liberal Democrat Councillor Alex Eyre on successfully being elected as member representing Priory ward after the sad passing of former Councillor Mike Henderson.

Moving on, it is fitting that it is in Steve Worral’s old political stomping ground of Sheerness where I continue my Leader’s Statement. In particular with the Sheerness revival project where amongst other things young people will benefit from increased opportunities to learn the valuable skills that they need to support them as they embark upon their working lives, following approval of plans for the expansion of Sheppey College which is a key component of our £20 million project.

The new facilities will make provision for accommodating more students and also offer a wider range of vocational aligned courses, with subjects including creative skills, engineering, and logistics. Providing these opportunities will equip local 16–19 year olds with the pre-requisite skills that they need to thrive in today's job market and provide a valuable contribution to the local economy.

Improving the education and training opportunities for young people in Sheerness and wider, is one of the fundamental strategies that we as an administration have strived to achieve.

Staying with Sheerness, young developing craftsmen and women will soon have a space to ply their trade and build their business with the support of a local charity. Our plans to transform the existing garages at Masters House into three workshops, a toilet and kitchenette have now been approved.

These modern, sustainably built workshops will provide the perfect space for artists, ceramists, woodworkers, screen printers and more to practice their craft and create and grow a business.

The Launch It charity will work with and empower these young entrepreneurs assisting them to fulfil their potential by providing the space, mentoring, and training needed to start up a business.

Masters House is already home to a number of small businesses following a £1.5m investment into its refurbishment from this council, a venue which is expertly run under the auspices of former Borough Councillor Denise Knight, the Enterprise Manager at Launch It Kent

Crossing back onto the mainland we have teamed up with Kent Police and other partners to implement measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as street drinking and youth nuisance, in Sittingbourne High Street. Public Space Protection Orders are now in place to address street drinking and give officers from Kent Police and the Council powers to issue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 292.

This council calls upon Kent County Council to stop its plan cut in funding and services at the Seashells children’s centre

Proposed by: Councillor Elliott Jayes

Seconded by: Councillor Dolley Wooster

Councillor Elliott Jayes proposed a minor change to his original motion that was set out on the Agenda, which was supported by the seconder, Councillor Wooster and accepted by Members. Councillor Jayes then proposed the updated motion as follows:

“This Council requests Kent County Council do not cut services and/or funding from Seashells Childrens Centre”

Councillor Jayes said that facilities in the Borough were under attack from KCC and Sheerness was in one of the most deprived areas in the country and was the most deprived ward in Kent. He referred to plans to improve the education of the children in the area with two new secondary schools and a junior college, and the damage that the cut in KCC services could have on children’s future by cutting services to the Seashells Children’s centre. Councillor Jayes said that 2,000 children were supported by the centre in 2023, and that other alternatives such as the Sheppey Gateway and the facility in Leysdown were not suitable due to location, being open plan, no outside space and limited parking. Finally, he said that the savings made by KCC in cutting services would cost more in the long-run as services would be fragmented.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Wooster reserved her right to speak.

Members were invited to speak and made comments including:

·         Short term cuts had long term consequences;

·         KCC were in a difficult financial position, but needed to look at alternatives and consider the long term benefits to residents;

·         many residents relied on the service;

·         secondary school education was being addressed, whilst support for the early start was being reduced;

·         gave a personal account of use of the service and the positive impact it had;

·         expressed frustration at the way KCC managed their budget;

·         the centre was a structured, engaging environment and the cornerstone of early childhood development;

·         the centre was an investment in children’s future;

·         considered the motion was premature, poorly written and factually incorrect as the decision had not yet been made;

·         SBC had already written in objection;

·         if KCC could not run it, SBC should;

·         referred to the Davey report ‘Save the NHS’ which highlighted that Sure Start and family centres were the key areas for long term health;

·         it was right for SBC to let KCC know their views;

·         KCC did have difficult financial choices to make, but chose to increase Members’ allowances by 10% whilst SBC froze their Member allowances; and

·         cutting funding to this vital service was bad economics as problems would increase without early support.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Wooster said that 73p in every pound of Council Tax collected by SBC went to KCC and it was disgraceful that support was being withdrawn. She praised the staff who worked at the Seashells Children’s Centre, particularly Jim Duncan. Councillor Wooster said KCC had previously acknowledged the outstanding work it did. Councillor Wooster said that communication, support and representation from KCC to all areas of the Isle of Sheppey was poor. She advised that KCC  ...  view the full minutes text for item 293.

Amendment added 1.10.24

In proposing the motion, Councillor Hannah Perkin explained that, along with the seconder of the motion, Councillor Charles Gibson, she had accepted a minor amendment to the motion from Councillors Bowen and Speed, which was published on the Council’s website and circulated to Members and this was now the substantive motion.

Councillor Perkin said that shortly after the announcement to withdraw the winter fuel allowance, Age Concern set up a petition to object to it, and it was often the voluntary sector that saw first-hand the daily struggles so many had to contend with. She referred to the likely 10% rise on the energy price cap and the unaffordability to so many during the cost of living crisis. Councillor Perkin said that Age Concern estimated that 2.5million pensioners who needed the money to stay warm this winter would not receive it, and they were concerned for those that missed out on the pension credit threshold, and the 800,000 eligible people that did not receive it. She drew attention to those that had high energy needs due to disability or illness and said the Government had admitted it had not carried out a Quality Impact Assessment alongside the policy.

