To consider any questions submitted by the public.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm the Friday before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

Questions and Responses uploaded Monday 23 January 2017.

The Mayor advised that six questions had been submitted by members of the public, the answers to which have been provided and attached as Appendix I to these minutes.  The Mayor invited the members of the public to read their questions and ask a supplementary question.

Question one

Kane Blackwell read his question and the Cabinet Member for Housing and Well-Being read his response. In his supplementary question, Mr Blackwell asked that Swale Borough Council (SBC) promoted existing mental health centres and encouraged central government to do more to address the lack of mental health support, particularly in Swale.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Well-Being advised that as the Chairman of the Local Children’s Partnership Group (LCPG), he had brought these issues to the attention of the agencies and organisations on the LCPG, and was currently organising a joint forum to consider the issues further.  He added that Kent County Council were funding a two-year pilot scheme in Swale for those with mental health issues, called Head Start.

Question two

Graham Smith read his question and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance read his response.  In his supplementary question, Mr Smith asked why the borrowing of funds was not being spent on affordable housing in Swale?  In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance advised that funds would be invested to raise income,  in order to maintain services.

Question three

Vic Wintergreen read his question and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance read his response.  In his supplementary question, Mr Wintergreen questioned the viability of the cinema chain, and asked why prospective tenants would wish to lease any of the new proposed properties, when there were already many vacant properties in Sittingbourne Town Centre? In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said that the cinema operator was an up-and-coming company, and highlighted their success in Walsall, Birmingham.  He added that he believed the new scheme would benefit the High Street, and encourage visits to the Town Centre.

Question four

Paul Steele read his question and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration read his response.  In his supplementary question, Mr Steele asked whether SBC had audited the market research carried out by The Light Cinema, and was it available to see?  In response, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration advised that some of the research was commercially sensitive, but that box office receipts had increased year-on-year.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration gave examples of how the cinema experience had positively changed.

Question five

Helen Martins acknowledged the response to her question, and had no supplementary question.

Question six

Simon Clark read his question and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance read his response. In his supplementary question, Mr Clark stated that Turnberry Real Estate Ltd were not qualified to give financial advice, and sought assurance that qualified financial advice would be given.  In response, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said he was content with the advice from Turnberry Real Estate Ltd, and drew attention to the current good financial position that SBC were in, due to being well-managed financially. He added that services currently provided by the Council in the future would be badly affected without investment to generate additional income.