Audio Recording

The Mayor explained that the Cabinet meeting would be conducted in accordance with the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panel (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No 392.

In welcoming all Members and members of the public, the Mayor explained which Swale Borough Council officers were in attendance.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 June 2020 (Minute Nos. 697 - 713) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 June 2020 (Minute Nos. 697 – 713) 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 Mayor 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.

No interests were declared.

The Mayor advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his term so far had been unusual.  He said that he had attended a virtual event as a guest at the Lord Lieutenant’s award ceremony which was an opportunity for individuals who demonstrated the volunteer ethos to be recognised.  The Mayor said that he had attended a virtual civic reception, an annual event to welcome all new Mayors in Kent held by Kent County Council’s (KCC) Chairman, Graham Gibbons.

The Mayor spoke of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) cycling event held at Milton Creek Country Park which he had attended with the Mayoress.  He explained it was the first of four bicycle training sessions organised by Diversity House to encourage women who had not cycled as children, to take up a new exercise.

The Mayor said that there would be a change to the order of the Agenda moving the exempt report (Item 10 – Appointment of Chief Executive) to the end of the meeting, to be heard in closed session before returning to open session to consider Item 18 – Recommendations for approval.

This Council considers the Government's White Paper on Planning Reform to be counterproductive to good placemaking and anti-democratic.

This Council notes that whilst the wording claims the new proposals will improve delivery of affordable housing and environmental benefits, we believe the impact of the proposals will have a negative affect. 

Instead, this Council calls on the Government to give more powers to Local Authorities to set rigorous standards and have the powers to actively enforce them. 

We call for the following powers to be given to Local Authorities:

1) Abolish the methods used by Developers to Landbank land by giving Local Authorities the ability to rescind Planning Permissions where development has stalled without adequate grounds

2) Abolish VAT on the restoration and conversion of buildings.

3) Remove Government Targets for housing delivery  and allow Local Authorities to deliver Local Plans and Housing Targets based on identified local need without the requirement of a Government Inspector Approval.

This Council calls on the Government to reconsider its current White Paper.

Proposed Mike Baldock

Seconded Richard Palmer

Councillor Mike Baldock explained that he had received an amendment to the motion from Councillors Alan Horton and Mike Whiting, for which he thanked them, and in accordance with procedure rule 17.5, he accepted the alteration to the original motion.  The Monitoring Officer sought the consent of all Members in agreeing to alter the motion. There was no dissent.

Councillor Baldock welcomed the input of the opposition group in putting forward a stronger motion and their shared concern over the Government’s proposals which would increase housing numbers, particularly in Swale.  He proposed the following updated motion which was seconded by Councillor Richard Palmer who reserved his right to speak:

“This Council urges Government to reconsider its proposed Planning White Paper.

This Council notes the Government’s proposals within the White Paper for more affordable housing, green growth and the provision of infrastructure, but believes the methods suggested for achieving these are ill-thought through, may be counterproductive to good placemaking, and certainly appear to undermine local democracy.

This Council believes any new planning system must deliver the necessary infrastructure (medical services, education provision, transport connectivity and local services) before new homes are built.

This Council believes that borrowing by local authorities to pay for that infrastructure, as proposed, is the wrong approach and unsustainable.

This Council would like to see VAT abolished on the restoration and conversion of buildings, as a way of encouraging the use of smaller brownfield sites.

We call for Local Planning Authorities to be given the ability to rescind planning permissions where development has stalled.

Finally, this Council rejects the proposed changes to the methodology for setting housing numbers which it believes produces unrealistic, unsustainable and ultimately undeliverable targets.”

In the debate that followed Members made comments which included:

·       The Government were mistaken that the country’s lack of housing was a result of the planning system;

·       there was an imbalance of housing across London and the South East compared to the rest of the country;

·       the Government’s white paper threatened local democracy, encouraged poorly designed housing and gave the opportunity for developers to ‘cherry pick’ sites in their interest;

·       locally elected representatives should determine planning applications;

·       infrastructure should come first;

·       developers should not be able to land bank;

·       some elements of the planning system were in need of reform;

·       concerns over ‘growth zones’ and new proposals for Permitted Development Rights;

·       unhappy with how a proposed amendment to the original motion had been handled as an alteration;

·       the original motion was inadequate;

·       encouraged the Leader to send a strongly-worded letter to Government setting out Swale Borough Council’s (SBC) views;

·       highlighted the negative effect the white paper would have on affordable housing;

·       drew attention to development with planning permission not yet implemented;

·       concern over increase in proposed housing numbers;

·       praise for the altered motion;

·       critical of original motion;

·       needed a common-sense approach to planning;

·       praise for cross-party support; and

·       housing delivery should be based on local need.

