The Leader said:

“On being elected Leader of this council I said that I would remain committed to working positively with all parties as we strive to achieve our ambitions to deliver for our residents throughout the Borough. To that end I and colleague coalition leaders have already agreed to meet regularly with the Leaders of the opposition groups to informally discuss issues in an air of mutual trust and respect.

Of course the intent to work with all parties is not mutually exclusive and has equal significance and importance looking outwardly as it does looking inwardly.

In support of that drive, since being elected I have attended and represented our Council at cross party meetings of the Greater North Kent Leaders, I have had a very positive meeting with the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey and I have attended the Kent Leaders forum which includes Leaders, Chief Executives and representatives from every District Council and both of the higher tier Councils in the County.

Having attended these meetings what I can say is, that there are inextricable similarities in emerging themes that are common to every one of those Councils and there is a real will to work together in a supportive way to achieve the best outcomes Countywide.

On a truly pleasurable note I had the privilege of meeting Community Leaders, volunteers and invited guests at the re-opening of the Sheerness Dockyard Church. Having attended the serious fire there in my previous professional capacity, the 2001 fire that is, not the one 120 years earlier, I was absolutely amazed to see this true phoenix of a restoration, sympathetically maintaining many original features echoing times long past and cleverly combining it with the light and airy more contemporary style of the new interior aspects. On the day of the celebration we were looking forward to welcoming Dehenna Davison MP to Sheerness too, but unfortunately her planned visit had to be cancelled, but we do hope to be able to welcome her at some point in the future.

Moving forward we face many challenges and difficult choices will have to be made, our economy is barely off life-support, and we face the stark reality that so many of our residents are sadly, just not going to be able to manage. But as a coalition we are committed to looking at addressing the issue of affordable housing and homelessness and we will continue in our quest to tackle health inequalities particularly in terms of GP provision and accessing appropriate services locally.

The continuation and impetus in the excellent progress that we have made on Environmental issues which has put this Council at the forefront Nationally, will remain a priority going forward.

We will strive and lobby for Educational opportunities for our youngsters, in a system that is fit for purpose and allows them to have, and realise, their ambitions and dreams. Skills gaps in particular is an issue for us and we will look at how we can provide innovative ways to address this moving forward.

We must also not forget our businesses that are currently struggling, especially our high streets and local centres and how we might create opportunities to help to support them in challenging financial times for all. There is much, that is very special and unique about Swale and it is our role as members to make it a better, safer, kinder and prosperous place for people to live, work and visit.”

Members were invited to respond.  Questions and points raised included:

·           The Conservative Group looked forward to a good working relationship, would act as a critical friend and hold the administration to account but would not oppose for the sake of it;

·           supported integrity, inclusivity and respect, and the promotion of diversity;

·           congratulated Swale residents Nimisha Raja (Founder, Nim's Fruit Crisps) on her MBE for services to Small and Medium Enterprises and to Victoria Golding (Wildlife Rehabilitator, Kent Wildlife Trust) BEM for services to Education, to Charity and to Animal Welfare;

·           the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed progressive working together;

·           welcomed lobbying for improvements in education, particularly the provision of Special Educational Needs which was lacking;

·           referred to Swale being a kinder place and highlighted it was Pride month, and Refugee month;

·           thanked volunteers who helped make the Isle of Sheppey a cleaner place;

·           how would the Leader revitalise Town Centres?;

·           thanked those involved for getting the Sheerness Dockyard scheme off the ground;

·           the Committee System assisted in cross party working together;

·           agreed that improving healthcare and education, particularly on the Isle of Sheppey, was vital; and

·           pleased that there was a continued commitment to Environmental issues in the borough.

In response, the Leader thanked Members.  He said he did not view those not in the administration as ‘opposition’ but as the ‘opportunity’ to work together for residents.

The Leader said he had raised the lack of Special Educational Needs with the Leader of Kent County Council (KCC).  This had been acknowledged and budget costs were being looked at. 

The Leader acknowledged Pride month and Refugee month and stressed the importance of words and actions to support.

Referring to the revitalisation of Town Centres, the Leader said there would be wider consultation of the Corporate Plan, to seek residents’ views.

The Leader advised that the Chair of the Housing and Health Committee was liaising with the National Health Service around the lack of GP provision across the Borough.