Audio Recording

The Mayor’s Chaplain said Prayers and led a minute’s silence in memory of Alan Marolia, officer at Swale Borough Council, who sadly passed away recently.

The Mayor and several other Members paid tribute to Alan.

The Chief Executive praised Alan’s attitude to his work and spoke of how proud he was of staff supporting each other at such a difficult time.

Members welcomed Councillor Prescott to the meeting after his stay in hospital.

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.

The Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 November 2918 (Minute Nos. 331 - 344) as a correct record Link to minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 November 2018 (Minute Nos. 331 - 344) 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 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.

Councillor Mike Baldock disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 – Motion on railways -  as he sat on the Kent Community Rail Partnership.

Councillor John Wright disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 – Motion on railways – as he sat on the Kent Community Rail Partnership.

The Mayor reminded Members of the Council procedures rules.  In response to a Member on whether a mis-representation of a Member not as part of the debate could be raised, the Mayor advised he could be flexible.

The Mayor highlighted events he had attended in recent months which included Christmas lights at Highsted School, planting a tree at Oasis Academy, Companionship for Christmas on Christmas Day at Phoenix House and The Christingle  event at Canterbury Cathedral.  The Mayor had also enjoyed the Greek Orthodox blessing at sea in Margate.

The Mayor also advised Members that eight of the 22 awards given at the recent Kent Environment Strategy event were won by Swale organisations.  Members applauded the achievement.

Two motions have been received:

1.  The Council calls on Kent County Council to abandon any proposal to reduce the hours of public access at our public libraries.

Proposed by Councillor Roger Truelove and seconded by Councillor Harrison.

2.  The Council calls on our two constituency MPs to press their Government to find alternative ways of investing in railways other than perpetual annual hikes in fares.

Proposed by Councillor Roger Truelove and seconded by Councillor Tony Winckless.

Hours of Access at Libraries

Councillor Roger Truelove proposed that:

The Council calls on Kent County Council to abandon any proposal to reduce the hours of public access at our local libraries.

This was seconded by Councillor Harrison who reserved her right to speak

In proposing the motion, Councillor Truelove said that the cuts in hours were considerable but there was no specific detail to assess who would be worse-affected.  He questioned whether the proposal to reduce hours was financially-led as savings were minimal, and criticised the lack of detail in Kent County Council’s (KCC) proposal and how the consultation was carried out.  He highlighted the benefits of libraries to residents.

The Leader said that Swale Borough Council (SBC) could not tell another tier of Government what to do and there was not yet enough information to make a valid judgement. 

The Leader of the Swale Group said that SBC had previously raised opinions on non-SBC proposals and asked why not now? He questioned why there needed to be cuts to services when additional funding was provided by Section 106 payments, and highlighted the lack of an Equality Impact Assessment.

The Leader of the Independent Group said that library services should be maintained and advised that Faversham Town Council would be writing to KCC. He encouraged SBC to do the same.

The seconder of the motion drew attention that reducing the hours of the library services would cut-off access to those residents applying for jobs or benefits, and said that many residents relied on using services for support.  She considered that the library services were a vital community hub.

In summing up, Councillor Roger Truelove stressed that SBC should be representing local people.

During the debate a recorded vote was requested.

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

For:  Baldock, Bonney, Darby, Fleming, Galvin, Garrad, Hall, Harrison, Henderson, Nissanga, Truelove, Walker, Whelan and Winckless.  Total equals 14.

Against: Aldridge, Beart, Bobbin, Booth A, Booth T, Bowen, Bowles, Clark, Conway, Cosgrove, Dendor, Dewar-Whalley, Gent, Horton, Hunt Ingleton, Kay, Koffie-Williams, Lewin, Marchington, Prescott, Pugh, Samuel, Simmons, Taylor and Wilcox.  Total equals 26

Abstained:  Hampshire, Whiting and Wright. Total equals 3.

The Mayor advised that the motion was lost.

Investment in Railways

Councillor Roger Truelove proposed that:

The Council calls on our two constituency MPs to press their Government to find alternative ways of investing in railways other than perpetual annual hikes in fares.

