Agenda and minutes

Venue: Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone

Contact: Debbie Snook  01622 602030

Items
No. Item

103.

Minute's Silence

Minutes:

The Council stood in silence for one minute in memory of Paul Alcock, former Premier League Referee, Manager of The Mall, Maidstone and Chairman of Maidstone Town Centre Management, and Tony Morris, a former member of the Parks and Leisure Team, both of whom passed away recently.

 

104.

Prayers

Minutes:

Prayers were said by the Reverend Canon Andrew Sewell, Area Dean and Priest in Charge of St Paul’s Church, Boxley Road.

 

105.

Change to Order of Business

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that he intended to change the order of business to take the following item after agenda item 13 (Current Issues – Report of the Leader of the Council, Response of the Group Leaders and Questions from Council Members):

 

Item 17 - Report of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14 February 2018 – Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19.

 

106.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Butler, Ells and de Wiggondene-Sheppard.

 

107.

Dispensations

Minutes:

There were no applications for dispensations.

 

108.

Disclosures by Members and Officers

Minutes:

The Chief Executive, on behalf of herself and all other members of staff present, disclosed an interest in the report of the Employment Committee held on 15 February 2018 - Pay Policy Statement 2018.

 

109.

Disclosures of Lobbying

Minutes:

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

 

110.

Exempt Items

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That all items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

 

111.

Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Borough Council held on 6 December 2017 pdf icon PDF 38 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Borough Council held on 6 December 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed.

 

112.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough Council held on 6 December 2017 pdf icon PDF 83 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Borough Council held on 6 December 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed.

 

113.

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

The Mayor updated Members on recent and forthcoming engagements.

 

The Mayor also took the opportunity to thank staff for their efforts in maintaining services during the recent severe winter weather conditions.

 

114.

Petitions

Minutes:

There were no petitions.

 

115.

Question and Answer Session for Members of the Public

Minutes:

There were no questions from members of the public.

 

116.

Questions from Members of the Council to the Chairmen of Committees

Minutes:

Question to the Chairman of the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee from Councillor Harper

 

Councillor Harper asked the following question of the Chairman of the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee:

 

I understand that the Government has allocated a sum of pounds for electric car charging points at blocks of flats and in Council owned car parks.  Can the Chairman of Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee inform the meeting what active ongoing measures the authority is doing to install electric car charging points throughout the Borough and to promote electric cars and transport to reduce air pollution and move towards carbon neutral transport?

 

The Chairman of the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee replied that:

 

We as a Council through, probably, the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee will tap into any pot of money that exists so that we can encourage the additional installation of electric car charging infrastructure to promote electric vehicle use.

 

I can report that there are some measures that we have undertaken already and intend to undertake.  For example, the Maidstone Integrated Transport Strategy promotes electric vehicle use.  It is a core part of the Strategy.  In particular, Action H6 seeks the installation of additional electric charging points and the promotion of electric car use.

 

The Strategy also includes a target to double the number of electric charging points in Maidstone by 2021 and to double again by 2031.

 

When I first started talking about electric vehicles in this Chamber, I was met with cynicism and scepticism, but I am really encouraged tonight that this question demonstrates cross-party support to accelerate the process.  Action H6 is a very positive measure, but we need to go further.

 

Our recently adopted Local Plan has embedded policies and proposals that are intended to promote electric vehicle use.  In particular, Policy DM6 on Air Quality supports the Maidstone Integrated Transport Strategy by facilitating the installation of charging points.  Policy DM23 also seeks to ensure that new developments incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

As recently as December 2017, the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee adopted the Council’s Low Emission Strategy, and one of the actions in the Strategy relates to the introduction of Air Quality Planning Guidance which includes provision for the incorporation of electric vehicle charging points in new builds.  I was pleased to champion that piece of work and that it was unanimously supported by everyone.

 

These are examples of some of the measures we are taking that will tangibly improve the air quality of our residents.

 

We need to be aware that this is the technology of here and now, but it is changing and we should not restrict our thinking to, for example, the idea of fixed electric vehicle charging infrastructure.  Let’s be really ambitious and make Maidstone a pioneer and leader in this area.

 

I am pleased to tell you that through the Quality Bus Partnership, working with one of the bus companies, an electric bus will be trialled very soon –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

117.