Councillor Richard Palmer in seconding the motion praised the cross-party support and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 162.

This Council notes that:

·       Dementia is one of the biggest health issues facing the UK

·       In the UK, 850,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia

·       This condition will affect one in three people over the age of 65, that figure is predicted to rise by two thirds by 2030

·       Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that might be exhibited by people living with one of any number of diseases of the brain; it is not a natural part of aging

·        Dementia is not just about losing your memory; it can also affect thinking, communication, inhibitions, and everyday tasks

·        With the right care, support and understanding from those around them that it is possible for someone to live well with dementia and to continue to contribute to community life.

This Council commends the work that has been done so far in our Borough by for example but not limited to:

·       Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne

·       Alzheimer’s Society Kent & Medway

·       Argo Life & Legacy Ltd

·       BlueBird Care

·       Dementia Inspired Ltd.

·       Helpd Ltd

·       Isle of Sheppey dementia friendly community forum

·       Kent County Council

·       Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS)

·       No Place Like Home

·       Pulse Cafe

·       Sittingbourne Dementia Friendly Community Forum

·       The Forum Shopping Centre

·       Oasis Academy

This Council realises that as a public service there is more that it could be doing to support our community living with Dementia and the Council commits to:

·       All new Council staff appointed to customer-facing roles and all future members of this council participate in Dementia Friends training as part of their induction.

·       Existing staff in customer-facing roles participate in Dementia Friends training within twelve months.

·       All current members and the Council’s Strategic Management Team to participate in Dementia Friends training within 12 months.

·       Environmental checks are carried out in Swale House to ensure that the building is Dementia friendly.

·       Carry out a review of Council employment practices to ensure that best practice is being followed in offering staff living with dementia, or caring for a family member living with dementia, appropriate ongoing support and flexible working arrangements.

·       To write to Secondary schools in Swale to urge them to include information about living with dementia in the local Personal Social and Health Education curriculum delivered to pupils to help develop their understanding of dementia.

·       To work closely with existing DAA members to create supportive working relationships.

·       To become a signatory of the National Dementia Declaration

·       To commit to not using disempowering language in communications and press releases for example: “victim”, “suffering from dementia”

·       An annual progress report to be brought to Council to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week in May of each year.

Proposed by:  Councillor Hannah Perkin

Seconded by:  Councillor Derek Carnell

In proposing the motion Councillor Hannah Perkin highlighted that dementia was one of the biggest health issues facing the UK with 850,000 people estimated to be living with dementia.  She said that the condition would affect one in three people over the age of 65, and the figures were predicted to rise by two thirds by 2030.  Councillor Perkin said that there was a lot the Council could do to support those living with dementia to live a fulfilling life for as long as possible and in helping friends and family members who were supporting people with dementia in the Borough.  She explained some of the effects that Covid-19 had on those living with dementia including detachment from their family, and she spoke of personal experience.

Council Perkin drew attention to the positive relationships formed with partner agencies undertaken by Councillors previously and said that the motion was a step forward in carrying out further work in raising greater awareness and understanding of dementia.  She thanked Paul Murray from the Oasis Academy and Alison Carter from No Place Like Home for their assistance in the motion.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Derek Carnell reserved his right to speak.

In the debate that followed, Members gave an account of their personal experiences with dementia and made points which included:

·       Supportive of the motion;

·       thanked Councillor Perkin for bringing the motion forward;

·       with informed understanding many living with dementia could lead fulfilling lives;

·       highlighted activities, organisations and networks that assisted in dementia;

·       pleased that the motion focused on awareness and breaking down prejudices;

·       SBC needed to look at ways to help organisations be more effective in assisting those with dementia;

·       suggested lobbying for better day and residential care;

·       drew attention to the work of the Dementia Café at Oasis Academy;

·       gave praise to the organisations listed in the motion that gave support to residents in the Borough;

·       praised care homes and their staff;

·       supported education of the wider community; and

·       spoke of the impact of leading healthy lives in a good environment had in delaying the onset of dementia.

Councillor Perkin thanked Members for their input.

Resolved:

(1)  That Council note the information at the bullet points in the first paragraph of the motion.

(2)  That Council commend the work that has been done so far in the Borough by the organisations listed in the second paragraph of the motion.

(3)  That this Council realises that as a public service there is more that it could be doing to support our community living with Dementia and the Council commits to:

-        All new Council staff appointed to customer-facing roles and all      future members of this Council participate in Dementia Friends      training as part of their induction.

-        That existing staff in customer-facing roles participate in DementiaFriends training within twelve months.