This was seconded by Councillor Tony Winckless.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Roger Truelove said that investment in railways should be shared as everyone benefitted. He said the rise in fares was a disincentive for those that needed to travel to work in industries that benefitted all, and he highlighted other services tax payers paid for that they do not necessarily benefit from.

The seconder of the motion said that an increase in fares pushed more rail users onto already overcrowded roads.

The Leader said that whilst he had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 419.

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

Question added 3.1.19.  Response added 7.1.19.

The Mayor advised that one question had been submitted by the public, the answer to which had been provided, could be viewed on the Council’s website and was attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes. The Mayor invited the member of public in attendance to ask a supplementary question.

Question One

Elaine Hopkins passed a petition with 150 signatures asking for the reinstatement of the CCTV cameras previously sited in Staplehurst Road and Howard Avenue, Sittingbourne, to the Mayor. She referred to the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and stated that the cameras in Jordan Way, Sittingbourne had met the criteria.  She drew attention that the shrubbery in the area was overgrown.  Mrs Hopkins stated that the £20k cost of the 2 cameras was originally met by the organisation and asked that if the cameras were to be decommissioned,  compensation for the removal and disposal of cameras should be considered.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities agreed to consider the points raised and would provide a formal, written response.

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).

Questions added 2.1.19.  Responses added 7.1.19.

The Mayor advised that five questions had been submitted by Members, the answers to which had been provided, could be viewed on the Council’s website and were attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes. The Mayor invited all the Members to ask a supplementary question.

Question One

Councillor Roger Truelove said he could provide a list of Academies in Swale and asked that those schools be advised of their rate relief entitlement.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said that Academy schools employed their own professional business managers who should be looking for finance and to raise funds.  He highlighted that SBC could not give preference to contacting schools to advise, in case other organisations were not also advised, and it could set a precedent.

Question Two

Councillor Roger Truelove asked how many partner properties there were?

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities agreed to provide a written response.

Question Three

Councillor Ghlin Whelan asked which partners provided the figures for the number of people sleeping rough, what support was being given to rough sleepers and what was the appropriate support?

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities invited Councillor Whelan to the next Policy Development and Review Committee on 16 January 2019,  where the answers would be provided.

Question Four

Councillor Tony Winckless asked whether there were now less staff to monitor CCTV cameras and was it a cost-cutting exercise to reduce cameras?

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities said that the review of the CCTV system was not financially-led and an increase of £8k was put into the budget for the service last year.  He added that the review was about finding the best service for the residents of Swale.

Question Five

Councillor Tony Winckless asked if there were plans to re-route HGV’s and provide better signage directing HGV’s to use the Northern Relief Road, and would there be further improvements to the roundabout?

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration advised that KCC kept routes under review and some drivers might taker longer to get used to the roundabout.  He added that other safety features might be added to assist.

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

Leader’s Statement added 8.1.19.

The Leader presented his statement which gave updates on the Lower Thames Crossing, the District Council’s Network (DCN) Member Board Meeting and South England Councils Executive Meeting, and the Business Rate Pilot.  The Leader invited questions.

Lower Thames Crossing update

The Leader of the Swale Group asked what was possible to mitigate the extra traffic and was it likely to come forward?  The Leader said there were four items: confirmation that both the funding for the design and construction for the improvements for A249/junction 5 were in place; improvements to the A249 junction to the M20; redesign of junction 7; and a commitment that Central Government would consider expanding the M2 from Medway Services to Brenley Corner.

The Leader of the Labour Group commented that press releases on the subject with the Council’s view point were not discussed with Members from all groups beforehand. 

The Leader of the Independent Group agreed and asked why the four items he suggested could not be decided and committed to?  The Leader advised that the issues had been discussed at Kent Leaders, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership and other meetings, and the Borough Councils and KCC were in agreement about the way forward, but Central Government had conflicting pressures throughout the whole country.

