To consider any questions submitted by Members.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30pm on the Monday the week before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

Information added 24 June 2019

Questions published on Tuesday 25 June 2019.  Responses added 26.6.19

The Mayor advised that five questions had been submitted.

Question 1 – Submitted by Councillor Tim Gibson

“Do you have any plans to restore concessionary parking rates to the Leisure Centres in Sittingbourne and Sheerness?”

Response to Question 1 - Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance

“One of the Coalition’s priorities is the health of the residents.  We want to ensure there are opportunities for improving both mental and physical health and the leisure centres provide both.  The removal of the car parking subsidy by the previous administration was a signal of an approach to disincentivise usage of the centres.

The centres offer a range of uses including children’s learning to swim classes, GP referral schemes and we want to remove any barriers to people attending.  The renovation work to both centres is nearing completion so the range of facilities on offer has increased.

Therefore we are currently looking at the option to reinstall the subsidy and will bring a report to the July Cabinet to discuss further.”

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Tim Gibson asked “are you aware of the impact of the removal of concessionary parking on residents and parking in local roads?”  The Leader advised that he was aware and it served as a reminder that sometimes there were unintended consequences.

Question 2 – Submitted by Councillor Tony Winckless

“Do you have any plans to improve the public facilities at Milton Country Park?”

Response to Question 2 – Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance

“A further Coalition priority is to introduce a Special Projects Fund of £1m a year, over the next four years, to make improvements to the public realm of the Borough.

The allocation of this fund will depend upon bids for projects and I know Councillor Winckless will lend his support to Milton Creek Country Park, given his dedicated support to the site over the years.

The Head of Commissioning, Environment and Leisure will be taking a discussion report to Policy Development and Review Committee (PDRC) in due course to start off the process.”

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Tony Winckless asked “if the Cabinet would like to have a tour around the park to see where the money could be spent?”

The Leader advised that yes they would accept an invitation but it was a matter for local decision making as to where the money would be spent, if the grant was successful.  This could include items such as toilets, additional seating and footpath clearing.

Question 3 – submitted by Councillor Ken Rowles

“What are the prospects of Government funding coming into Swale and the rest of the Thames Corridor to meet the enormous deficit between housing growth and infrastructure?”

Response to Question 3 – Cabinet Member for Economy and Property

“Funding opportunities are currently intermittent, and infrastructure goes beyond highways.  At present delivery of wider infrastructure needs, including health and schools, are expected to be met through developer contributions, where possible – and developer funding can only be sought for need arising from new development, not to meet existing deficits.

The current arrangements are failing to deliver what is needed, along the Thames Corridor and in Swale, both now and to meet the impact of enhanced development targets being set by Government.  Other proposals, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, will also create additional pressures and there is currently no indication from Government of any planned future investment that will alleviate the concerns that all Local Authorities in North Kent have.

In the immediate future we need to see Junction 5 improvements confirmed, along with the £40m that is being sought from the Housing Infrastructure Fund for improvements to the A249 Junctions.  However, over coming years there is a need for a more integrated and planned approach towards funding infrastructure.”

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Ken Rowles asked “what Member of Government does the coalition intend to lobby on this matter?”

The Cabinet Member responded by saying it would be the Local Government Minister, and contact would be made once the new Prime Minister was in post.

Question 4 – submitted by Councillor Steve Davey

“Having read the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee held on 5 June 2019 I would like to know how a contractor could be engaged that has a problem laying hot rolled asphalt to acceptable KCC Standards, and if the necessary repairs are covered by said company with no cost to SBC?”

Response to Question 4 – Cabinet Member for Economy and Property

“All surfacing contractors that have been used by the principal highways contractor are on the KCC approved list.  All works that do not meet KCC’s requirements are/will be re-done at the contractors cost with no cost to SBC.”

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Steve Davey asked “how many attempts will be made to lay the block paving in front of the Station, and would the costs be borne by the contractors?”

The Cabinet Member advised that work would be done to the standard required and in accordance with the contract, and the work would be re-done if necessary at no cost to the council.

Question 5 – submitted by Councillor Mike Whiting

“Will the Leader confirm he supports Highways England’s proposed Orders to progress the much needed improvements to Junction 5 at Stockbury, and that he is responding in the strongest terms in support of the Orders to both Highways England and the Secretary of State?”

Response to Question 5 – Leader

“I do support Highways England’s proposals to improve Junction 5.  I’m surprised you need to ask.

I have written to the Secretary of State in line with the existing view of this Council, supporting Option 4H1 and I have stressed the need for urgency in taking this essential project forward.

I have re-enforced the exceptional daily inconvenience to local people using the A249 and other local feeder roads cause by daily processional congestion, the continuing risk of serious accidents and the significance of this junction to the bifurcation of Kent and the Lower Thames Crossing.

Apart from the absolutely key strategic importance of these projects, they offer a golden opportunity for employment in construction and engineering for local people in North Kent, including Swale.  It is with this in mind that the administration puts such a high premium on closing the skills gap and therefore on the need for further education investment in the Borough.

We need to pull together on this.  I note the energetic backing of the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey and wish it were also backed in the same way by the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent.”

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Mike Whiting asked “if the Leader would encourage everyone to respond to the Highways England consultation by 25 July 2019, and if he was aware of a petition that Councillor James Hunt had submitted to parliament asking for £20m of funding for a flyover?”

The Leader responded by saying that he would decide as a private citizen whether to sign it and encouraged others to do the same.

In response to a question as to why the Mayor had accepted the question after the deadline, the Mayor advised he would be happy to share his reasons with the Member concerned.