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 11 October 2017.

Responses published 17 October 2017.

Updated response to question 2 published 18 October 2017

The Mayor advised that nine questions had been submitted by Members, the answers to which had been provided, can be viewed on the Council’s website, and are attached as Appendix II to these Minutes.

The Mayor invited Members to ask a supplementary question. 

Question One

There was no supplementary question, as the Member who had submitted the question was not present at the meeting.

Question Two

The Mayor drew attention to the revised answer that had been tabled.  Councillor Roger Truelove asked if the Cabinet Member was aware that the financial predicament of the NHS Hospital Trust was also caused by the Virgin Healthcare Group going over budget, and that with the break-even position predicted how could there be no impact on local patients during the winter?  He referred to the staffing concerns being exacerbated by the departure of European people, and asked did he not agree that whatever the politics, the status of European people in the health service needed to be clarified?

The Cabinet Member agreed that clarification was needed regarding the status of European people, and advised that the answer he had given was as advised by the Swale Clinical Commissioning Group.

Question Three

Councillor Ghlin Whelan asked if the Leader could be more explicit about the role of the local MP?  What evidence was there of lobbying and could he have more detail?

The Leader advised that he and Gordon Henderson MP had met with the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss problems of highway infrastructure in Sittingbourne, and they were working closely with him, civil servants and the Treasury.

Question Four

Councillor Ghlin Whelan referred to the £2bn pledge and considered that this was inadequate over five years, as it would result in eight social or affordable properties per authority.  He asked what this would equate to for Swale, and how many people were on the housing waiting list?

The Cabinet Member responded by saying he would research and come back to him with a written answer.  He welcomed opportunities to work with housing associations to make joint bids to build social and affordable housing.

Question Five

Councillor Roger Truelove asked if more resources should be put to attracting a developer for land of this type, and asked whether a development plan for East Street would help to attract a development partner?

The Cabinet Member did not think there was a problem attracting developers, and said that his concerns may be premature, given that they were working with developers to bring plans forward in the near future.

Question Six

Councillor Harrison asked the Leader a number of questions regarding Universal Credit, referring to the announcement that day regarding a Freephone number for the Department of Work and Pensions; the impact on vulnerable people in Swale; the position regarding council tax arrears; the need to publicise the Freephone number for emergency payments; and the need to monitor resources and the impact on Swale staff.

The Leader asked for a list of questions so he could consider and respond to each point.  He believed in the principle of Universal Credit but it needed to be done properly, and he would supportoOfficers to make it work.

Question Seven

Councillor Tony Winckless asked the Leader what the response had been from Government Ministers?

Councillor Mike Cosgrove advised that he was given to believe that the decision regarding 12A was not set in stone, and representations had been made by many Kent authorities including Kent County Council and Medway as well as local MPs and other stakeholders.  Sufficient concern had been raised at every level.

Question Eight

Councillor Tony Winckless advised that he did not have a supplementary question.

Question Nine

Councillor Mike Henderson asked about the timing of the 100 homes for temporary accommodation; was the Crimean Hospital the only other option being considered; and what action had been taken regarding housing for refugees following the Council motion on that issue?

The Cabinet Member responded by saying that they were working hard to progress this and there were currently 50/60 temporary accommodation homes on the statute books and more were expected to be used;  the prison service were keen to assist; the Crimean Hospital was being looked at seriously and a decision would be made by the end of December 2017; and that housing refugees was part of the plan.