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

Leader’s Statement added 1 April 2019.

Before presenting his statement, the Leader thanked those Members who had chosen not to stand in the Borough elections in May for their service to the Council.  He gave particular praise and thanks to Councillor Mike Henderson.  Members applauded.  The Leader thanked Councillor June Garrad and wished her well.  All Group Leaders thanked and praised the out-going Mayor.

The Leader presented his Statement which gave updates on Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping 2019-2023 Consultation, Housing Infrastructure Fund, Future High Street Fund and Rural Policing update.

Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping 2019-2023 Consultation

The Leader of the Swale Group said that the Leader had sought to beat but had not achieved the ambitious target set, welcomed the intention to address local needs of vulnerable people but highlighted that there were no bungalows or appropriate housing for young people, and affordable housing was constantly being undercut.  He asked whether it was right to ignore 95% of those who did not agree with Garden Communities?

The Leader said that he neither liked or believed in the Government setting Housing Targets and any opportunity to challenge the figures set for Swale would be challenged if there was a chance of success.  He added that there was a possibility of Garden Settlements in the future but the mix of housing was not determined. 

The Leader of the Labour Group said there was a severe housing crises now, and asked what was going to happen to decrease the ever growing homelessness figures? 

The Leader responded that all 47 Members would debate and determine the Policy moving forward.

The Leader of the Independent Group expressed concern that the strategy was not achieving anything and highlighted that only three or four houses for temporary accommodation had been delivered.  He said that the Government’s definition of ‘affordable’ was not affordable for people in Swale, and reminded Members that they did not agree to an increase in funds to tackle the issue when setting the budget.

The Leader referred to the financial costs of providing a solution and said that the Government needed persuading to give equal treatment to those that had transferred housing stock, with those who still had housing revenue.  He added that he agreed with the Cabinet Member for Finance being cautious in the spending review.

A Member was frustrated in the inability to control the proportion of affordable housing included in Section 106 Agreements, said that affordable housing should be spread in locations that were fair and reasonable to all, and that SBC should have invested in affordable housing instead of stockpiling money buying commercial property.

In response the Leader agreed that being unable to control affordable housing in Section 106 Agreements was unfair, but was critical of Members who did not want housing in their own area.

A Member was critical that so little had been done to address the housing crisis when the Leader had claimed it was a priority.

The Leader said that the consultation was on-going and decisions would be made.  He explained the financial difficulties faced by Local Authorities and advised the Member to discuss this with the Finance Department.    

Housing Infrastructure Fund

The Leader of the Swale Group asked what was Plan ‘B’ if the bid was not successful?

The Leader replied that he hoped Plan ‘B’ would not be needed as the bid was in-line with the criteria.

Future High Street Fund

The Leader of the Swale Group asked who decided Sittingbourne was the best option and what plans were there for the existing High Street?

In response, the Leader advised that the decision was made by Cabinet on advice from Officers that in the time given to submit the bid, the information was already available to submit.  He added that Sheerness was the preferred option but he hoped there would be a second round of bidding.

Rural Policing update

The Leader of the Labour Group referred to the problems of fly-tipping in the rural areas.

The Leader of the Independent Group said that there were fewer rural crime issues and crime was on the increase in towns.  He asked the Leader to liaise with the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC).

In response, the Leader advised that he did liaise with the PCC but that he had highlighted rural policing as it had improved with additional officers in place.  He suggested that the Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities could advise the Member.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs sought the Leader’s help and support against carrying, and the illegal dumping of, waste material.  He highlighted some recent successful prosecutions. 

The Leader agreed to support and thanked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs.  He drew attention that the public could assist by using only those carriers with a licence and reminded Members of the danger to public health, when waste disposal providers carried unknown material.

A Member commended the PCC for investing wisely and increasing police numbers.  He suggested that the PCC be invited to speak at a briefing to Members.