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 17 July 2018).

Questions and responses added 24 July 2018.

The Mayor advised that seven 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 2 to these minutes.  The Mayor invited the Members to ask a supplementary question.

Question One

Councillor Roger Truelove advised that he did not have a supplementary question, but wished to hand in a petition organised by two residents (Graham Sewell and Anne Clive) who were objecting to the cancelling of the car park concession at the Swallows Leisure Centre.  He asked the Mayor if Graham Sewell could speak instead of him, which the Mayor advised would depend on time available.

Later in the meeting, the Mayor permitted Mr Sewell to speak.  Mr Sewell said that many people would not be able to afford to pay for the leisure centre and car parking, and that he was concerned about the impact that this would have on families and older people.  He asked the Council to reverse it’s decision to remove the concession at the Leisure Centre.

Question Two

There was no supplementary question.

Question Three

Councillor Mike Baldock referred to the advice given to contact KCC Highways, and asked who you would reach if you used the contact number? The Leader advised he did not know that, but if the issue was escalated then it would reach the KCC Cabinet Member.

Question Four

Councillor Tony Winckless asked if there would be a public apology from KCC and what action would be taken in the future regarding lack of grass cutting?

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs advised that the Member would need to contact KCC for an apology from KCC.  In terms of moving forward, they could only react to weather conditions and would work together with KCC and contractors.

Question Five

Councillor Ghlin Whelan asked if he could have an answer to his original question, asked how many members of the public had attended, and whether it was a publicity stunt and a waste of officer time and taxpayers money?

The Leader advised that he could not speak on behalf of the KCC Cabinet Member and had no details of the meeting.

Question Six

Councillor Monique Bonney considered it was a staggering amount, especially given that the Local Plan had been ‘shelved’, and asked of the £3.6m spent on the Local Plan, who had funded it?  Was it Swale Borough Council or Central Government Grant?

The Cabinet Member for Planning Services advised that the budget was set annually within the Council’s budget, and that the amount had been funded by the Council taxpayer.

Question Seven

Councillor Monique Bonney asked if she would see a robust budget set for the Local Plan and financial implications included in reports to the Local Plan Panel?

The Cabinet Member for Planning Services emphasised that the Local Plan had not been ‘shelved’ and would be in place until 2022.  There would be a report to the Local Plan Panel meeting in September 2018 regarding the budget.