Councillor Perkin acknowledged that some did not need the winter fuel allowance, but the policy would impact many and she said it was rushed and not thought through.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Charles Gibson reserved his right to speak.

The Mayor announced that a further amendment had been received, outside of the deadline, and he had used his discretion to allow the amendment to be debated, copies of which were tabled at the meeting.  Councillor Harrison proposed the amendment to the second half of the motion which read as follows:

Council resolves to:

Request all group leaders within Swale sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.

Continue a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pensions credits.  This will include use of Council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

Councillor Harrison said there should be a cross-party missive to sign the letter and it was important for there to be a pause and review of the Winter Fuel Payment policy. She referred to the original motion and said that the Council had already been increasing promotion of pension credit including the One Swale Roadshow and individuals were already targeted to inform and assist to receive entitlements.

In seconding the amendment, Councillor Wise reserved his right to speak.

In the debate that followed, Members raised points including:

·         The Labour Group did not want to stand up to Government;

·         cross-Council sent out a stronger message;

·         felt conflicted at the changes as agreed with some parts, but not others and could not support an amendment that took away the Council speaking with one voice, through the Leader;

·         supported including to ‘continue to’ increase awareness as this was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 294.

In proposing the recommendations, the Chair of the Standards Committee, Councillor Wise, thanked Members of the Housing and Health Committee for bringing the proposal to the Standards Committee. He said the Council should lead by example and it should be the minimum standard required when elected. Councillor Harrison seconded the recommendations.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 3.1.15 (18), Members moved to the vote.

Resolved: 

(1)  That Council agreed to introduce basic DBS Checks for elected Members, at the time of their election until the point that their appointment ceases (and for current Members, at the point of approval of this proposal by Council); and that for Members with an existing, relevant DBS check that this can be used as part of this process.

(2)  That Council agreed that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Leader and support from the Monitoring Officer, to manage the process for failure to complete DBS checks and if the check did reveal an offence.

The Chair of the Licensing Committee, Councillor Derek Carnell, proposed the recommendation which was seconded by the Vice-Chair, Councillor Tony Winckless.

Resolved:

(1)  That the draft Statement of Principles be approved and published no later than 2 January 2025.

The Leader introduced the report which set out the changes to the Political Balance and committee seat allocations and memberships as a result of a recent by-election. He updated the meeting that the Labour Group would be giving up a seat on the Licencing Committee. The Leader of the SIA Group advised that his group would be giving up a seat on the Housing and Health Committee. In seconding the recommendations, Councillor Perkin, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said that she would advise Democratic Services who from her group would fill the two seats allocated to her group once her group had met.

On being put to the vote, Members voted in support.

Resolved:

(1)  That the political balance calculation as set out in Appendix II be agreed.

(2)  That the seats and appointment of Members allocated to those Committees in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders as set out in Appendix III be agreed, subject to the inclusion of the two seats gifted, and changes to Members allocated from the Liberal Democrat group.

To follow report and appendix published 27 September 2024.

Councillor Jayes, Chair of the Member Development Working Group (MDWG), introduced the report. He thanked the officers who had worked hard on the strategy and asked that Members ask their group representative for any training needs. In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Wooster, Vice-Chair of the MDWG said the Strategy was a perfect example of cross party working at the Council and she thanked the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group for putting the idea forward.

The Leader of the Conservative Group supported the Strategy, but asked that the MDWG considered the personal needs and availability of working Members or those with families, in order that they might attend training and briefing sessions.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the document and said she hoped it would assist in the smoother transition of becoming a Councillor.

On being put to the vote, Members voted in support.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Member Development Strategy 2024- 27 be adopted.

To decide whether to pass the resolution set out below in respect of the following item: -

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

1. Information relating to any individual.

Councillor Richard Palmer raised a point of order under the Local Government Act 1972, paragraph 10 of schedule 12 and said Members should have the ability to weigh up whether the information in the report was exempt information, and he considered there was a public interest in knowing why the Member had not attended a meeting for six months. He compared a case at KCC which was heard in public and said there were many other examples and Members should vote to decide this. The Mayor advised that the process was for Members to decide whether to go into private session. A debate ensued and all Members in attendance except Councillors Baldock, Carnell, Chapman, Jayes, MacDonald, Nundy, C Palmer, R Palmer and P Stephen voted in favour of the resolution.

Resolved:

(1) That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act:

1. Information relating to any individual.

As the recommendation was not proposed and no discussion took place, the recommendation was not agreed.

Resolved:

(1)  That current personal circumstances impacting on physical health were not an appropriate reason to waive the requirement under s85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 for Councillor James Hall to attend a council meeting within six months of his last attendance.

At 10pm Members agreed to extend standing orders in order that Council could complete its business.

There was an adjournment from 8.45pm to 9:03pm.