-        That all current members and the Council’s Strategic Management Team to participate in Dementia Friends training within 12 months.

-        That environmental checks are carried out in Swale House to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 163.

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).

The Mayor advised that there were 2 questions from public.  Mr Palmer was unable to attend the meeting and the response to his question would be circulated.

Question 1 – Mr Greenhill

“The January 2019 report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life identified some best practice recommendations on local government ethical standards which it expected local authorities to implement.  The Committee will be asking in the Autumn for Councils' progress in implementing the recommendations.  To what extent has Swale Council implemented the recommendations?”

Response – Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Roger Truelove.

I thank Mr Greenhill for his question. Swale Borough Council’s Standards Committee has taken a strong interest in the review of local government ethical standards by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The Standards Committee reviewed the report and its recommendations in January of this year and resolved to implement or investigate the implementation of the report’s few substantive recommendations aimed at local authorities rather than government. Progress on this work will be reported to the Standards Committee in the autumn.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life wrote to the Council in July advising that it was delaying its review of the implementation of its best practice recommendations until later in the year as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Swale already complies with roughly half of those best practice recommendations which are aimed at principal councils, and is either working on or considering how it can implement a further four of them.

Several of the best practice recommendations concern the content of the code of conduct. One of the report’s substantive recommendations was to the Local Government Association to produce a model code of conduct, with the expectation that this would ultimately be adopted by most councils across the country. Swale’s Standards Committee has followed this work with interest and submitted a detailed response to the LGA’s consultation on a draft model code back in August.

I believe there has to be room for individual Councils to adapt model documents of this nature – and indeed best practice recommendations – to suit local conditions, but our view of the model code as it stands is generally positive, and we will wait to see how it develops over the coming months before making anything other than urgent changes to our own code. The model code accommodates some but not all of the CSPL’s best practice recommendations. Swale’s consultation response did particularly highlight the unhelpful absence of a list of specific behaviours which could constitute bullying, and we hope that this is corrected in the final version.

Supplementary question

There was no supplementary question but Mr Greenhill thanked and praised the Democratic Services Team for their efficiency, courtesy and assistance, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis.

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 9 questions had been received from Members. Each

Member was invited to put their question which was responded to by the relevant Cabinet Member. The questioner was then invited to ask a supplementary question. The Mayor advised that any questions not asked within the thirty minute time limited would receive a written response.  Details of the questions and responses are set out below:

Question 1 – Councillor Mike Whiting

The new housing policy, on which the Council has recently consulted, will increase the number of people on the Council’s housing waiting list. How will he meet that increased need during the remaining term of his administration or is he simply giving people false hope on which he cannot deliver?

Response – Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Ben J Martin

Thank you for the question. The new housing allocation's policy, for which public consultation closed last Friday, is designed to increase fairness and bring the council in to line with government guidelines. it may increase the number of people on the housing register in a very limited and specific way, however it will rectify the issues caused by the current draconian policy which artificially conceals the affordable housing need within the borough, giving a true reflection of the housing need within Swale. Meeting the true need for affordable housing will be challenging, especially when some public authorities like KCC are land banking and if the government's proposed changes to the planning system, which includes removing the requirement of sites of less that 50 dwellings to provide affordable housing goes ahead. But this administration has made affordable housing a priority for this council, and I will do everything in my power to increase the delivery of affordable housing during my time on this council.

Supplementary Question

To what extent would the policy increase numbers and by how many?

Response - Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Ben J Martin

The Council does not hold a list of people who do not currently qualify on the housing register.  SBC had been in a much more strict position than other authorities, not in line with current Government guidance, which had concealed the number of people in housing need for affordable housing in the Borough. To tackle a problem, acceptance of the problem was the first step and SBC had been using a draconian method of measuring housing need and the new policy was designed to address these concerns. The proposed Housing Policy would be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting on 28 October 2020.

There was no supplementary question

Question 2 – Councillor Mike Whiting

The Conservative administrations at KCC and at SBC ensured Parish Council representation and full voting rights on the Swale Joint Transportation Board to help ensure the broadest local representation.

If his Coalition Administration wants to make the new Area Committees equally local and representative and, to quote their Terms of Reference, "to bring local insight to bear in council decision-making?", why has he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 165.

The Mayor reminded Members that the amended procedure rules on the Leader’s Statement were agreed at Annual Council in July 2020 in order to give more Members than only the Leader of the Opposition Group a chance to respond.

The Leader said that recent Government decisions had signalled a new phase in the fight against Covid-19 and its social and economic consequences, and it would inevitably signal new pressures and administrative activity for the Council.  He said that having had the intense lockdown phase from March to June, there was then a period of comparative respite through the summer, with people patriotically eating out to help out.

