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

Questions added 19.1.17.

Responses added 23.01.17.

The Mayor advised that seven questions had been submitted to Members, the answer to which had been provided and are attached as Appendix II to these Minutes.

Question one

Councillor James Hunt thanked the Cabinet Member for his response, and asked the Cabinet Member whether he agreed that highway safety was a priority, especially near schools, and would Planning Services consider suggesting a 20mph zone when discussing applications with developers and the highway authority?  In response, the Cabinet Member for Planning said that, whilst he did not agree with a blanket 20mph zone, specific areas where it would benefit could be considered.

Question two

Councillor Mike Baldock thanked the Cabinet Member for his response, and asked if a larger budget for yellow lines was necessary in the future?  In response, the Cabinet Member said that the budget for yellow lining was used in priority areas for safety reasons, such as corners. It was difficult to predict how much budget would be required, in any given year, but additional money had been made available when required.

Question three

Councillor Roger Truelove referred to his response from the Cabinet Member, which advised that 25% was a realistically achievable target for affordable housing.  He sought clarity on how the proposed 700 homes development at Borden was due to provide 12% affordable housing, which the developer informed was 20% more than the 10% required by SBC?  In response, the Cabinet Member advised that 25% target was across the whole Borough, and 10% was the specific target for the proposed development at Borden.

Question four

Councillor Truelove referred to his response from the Leader, and asked why he, members of the public and staff were not interviewed in the review?  In response, the Leader advised that the Complaints Policy was in place, and that the Statutory Officers of the Council should not be overruled when when they had acted within the terms of the Local Government Act.

Question five

Councillor Cameron Beart thanked the Cabinet Member for his response, and asked if the Council would consider employing an Events Officer or Team?  In response, the Leader said if this was considered in next year’s budget, it would lead to an equivalent loss of staff in other service areas due to tight financial resources.

Question six

Councillor Ghlin Whelan referred to the Leader’s response, and asked if the Leader considered that the mental health needs of Swale’s residents were being met, and whether residents would prefer investment in specialist support accommodation in Swale, rather than in the Regeneration?  In response, the Leader reminded Members of the phasing out of Government grants, and the need to invest in Swale to provide income for the Council, and job opportunities for Swale residents.  He said that suggestions for investment were welcome, but investing in specialist support accommodation would not provide a net income.

Question seven

Councillor Ghlin Whelan referred to the response of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, and asked what were the Council receiving in exchange for the car park land when the developers had already sold it on to a third party for housing, and was there an update and progress on the use of the car parks? In response, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration advised that 70% of retail spend by Sittingbourne residents was outside Sittingbourne.  He added that the development deal was a quid pro quo, and the scheme would retain spend within Sittingbourne, create jobs, increase growth, and improve the standard of living.