Scrutiny Committee Recommendations added 20 November 2017.

The Mayor drew attention to the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Committee, which were included in the tabled papers for the meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance introduced the report, and advised that he accepted the Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations except for the fee for pre-planning advice meetings, as there were no meetings.  He proposed the recommendations with amendments as referred to in the tabled paper with the exception of the fee for pre-planning advice meetings,  which were seconded by the Leader.

The Leader of the Independent Group proposed the following amendments:

1.    That Swale Borough Council hands over charges for moorings to Faversham Town Centre and allows it to set and collect charges.

2.    Removal of new charge for Additional Litter bins.

3.    Removal of new charge for wheeled bins for community events.

4.    No charge for radar keys for disabled toilets with collection from Swale Borough Council offices.

The amendments were seconded by Councillor Monique Bonney.

Several Members highlighted that there had already been opportunities to discuss the report and suggest amendments.  The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee thanked the Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Manager, Principal Accountant (Technical) and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance for their hard work.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19(5), a recorded vote was taken on the amendment, and voting was as follows:

For:  Councillors Mike Baldock, Monique Bonney, Mark Ellen, Paul Fleming, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Mini Nissanga, Roger  Truelove, Ghlin Whelan and Tony Winckless. Total equals: 10.

Against:  Councillors Cameron Beart, George Bobbin, Andy Booth, Tina Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Bowles, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Mick Galvin, Sue Gent, Nicholas Hampshire, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Nigel Kay, Ken Ingleton,  Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, Ben Stokes, Anita Walker, Mike Whiting and Ted Wilcox. Total equals: 27.

No Members abstained.

The amendment was therefore lost.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance referred to the original proposal, which had been seconded, and this was put to the vote.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19(5), a recorded vote was taken, and voting was as follows:

For: Councillors Cameron Beart, Monique Bonney, George Bobbin, Andy Booth, Tina Booth, Lloyd Bowen, Bowles, Derek Conway, Mike Cosgrove, Mike Dendor, Duncan Dewar-Whalley, Mark Ellen, Paul Fleming, Mick Galvin, Sue Gent, Nicholas Hampshire, Harrison, Mike Henderson, Alan Horton, James Hunt, Nigel Kay, Ken Ingleton,  Samuel Koffie-Williams, Gerry Lewin, Peter Marchington, Mini Nissanga, Prescott, Ken Pugh, George Samuel, Ben Stokes, Roger Truelove,  Anita Walker, Ghlin Whelan, Mike Whiting and Ted Wilcox. Total equals: 35.

Against: Councillors Mike Baldock and Tony Winckless. Total equals: 2.

No Members abstained.

Resolved:

(1)  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Economy and Community Services in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and the Cabinet Member for Safer Families and Communities to increase the 2018/19 charge for Environmental Fixed Penalty Notices for littering and graffiti so that they will continue to be set to the maximum limit set by the Government should this change during 2018/19.

(2)  That the Local Land Charges fees are implemented 1 December 2017.

(3)  That the proposed fees and charges 2018/19 as set out in this report be approved subject to the following:

(a)  Outdoor Fitness Licence 1-4 people charge – the reintroduced charge deleted

(b)Disabled Parking Bay application – the new charge deleted

(c)  Pre-Planning advice householders letters - £25 rather than £50.