Updates from recent meetings attended by the Leader

(a) DCN Members’ Board Meeting

The Leader of the Swale Group asked the Leader what plans had been prepared for Swale in case of a No Deal Brexit?  The Leader advised that he and the Chief Executive were fully engaged in meetings to discuss.

The Leader of the Labour Group referred to the oversubscription of Housing Infrastructure (HIF) Grants, and asked what impact that could have on Swale and its expectations?  The Leader replied that it could be quite damaging and gave an example of the problems in accessing and possibly losing grants.

In response to a suggestion from a Member, the Leader advised that officers were already looking at how to access the future High Street fund which would have £675million available.  He agreed to update Members in the future.

In response to a Member request, the Leader clarified the process of the Town Centre prospectus and agreed to update Members in the future, when full details were known.

A Member drew attention that most of the HIF grants were allocated to the northern part of the country but the south had the most housing targets, and asked for the DCN Members’ Board’s opinion.   He also sought clarification on whether there was a rush to get the HIF grant money for Queenborough & Rushenden as reported in the press before Christmas?  The Leader advised that the DCN Members’ Board covered districts throughout the country, in the north and south so not all Members agreed about the HIF fund, but the matter had been discussed at South East Leaders where Members agreed the situation was unfair.  He agreed to arrange for officers to provide details of the Queenborough and Rushenden HIF grant money.

South  ...  view the full minutes text for item 422.

A Member highlighted an error on the penultimate line of the first paragraph which should read Swale Borough Council.

Resolved:

(1)  To adopt the Department of Health consolidated Model Byelaws for acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis, contained in Appendix I.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee introduced the report which outlined the treasury management transactions for 2018/19, which had been discussed by the Audit Committee on 28 November 2018. 

A Member drew attention to an error at paragraph 2.4 on page 10 of the report, which should have said £28m not £28.  He said that reports should be proof-read properly.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance apologised for the error.

In response to questions from Members to clarify whether the £3m referred to on paragraph 15 was the same £3m referred to on pages 11 and 14, and a request for further explanation on the minus 0% figure on page 19, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance agreed to provide responses.

Resolved:

(1)   To note the performance information in this report.

(2)   To approve the prudential and treasury management indicators within the report.

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 Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance seconded the proposal.

The Leader of the Swale Group referred to 3.1.3 on page 24 and asked what the estimate number of new properties was, and on what was the estimate based on? He asked for a comparison with the Local Plan expectations.  Another Member asked how accurate SBC were at estimating the figures?

The Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said that the figures were published last year, and the estimate was based on the best estimate at that time.

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

For: Aldridge, Beart, Bobbin, Booth A, Booth T, Bowen, Bowles, Clark, Conway, Cosgrove, Dendor, Dewar-Whalley, Gent, Hampshire, Horton, Hunt, Ingleton, Kay, Koffie-Williams, Lewin, Marchington, Pugh, Samuel, Simmons, Taylor, Walker, Whiting, Wilcox and Wright.  Total equals 29.

Against:  Baldock, Bonney, Darby, Fleming, Garrad, Hall, Harrison, Nissanga, Whelan and Winckless. Total equals 10.

Abstain: Galvin, Henderson and Truelove. Total equals 3.

Resolved:

(1)  That the report of the Chief Financial Officer for the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the year 2019/20 be approved.

(2)  That pursuant to the Chief Financial Officer report and in accordance with the Regulations made under the Local Government Finance Act1992 (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 2019/20 shall be 47,344.08. The Council Tax Base for the individual Town and Parish Councils within the borough area shall be as itemised in Appendix II to this report.

Council is asked to note the recommendations from the following meetings:

(a)  Minute Nos. 359 - 368 from the Audit Committee held on 28 November 2018

(b)  Minute Nos 380 - 389 from the Cabinet meeting held on 12 December 2018

The Council was asked to note the recommendations, as separate reports on the items had been considered earlier in the meeting.

Resolved:

(1)  That Minute Nos. 359 - 368 from the Audit Committee held on 28 November 2018 be noted.

(2)  That Minute Nos 380 - 389 from the Cabinet meeting held on 12 December 2018 be noted.