The Leader said:

“As this evening’s meeting is potentially extensive in nature I intend my leaders statement unlike me to be short and sweet as there are far more important matters on the agenda.

I will not dilate here on the key agenda item this evening which of course is the budget, but I would just highlight that to add insult to injury the Country is officially in Rish cession.

Plans are continuing to take shape to deliver more health, education, leisure and employment opportunities on Sheppey. East Kent Colleges Group unveiled draft plans for one of three schemes that make up the Sheerness Revival Project at two consultation days last week which due to illness I was unfortunately unable to attend but ward members and other colleagues did.

At the event plans for EKC Sheppey College’s extension were on display for viewing and to get comments and feedback from the public and local members, before final plans are submitted to the council. The extension, is of course part of the £20 million Sheerness Revival project which we have put together after successfully bidding for Levelling Up Funding. I am indebted to my coalition colleague Cllr Monique Bonney and our officers for their drive, enthusiasm and hard work behind the scenes on this project.

Whilst speaking about Sheerness it would be remiss of me not to mention the not insignificant fire at Garrison Road which lasted for an extended period of time and required residents to ensure that windows etc.. remained closed for safety and thankfully there were no injuries. Ward members reported how professional the fire crews on the ground had been in dealing with the incident and I will feed that back to KFRS.

The February policy and resources committee meeting saw agreement for the council’s draft Corporate Equality Scheme 2024 – 2028 to go out to consultation. The scheme outlines how the council will fulfil its moral, social and legal obligations to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations.

The four outlined objectives in the scheme are:

• Supporting integration and cohesion in our local communities
• Supporting our vulnerable residents
• Ensuring easy, clear and convenient access to our services
• Promoting equality as a local employer

These objectives are designed to underpin the council’s overall aims laid out in our new draft Corporate Plan, with the proposed vision being, learning from the past, focusing on the future.

The equality scheme sets out how we aim to make Swale a fairer place for everyone, our Borough is becoming an increasingly diverse place, and as a council, we need to tailor our services to meet those changing needs, whilst providing value for money for local residents.

There is of course so much more that I could have said, but as I stated at the outset I will keep it short and sweet and accordingly that concludes my Leaders statement.”

In response, the Leader of the Conservative Group acknowledged the work of the MP in helping to secure funding from the Levelling Up bid. He referred to the recent fire in Murston that had closed a road and led to chaotic traffic and welcomed the news of the Council’s draft Corporate Equality Scheme 2024 -2028.

The Group Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the news on the Sheerness Revival Scheme and praised the work on the draft Corporate Equality Scheme 2024 – 2028 but asked officers to include information on sexual orientation and gender identity as collected in the most recent census.

Referring to the fire at Garrison Road, Murston, a Member thanked and gave praise to Kent Fire and Rescue Services, highlighting the good communication in keeping the public informed.

The Leader noted all responses.