Referring to the future, the Leader said that we appeared to be embarking on a long six-month winter of hibernation, with the possibility of further restrictions on individual lifestyles. He said that we could not know what impact this might have on the economy but also on people’s wider health and especially mental health.

The Leader said that we had to hope that people could sustain the sense of community and responsibility that characterised the earlier stages of the pandemic, and that both the NHS and the economy could survive. He added that we had to be prepared for increasing homelessness and unemployment.

The Leader said that the Council had a role to play, both in countering the impact of the pandemic but also in offering as many positives as it could to push back on the downsides of what would be a difficult winter.

Highlighting attention to the positives over the summer months, the Leader said that the capital works of the SBC and Heritage Lottery funded scheme at Faversham Recreational Ground were complete and the park was looking excellent and well supported. Heritage features such as the Garden Lodge had been restored and a number of new assets added, such as the outdoor gym, the catering kiosk and outdoor performance space.

The Leader happily acknowledged that the project was started and championed by Councillor David Simmons, and this demonstrated the advantage of continuity from one administration to another.

He said he was also pleased to say that SBC had played a significant part in ensuring that the Faversham swimming pool could re-open. He added that whilst it was not a Swale Council function, the administration believed such a facility was a vital part of recovery and resilience, in maintaining people’s physical and mental health.

The Leader highlighted that those benefits were for Faversham and it was not unknown in Swale Council circles for someone to say “what about us and my bit of the Borough?”.  He said he could only answer that we wanted to share public realm and public recreational improvements across the whole Borough and would do, remembering we are all Councillors for the whole of Swale.

The Leader said that since the end of the first lockdown officers had continued to meet the demands of resilience in a wide variety of ways: further payments to local businesses, active  ...  view the full minutes text for item 166.

The Leader introduced the report which sought Members’ agreement to adopt the corporate plan 2020-2023 as set out at Appendix I of the report, and to note the updated Covid-19 recovery plan as at Appendix III.  In proposing the recommendations he said that this followed on from the all Member forum that had been held in July 2020.  The Leader reminded Members that the corporate plan had been to consultation and considered by the Policy Development and Review Committee (PDRC), and it set the tone for how the Council moved forward. Councillor Mike Baldock seconded the recommendation and reserved his right to speak.

The Leader of the opposition acknowledged the corporate plan was the coalition’s collective vision for the future and said that his group would support the plan when they considered it was right, and would explain why when they disagreed.

Councillor Baldock thanked the Leader of the opposition for his fair and balanced response. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the corporate plan 2020-2023 at Appendix I be adopted.

(2)  That the updated Covid-19 recovery plan at Appendix III be noted.

The Leader introduced the report which sought to agree the extension of short-term parking concession until January 2021, when it would be reviewed again.  In proposing the recommendation, he said that there had been a full discussion previously on the subject.  The Leader said it was impossible to know whether the proposal had increased footfall or the amount of time that visitors to the town stayed, or any way of evaluating the loss of income, although it was likely to be a minor loss.  In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Monique Bonney reserved her right to speak.

The Leader of the opposition said that it was difficult to evaluate its impact and he was supportive of the concession.

A Member gave his support to the concession but suggested that the scheme be better advertised.

Councillor Bonney said it was a courtesy to encourage residents who visit the town centre with the time to shop whilst socially distancing.

Resolved:

(1)  That a further car parking concession as part of the Council’s response to Covid-19, specifically a free additional 30 minutes on all parking tickets purchased from 1 October 2020 to 10 January 2021 be agreed.

The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report which asked Council to note the Climate and Ecological Action Plan.  In proposing the recommendation the Cabinet member for Environment drew attention to the top ten high priority key actions on page 71 of the Agenda and he said that good progress was already being made.

Councillor Alistair Gould seconded the recommendation.

The Leader of the opposition thanked the Cabinet Member for Environment and noted the report.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan be noted.

Report added 1 October 2020.

The Leader introduced the report which sought to make minor changes to Cabinet portfolios in order to balance the weight of responsibilities across the Cabinet.  He said that responsibility for Heritage, Conservation and closed churchyards would be added to the Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning’s portfolio, on and off street parking facilities and enforcement including Joint Transportation Board processes would be added to the Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet Member for Community, and play areas and outdoor fitness equipment including development and maintenance would be added to the portfolio of the Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet Members for Health and Well-being.

In seconding the recommendation, the leader of the opposition noted the report.

Resolved:

(1)  That the updated Cabinet portfolio responsibilities as set out at Appendix I be noted.

