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

Leader’s Statement added 8.1.19.

The Leader presented his statement which gave updates on the Lower Thames Crossing, the District Council’s Network (DCN) Member Board Meeting and South England Councils Executive Meeting, and the Business Rate Pilot.  The Leader invited questions.

Lower Thames Crossing update

The Leader of the Swale Group asked what was possible to mitigate the extra traffic and was it likely to come forward?  The Leader said there were four items: confirmation that both the funding for the design and construction for the improvements for A249/junction 5 were in place; improvements to the A249 junction to the M20; redesign of junction 7; and a commitment that Central Government would consider expanding the M2 from Medway Services to Brenley Corner.

The Leader of the Labour Group commented that press releases on the subject with the Council’s view point were not discussed with Members from all groups beforehand. 

The Leader of the Independent Group agreed and asked why the four items he suggested could not be decided and committed to?  The Leader advised that the issues had been discussed at Kent Leaders, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership and other meetings, and the Borough Councils and KCC were in agreement about the way forward, but Central Government had conflicting pressures throughout the whole country.

Updates from recent meetings attended by the Leader

(a) DCN Members’ Board Meeting

The Leader of the Swale Group asked the Leader what plans had been prepared for Swale in case of a No Deal Brexit?  The Leader advised that he and the Chief Executive were fully engaged in meetings to discuss.

The Leader of the Labour Group referred to the oversubscription of Housing Infrastructure (HIF) Grants, and asked what impact that could have on Swale and its expectations?  The Leader replied that it could be quite damaging and gave an example of the problems in accessing and possibly losing grants.

In response to a suggestion from a Member, the Leader advised that officers were already looking at how to access the future High Street fund which would have £675million available.  He agreed to update Members in the future.

In response to a Member request, the Leader clarified the process of the Town Centre prospectus and agreed to update Members in the future, when full details were known.

A Member drew attention that most of the HIF grants were allocated to the northern part of the country but the south had the most housing targets, and asked for the DCN Members’ Board’s opinion.   He also sought clarification on whether there was a rush to get the HIF grant money for Queenborough & Rushenden as reported in the press before Christmas?  The Leader advised that the DCN Members’ Board covered districts throughout the country, in the north and south so not all Members agreed about the HIF fund, but the matter had been discussed at South East Leaders where Members agreed the situation was unfair.  He agreed to arrange for officers to provide details of the Queenborough and Rushenden HIF grant money.

South East England Councils Executive Meeting

The Leader of the Swale Group asked about potential changes to the various bodies and meetings the Leader attended, and suggested more local issues might be discussed, after Brexit.  The Leader said there were too many organisations and there would be more effective communication if there was one voice for the south east.

The Leader of the Independent Group asked who has or would take responsibility for pursuing land value capture?  The Leader replied that the Local Government Association and the South East England Council’s Executive would investigate options.

A Member asked how frequently the meetings were held and the costs for attending.  The Leader said that the Chief Financial Officer would provide the cost figures and the time was his own time.

Business Rate Pilot update

The Leader of the Swale Group criticised the short notice that was given to SBC which might have serious spending implications for their budget.  The Leader agreed, and praised the Finance Director at Maidstone Borough Council and the Chief Executive at Gravesham Borough Council for their input in setting up the original scheme.  He praised the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance Team for the relatively stable position that SBC were currently in.  Members applauded.

The Leader of the Labour Group suggested that the Medium Term Financial Plan might be too optimistic?  The Leader said it was realistic, and if it were too pessimistic, and gave notice of cutting services, there may be staff insecurity and they may choose to go elsewhere unnecessarily.

The Leader of the Independent Group asked whether the areas picked for the scheme may have been chosen for political reasons?  The Leader said he had not studied the areas chosen, and did not know if there were upcoming elections in those areas.

In response to a Member’s question on the impact that the net reduction of £224k would have, the Leader advised that options would be discussed at Budget Task Force, Cabinet meeting and Scrutiny Committee meeting.