Members may ask questions on the Leader’s Statement.  (To follow).

Added on 12 November 2018.

The Deputy Leader presented the Leader’s Statement, which gave an update regarding the WW1 Commemorations in Swale, Sittingbourne Town Centre regeneration project update, Swale’s Community Housing Fund Programme and the White Ribbon day of action.

WW1 Commemorations in Swale

The Deputy Leader thanked the WW1 Steering Group for leading the activities over the previous four years and invited the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Group to speak.

The Vice-Chairman of the WW1 Steering Group spoke of how well received the events had been, and of her pride in the Borough.

The Leader of the Labour Group commended the WW1 Steering Group, and gave a speech on the sacrifices made in the two World Wars.

In response to a request from the Leader of the Independent Group for an update on the moving of the listed war memorial in Stone Street, Faversham the Deputy Leader agreed to provide a written reply.

A Member praised the work of Christine Locke at Diversity House and several Members praised individuals including Lyn Newton (SBC), Martin Goodhew (SBC), Richard Emmett (Historic Swale), Brian Jemmett (Orpheus Choral Society), Councillors Sue Gent and Ghlin Whelan and the WW1 Steering Group Committee.

Members gave personal experiences and paid tribute to those killed or injured in all conflicts.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance suggested a commemoration of those who had died as a result of their injuries after the war had finished, could be considered in the future.

A Member said that museums and heritage sites should continue to be maintained, and funds should continue to be available for this.  Another Member supported continued work.

In response to a question from a Member, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities advised that there were already national plans to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of VE Day in 2020, and the Deputy Leader referred to peacekeeping and said that World War I finished in the middle of 1919.  He also agreed to look at considering the proposed alterations to the Sheerness War Memorial which had been agreed in 2015.

The Deputy Leader thanked all staff involved in delivering on the WW1 projects in Swale.

Sittingbourne Town Centre Regeneration project update

The Leader of the Labour Group drew attention to the first paragraph on page 3 of the Leader’s Statement, in conjunction with the response to Question 8 of Member questions, and asked how legally binding the Agreements with the restaurants and Travel Lodge hotel were?  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration said that due to the complexities of the explanation, a written response would be provided.

A Member highlighted how unsafe and unlit the area in front of Sittingbourne train station had been during the works, and drew attention to the lack of communication in informing the public of changes and progress.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration advised that communication would continue via the Press Office and U + I, and advised that now that PDR Construction Ltd were on site, it would be fully illuminated.

Swale’s Community Housing Fund Programme

The Leader of the Labour Group asked how many houses could be bought for £240k, and asked for regular reports on how effective the programme was?  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Families agreed to provide regular and frequent updates.

The Leader of the Independent Group asked for a definition of ‘making a real difference in Swale?’.  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Families agreed to provide written details of the project and suggested that it may be a topic for the Scrutiny Committee to consider in the future.

White Ribbon day of action

The Leader of the Labour Group praised the work and achievements of those involved.