Audio Recording

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.

No interests were declared.

In accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 a resolution to confer the title of Honorary Freeman must be passed by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members voting. The Council is asked to pass the following resolution:

“That this Council in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 do confer upon Mr Peter James Morgan the title of Honorary Freeman for his extraordinary and long term dedication to serving the people of Swale, through individual care and outstanding support to community groups.”

Councillor Roger Truelove proposed and Councillor Ben J Martin seconded that Honorary Alderman Peter James Morgan be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough, and gave speeches in support of the proposal.

Councillor Truelove outlined Honorary Alderman Morgan’s long and successful career in public services including his chairmanship of the Swale Footpath Group, the Dolphin Barge Museum and the Sittingbourne and District Volunteer Bureau and as founder of the Sittingbourne Heritage Museum,  Crossroads Care and Home Start.  In speaking about Honorary Alderman Morgan’s popularity as a teacher, Councillor Truelove said that he had been governor of schools in Sittingbourne and Queenborough.

Councillor Ben J Martin said that Honorary Alderman Morgan was influential and inspirational, and he spoke of the many positive contributions that Honorary Alderman Morgan had brought to the Borough.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the Mayor displayed a scroll to reflect the honour.

Honorary Alderman and Freeman of the Borough of Swale, Mr Morgan gave a speech in recognition of the award.  He spoke of others he had worked with throughout his long career and said the award also belonged to them.  He thanked his wife and family for their support.

Resolved:

(1)  That this Council in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 confer upon Mr Peter James Morgan the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough to acknowledge his extraordinary and long term dedication to serving the people of Swale, through individual care and outstanding support to community groups.