Members may ask questions on the Leader’s Statement. 

Published Monday 14 December 2015.

The Leader presented his Statement to Members which included the following topics: Comprehensive Spending Review, Syrian Refugee update, MKIP Annual Report, Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report, Tesco Community Funding, and the Paris Agreement.

Comprehensive Spending Review

The Leader of the Labour Group considered that investment in manufacturing, skills and infrastructure should be the focus for the future, and the Leader agreed that the Government delaying the decision on the new runway at Heathrow was frustrating.  When asked by the Leader of the Independent Group whether there would be funding to improve skills, the Leader advised that any available money would be used to upskill people to support the local economy, and he hoped to update Members on this in the future.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration referred to Junction 5 of the M2 motorway in Highway England’s spending plans, the low unemployment levels in Swale, and the high skills level of employees at the Kent Science Park. The Leader advised that the Junction 5 proposals would be kept at the top of the agenda.

Syrian Refugee Update

The Leader of the UKIP Group sought clarification on whether refugees would be moved on at the end of the scheme, and the Leader advised that 80% of refugees would be sought from refugee camps or around the area of the camps, that strict Home Office criteria checks for eligibility would be carried out, and refugees would not be moved on at the end of the scheme.  The Leader further advised that the multiple and complex needs of each refugee would be considered.

The Leader of the Labour Group welcomed Swale Borough Council’s participation in the scheme, and suggested that more publicity should be given to highlight that Central Government would be financing the scheme and that refugees will be housed in private rented accommodation.

A Member asked the Leader if the Government would reimburse costs for the entire length of the scheme, and if there was a plan at the end of the five years?  The Leader confirmed that the Government had guaranteed financial reimbursement and the situation would be monitored and kept under review. He further added that he hoped for an improvement in the situation in the Middle East, so any refugees may be able to return.

MKIP Annual Report

The Leader of the Independent Group highlighted communication issues between the Planning Administration Team in Maidstone and Planning Officers in Swale House.  In response, the Leader advised that weekly meetings with the Cabinet Member for Planning and the Head of Planning Services took place to continuously improve the service, and determination rates were now better than before the shared service had  started.  He also highlighted the lack of qualified Planning Officers nationally.

Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report

In response to a question from a Member regarding the benefits of signing the Covenant and the resources available to implement it,  the Leader advised that no officers had specific training in assisting with post-traumatic stress disorder, but he would update the Member in more detail in writing.

Tesco Community Funding

The Leader of the UKIP Group sought clarification on the amount of grant awarded in each of Tesco’s areas, and the Leader advised that the amount was up to £12,000. A Member suggested the scheme could be extended to smaller businesses.

Paris Agreement

The Leader of the UKIP Group sought more commitment and responsibility to protect the environment and the Leader of the Independent Group highlighted the lack of available grants to householders to make their homes more energy efficient.

A discussion ensued and a Member suggested specific funding to be allocated for green projects, whilst another Member suggested that Swale Borough Council’s Environmental Policy and Development Management Policy should be reviewed.  The Leader suggested that specific funding for green projects could be considered in future budgets, and the review of the policies highlighted could be considered in 2016.