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

The Mayor advised that four questions had been submitted by the public.  Mr Greenhill was not in attendance at the meeting and, and at his request, the Mayor read out his question.  Details of the questions and responses are set out below.  The response to Mr Greenhill was sent directly.

Question 1 – Mr Greenhill

“In the last financial year what was the cost of operating the brown bin collection service, how much revenue was collected by way of charges for the fortnightly collections and how much money was generated from the sale/use of the end product compost?"

Response: The Mayor advised that the response would be sent to Mr Greenhill.

Question 2 – Honorary Alderman Mike Henderson

“Does the Cabinet Member recognise and accept that loss of biodiversity is as important as climate change to the world’s future as he indicated to me at a recent Green Grid meeting?”

Response – Cabinet Member for Environment:

“Thank you for your question. I do agree that it is as important that we take urgent action to address the loss of biodiversity, as it is that we take action to mitigate climate change. On 26 June 2019 the Council declared both a climate and an ecological emergency. The introduction to the motion cited the report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which described an unprecedented and accelerating rate of species extinction, with up to one million species threatened with extinction, many within decades. The motion also cited population decline, species extinction and habitat loss locally in Kent.

The progress report which was debated at the Council meeting on 8 January 2020 reported activities planned and already underway that will enhance biodiversity in Swale. For example, this winter the council has planted approximately 2500 trees, with the help of volunteers, at the country parks in the borough. There are projects under development for planting in urban and rural areas. There is a specific project for planting in some of our Air Quality Management Areas. We have invested £15,000 in the Environment Grant Scheme this year, an increase from £5,000 under the last administration. Projects supported include a number of projects for improving biodiversity. For example, the council funded a project by Swale Friends of the Earth to rewild the rec in Faversham, and to create a wild flower meadow in Selling. Funded projects also included initiatives to encourage recycling and to support beach cleans. There is huge enthusiasm amongst community groups to improve their local environment. I’m very pleased that the Council has been able to support local residents’ passion and energy to give wildlife a helping hand.

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan due to be presented to Council in April 2020 will provide a further update on the actions the Council is taking and planning for the future. If you have suggestions for further actions the Council could take to improve biodiversity, I’d be delighted to hear them.”

Supplementary question:

“Will the Council look at going further, such as planting tens of thousands of trees, looking at green roofs of all buildings and working with planners to add a biodiversity planning condition in all planning approvals and then ensuring the condition is enforced?”

In response, the Cabinet Member for Environment welcomed any ideas and said the Council would work with partners and within the powers it had.  He added that he would be meeting with Kent Wildlife Trust and there might be some changes in legislation on the way.

Question 3 – Jack O’Connor

“On 3 October 2018 the Swale Youth Forum visited Sittingbourne Town Centre, alongside the Regeneration Officer for Town Centres and council members. This was done to enable the members of the forum to give feedback on their views on improvements that could be made to the Town Centre Public realm as part of the previous administration’s plans to smarten up our High Streets. 

Is the current administration going to be continuing the work that was being planned by the previous administration and if so when will we see improvements starting to take place?”

Response – Cabinet Member for Economy and Property:

Thank you Mr Connor for your question.

“The new Administration has ambitious plans for Sittingbourne Town Centre and its historic High Street.  We want to see a thriving town centre, being a place local people are proud of. Integral to this is cleaning up the public realm – reducing street clutter, improving signage, tackling shop frontages in disrepair and having a thriving group of businesses as well as homes for residents.  This goes beyond the previous administration’s plans for the town centre. For years I lobbied for more action for our town centre and for it not to be entirely focused on the Spirit of Sittingbourne.  The town centre needs to be considered as a whole.  This is something that will take time as it requires the input from our partners: Kent County Council (KCC), private property owners and shops, traders and other interested parties.  We are committed to this vision and hope in the coming months and years that these changes will come about. We have already started to engage with some of our partners and will be asking people their views, and would welcome the opportunity to speak to the Swale Youth Forum as part of that process.   

We are keen to ensure that the new leisure offer at Bourne Place once it is opened this summer, will link to the High Street.  Work will take place to improve a link to the High Street and for new signage around Bourne Place prior to opening.”

Supplementary question

“Does the Cabinet Member think that our town should have car-free zones?”

In response the Cabinet Member for Environment said this would be considered.

Question 4 – Alexander Stennings

“What are the Council doing in combating climate change on a local level, in areas such as reducing air pollution, installing electric charge points and improving energy efficiency in peoples’ homes? “

Response -  Cabinet Member for Environment

“The Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in June 2019.  We set out clear ambitions around reduction of carbon emissions and restoration of biodiversity by the council’s own operations as well as for the borough more widely.

A strategic air quality action plan was approved by DEFRA in September 2019. This action plan contains several strategic and local actions which aim to improve the air quality in the district. Good progress is being made with many of these actions. Examples of some of the actions already in progress include:

·         Publication of the Air Quality & Planning Technical Guidance, to which all developers are being referred. As a result of this guidance, standard conditions are being requested on all planning applications relating to electric vehicle charging points for residential and commercial premises and the installation of low NOx boilers. Additional mitigation measures will be agreed for major developments. 

·         To further support air quality mitigation measures for new developments, a revised air quality policy is being developed in conjunction with the Local Plan team.

·         A joint bid with Arriva has been made to Defra for funding for an electric bus for use on the route along the A2.

·         Work on supporting alternative and sustainable forms of transport, including an assessment of measures to encourage walking and cycling, is underway with internal and external partners.

·         More companies have been signed up to the ECO Stars fleet recognition scheme which works with haulage companies to reduce vehicle emissions. This represents over 800 HGVs moving throughout the Borough.

·         Work has taken place with a number of local schools via the Clean Air for Schools scheme on initiatives such as anti-idling campaigns, car sharing and smart travel plans. 

·         A feasibility study by external consultants into the option of a clean air zone along the length of the A2 will be starting shortly.

We are developing a strategy to guide development of infrastructure to encourage use of electric vehicles. Already 8 EV charging points have been provided in Sittingbourne. Four EV charging points will be provided in both Faversham and Sheerness by the summer.

Most of the vehicles in SBC’s own fleet will be replaced with electric vehicles later this year.

The Carbon Trust has been commissioned to measure the carbon footprint of the Council’s own operations. Recommendations for actions to reduce emissions are expected soon.

The Cabinet have recently agreed a procure a fuel and water poverty outreach service.  A local organisation has been contracted to deliver a home visiting service in order to help people in water or fuel poverty reduce their energy and water consumption. As well as improving energy efficiency in homes, and reducing carbon emissions, the service will support people in poverty or at risk of falling into poverty.

SBC are working with KCC to provide a bulk purchasing scheme for residents who want to fit solar PV panels to their homes. The scheme will offer improved value for money and the security of having the installation carried out by a carefully selected contractor.

An action plan of measures to address the climate and ecological emergency will be presented to Council on 1 April 2020.  This document will set out our immediate plans for deep cuts in carbon emissions from those areas within our direct control. In addition, we aim to encourage others to take action to reduce their own carbon emissions. The action plan will provide a starting point for engagement, discussion and action.”

Supplementary question:

“Will the Council consider ways of engaging the community?”

In response, the Cabinet Member for Environment said that there was a lot of engagement with community groups and through the Youth Forum and he welcomed suggestions of engaging the community.