In opening his statement, the Leader shared the good news that Swale Borough Council (SBC) had finally received confirmation of the full funding applied for from the Shared Prosperity Fund from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DELUP) for 2022-23, with indicative allocations for the two following years up to 2024-25.  He set out the annual breakdown as follows:

2022 – 2023              -           £141,929

2023 – 2024              -           £283,858

2024 – 2025              -           £743,709

The Leader said this represented a total investment of £1,169,496.00 in the borough across a range of revenue and capital projects which were developed with input from a member working group and local partners focusing on town centres, supporting local community organisations, incentivising investments in net zero measures, boosting the visitor economy and supporting local skills development.

The Leader went on to say feedback from Government was expected in the New Year on the Rural Prosperity Fund which could potentially provide an additional half a million pounds top up in capital funding.

The Leader said there was further good news from Government that the Levelling Up Bill would include the abolition of housing targets and give greater flexibility to Councils such as more affordable housing.  He referred to SBC pausing the Local Plan review to enable a more sustainable level of future development. The Leader praised and thanked Gordon Henderson MP for his input.

Turning to the Christmas season, the Leader encouraged Members to support local volunteers and groups. He acknowledged that this Christmas would be difficult for many in the community and gave praise to those that gave up their time or worked unsociable hours during the festive season to provide for others.

In response, the Leader of the main opposition group welcomed the news on the grant funding and said it was desperately needed. He said SBC were in a financially difficult position and the steady flow of money from Government would help.  Referring to housing numbers, the Leader of the main opposition group said he was encouraged but cautious, and SBC needed to show they were making progress and identify sites for development as the call for sites had gone out in the Spring. The Leader of the main opposition group praised the contribution made by everyone to help at Christmas. He referred to the NHS, saying that it should be cherished but did need sorting.

Members were invited to respond to the Leader’s Statement and made points including:

·         Thanked officers and community groups who helped in the bidding process for funding;

·         raised concern for some aspects of the Levelling Up bid, specifically Michael Gove’s statement that housing needs should be a starting point and nothing more;

·         advised that Faversham Food Bank now opened on a Monday evening for those in work that needed to use them and expressed concern that those in work needed to rely on food banks;

·         praised those that made lives less difficult for others in times of need;

·         requested information on key contacts open over the Christmas period to be circulated; and

·         wished everyone a peaceful and restorative yuletide period.

The Leader thanked Members for their comments and wished everyone the best wishes of the season.