(2)  That the scheme of delegations set out Part 3 of the constitution remains otherwise unchanged.

Report added 2 October 2020.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning introduced the report which set out amendments to the Constitution which the General Purposes Committee had recommended to Council.  In proposing the recommendations, he explained the proposal to amend the Planning Committee’s functions so that the designation of Conservation Areas became an executive function.  The Leader seconded the recommendations.

In supporting the recommendations the Leader of the opposition drew attention to the second recommendation, to update the scheme of officer delegations to reflect the Cabinet decision on anti-idling legislation. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the Constitution be amended so that responsibility for agreeing Conservation Area statements and action plans becomes an executive function (Appendix I).

(2)  That the Constitution be amended to update the scheme of officer delegations to reflect the cabinet decision on anti-idling legislation (Appendix II).

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee introduced the Overview and Scrutiny Annual report 2019/20.  In proposing the recommendations, he said that Scrutiny gave all Members the chance to ask questions of the Cabinet.  He referred to the useful debate on the budget at the Scrutiny Committee meeting in January 2020.  He thanked the Cabinet Member for Economy and Property for her attendance and candid and open discussion when updating Members on the Sittingbourne Town Centre regeneration.

The Chairman of Scrutiny Committee thanked all Cabinet Members that had attended, Democratic Services and the Policy Officer.  He also thanked the Vice-Chairman and all Scrutiny Committee Members and highlighted the development of a Vice-Chairman in chairing occasional meetings.

In seconding the recommendation, the Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee thanked Members of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Leader said that the function of Scrutiny was vital in a Cabinet system and he praised the Chairman for the well-run, productive meetings.

The Leader of the opposition thanked all Members and officers for their attendance and assistance at Scrutiny Committee throughout the year and noted the increased numbers of Members in attendance.

Other Members thanked the Chairman, Vice-chairman and officers.  A Member drew attention to paragraph 3.15 on page 116, highlighting that the task and finish group were unable to progress due to Coronavirus restrictions, but hoped to revisit in the future.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2019/20 be noted.

The Chairman of the Policy Development and Review Committee introduced the report.  He thanked the Policy Officer and proposed the recommendation which was seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

The Leader gave thanks to the PDRC for their input on Area Committees, spoke about the proposals  for Cabinet Advisory Committees to be discussed at the next PDRC meeting and thanked the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Policy Officer.

The Leader of the opposition echoed the thanks given to members of the PDRC, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and supporting staff.  He expressed concern that the proposals for Cabinet Advisory Committee would abolish PDRC.

A Member said that holding the meetings in the Committee Room had encouraged more effective working together.  He added that the Area Committee format changed as a result of ideas arising from the PDRC and he thanked the Committee and officers for their input on this and the Heritage Strategy and Maritime Working Group. Another Member thanked the Committee but said that many of the suggestions from PDRC were ignored and he expressed his concern over the possible abolition of the Committee.  In response, a Member insisted that changes were made to Area Committees as a result of suggestions from PDRC and he said that the proposals for Cabinet Advisory Boards would extend involvement from Members.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Policy Development and Review Committee’s Annual Report for 2019/20 be noted.

Resolved:

(1)       That under Section 100 (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, 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:

Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

The Leader introduced the report and explained the recruitment and selection process that had taken place over the previous three months. He said that the recommended person was the best candidate for Swale.  The Leader gave some work experience history of the recommended person and thanked the Head of HR Services and Councillors Mike Baldock and Ken Ingleton.

In the discussion that followed Members gave their support to the decision.

The Leader gave his thanks to the Senior Management Team who had given an outstanding service through a range of difficult times over the previous 15 months, and said he looked forward to the new Chief Executive joining Swale Borough Council in January 2021. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the recommended appointment of Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service for Swale Borough Council be approved.

(2)  That the appointment be confirmed and remunerated in accordance with the Council’s approved salary range at Scale 14.

(3)  That delegated authority be given to the Chair of the Appointment Sub-Committee, in conjunction with the Head of HR Shared Services to finalise the arrangements and agree the start date for the Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service.

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

Minutes from the General Purposes Committee held on 1 October 2020 (to follow)

Minutes from the Appointments Sub-Committee held on 5 October 2020 (to follow)

Paper added 7.10.20

Resolved:

(1)  That Minute No. 152 from the General Purpose Committee held on 1 October 2020 be noted.

(2) That Minute No. 156 from the Appointment Sub-Committee held on 5 October 2020 be noted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8.43pm to 8.48pm and 10pm to 10.05pm.

At 10pm, Members agreed to the suspension of Standing Orders so that the Council could complete its business.