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 published 10 June 2015.

Responses published 17 June 2015.

The Mayor advised that 7 questions had been submitted and responses from the relevant Cabinet Members had been tabled at the meeting.  The questions and responses are attached as an Appendix to these minutes.

The Mayor invited Members to ask a supplementary question. There was some discussion regarding the interpretation of procedure rules relating to the time allowed for questions.

Question 1

Councillor Roger Truelove read out his question, to which the Cabinet Member responded.  He asked the following supplementary question “how will Members input into that review?”

The Cabinet Member advised that the draft would be taken to the Scrutiny Committee to seek feedback on the proposals.  He acknowledged that many of the play areas were getting old and in need of regular maintenance and upgrading, and that the quality of play area equipment had improved considerably in recent years.  He also confirmed that Environment Wardens checked play areas with an emphasis on health and safety, and encouraged Members to contribute to the review as they knew their areas well and which play areas were most used.

Question 2

Councillor James Hunt read out his question, to which the Cabinet Member responded.  The Cabinet Member also added that it was important for Members to see what changes were taking place within their wards, so that the Council was aware of businesses that were closing or opening.  Every Member could help in this way to ensure that funds were available to provide services for residents.

Question 3

Councillor Cameron Beart read out his question, and advised that he was happy with the answer given by the Cabinet Member.  He asked the following supplementary question: “Could the Cabinet Member explain why the number of enforcement cases is higher in Swale compared to other districts?”

The Cabinet Member responded by saying that the number of cases processed were higher compared to other authorities; there were a large number of cases associated with polytunnels and the unsettled community, however even taking this into consideration, the number of cases was still higher in comparison which he could not explain.  He referred to the review of planning enforcement which would be considered by the Policy Development and Review Committee.

Question 4

Councillor George Samuel read out his question, to which the Cabinet Member responded to.  Councillor George Samuel asked the following supplementary question: “Can you give a further breakdown of the amounts awarded for the Sittingbourne area?”

The Cabinet Member responded with information about the amounts that had been spent in Sittingbourne, together with the spectrum of organisations to which those amounts had been awarded to.  Over half of the Heritage Grant Fund, 60% of the Culture Grant and over half of the Sports and Physical Activity Grant had been awarded to the Sittingbourne area.

Question 5

The Mayor advised that this question would not be put to the meeting, as the Member was not in attendance.  The Member could re-submit the question to the next meeting of the Council if she wished to.

Question 6

Councillor Mike Baldock read out his question, to which the Cabinet Member responded by saying ‘yes’ and clarified this further by saying that the Council was working closely with Kent County Council and the Environment Agency, who was the lead authority.

Question 7

Councillor Katy Coleman read out her question, to which the Cabinet Member responded to.  In respect of the Mill Project (Skate Park) he added that additional monies had been secured for the project, which now totalled £297,000.

Councillor Katy Coleman asked a supplementary question, regarding the Milton Creek Cluster Study.  She asked “does the Cabinet Member agree that if the project was in 2006/7, shouldn’t the Council stop distributing brochures that suggested it was a current project?”

The Cabinet Member responded by saying it was an ongoing project with substantial funds put towards it, however, if the brochures were out-of-date they would need to be updated.