Current Issues - Report of the Leader of the Council, Response of the Group Leaders and Questions from Council Members

Minutes:

There was no report from the Leader of the Council on this occasion.

 

118.

Report of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14 February 2018 - Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 60 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Wilson, seconded by Councillor Harper, that the recommendations of the Policy and Resources Committee relating to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19 be approved subject to the amendment of recommendation no.16 to refer to Appendix C, not Appendix D.

 

Amendment moved by Councillor Perry, seconded by Councillor Boughton, that the recommendations of the Policy and Resources Committee relating to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19 (as amended) be approved subject to the following changes with the consequences set out in the papers circulated:

 

3.  That a proposed Council Tax of £250.56 at Band D be agreed.

 

4.  That the revenue estimates for 2018/19 incorporating the growth and savings items set out in Appendix A be agreed, including an additional saving of £45,000 in the budget for Communications.

 

9.  That a revised Strategic Revenue Projection be endorsed, showing the ongoing impact of the proposed change in Council Tax and removing the projected surplus of £97,000 for 2018/19, with a corresponding increase in the budget deficit in 2019/20.

 

As a consequence of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a named vote was taken on the amendment as follows:

 

FOR (21)

 

Councillors Barned, Mrs Blackmore, Boughton, Brice, D Burton, M Burton, Cuming, Fort, Garten, Greer, Mrs Hinder, McLoughlin, Newton, Perry, Powell, Prendergast, Mrs Ring, Round, Spooner, Springett and

Mrs Stockell

 

AGAINST (29)

 

Councillors Adkinson, Clark, Cox, Daley, English, Fermor, Field, Fissenden, Mrs Gooch, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Harvey, Harwood, Hastie,

Mrs Joy, Lewins, B Mortimer, D Mortimer, Munford, Naghi, Pickett,

Mrs Robertson, J Sams, T Sams, Vizzard, Webb, Wilby, Willis and

Mrs Wilson

 

ABSTENTIONS (1)

 

Councillor Garland

 

AMENDMENT LOST

 

Amendment moved by Councillor Cox, seconded by Councillor Mrs Gooch, that the recommendations of the Policy and Resources Committee relating to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19 (as amended) be approved subject to the following changes with the consequences set out in the papers circulated:

 

4.  That £20,000 in the budget allocation for Environmental Enforcement is deleted and reinstated in the budget for the Communication Section and that a one off amount of £20,000 is allocated to Environmental Enforcement from the 2018/19 surplus.

 

9.  That a revised Strategic Revenue Projection be endorsed, reducing the projected surplus of £97,000 for 2018/19 to £77,000.

 

As a consequence of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a named vote was taken on the amendment as follows:

 

FOR (33)

 

Councillors Adkinson, Barned, Mrs Blackmore, Clark, Cox, Daley, English, Fermor, Field, Fissenden, Mrs Gooch, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Harvey, Harwood, Hastie, Mrs Joy, Lewins, B Mortimer, D Mortimer, Munford, Naghi, Newton, Pickett, Powell, Mrs Robertson, J Sams, T Sams, Vizzard, Webb, Wilby, Willis and Mrs Wilson

 

AGAINST (15)

 

Councillors Boughton, Brice, D Burton, M Burton, Cuming, Fort, Garland, Garten, Greer, Mrs Hinder, Perry, Round, Spooner, Springett and Mrs Stockell

 

ABSTENTIONS (3)

 

Councillors McLoughlin, Prendergast and Mrs Ring

 

AMENDMENT CARRIED

 

The substantive motion was then put  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

119.

Report of the Democracy Committee held on 14 December 2017 - Appointment of Independent Member to the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel pdf icon PDF 29 KB

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Newton, seconded by Councillor Harper, that the recommendation of the Democracy Committee relating to the appointment of an Independent Person to serve on the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel be approved.

 

RESOLVED:  That Mr Christopher Webb be appointed as the Independent Person for the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel.

 

120.

Report of the Democracy Committee held on 10 January 2018 - Review of Outside Bodies pdf icon PDF 38 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Newton, seconded by Councillor Harper, that the recommendations of the Democracy Committee arising from the review which has been undertaken of the Council’s representation on Outside Bodies be approved.

 

Amendment moved by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor English, that the following changes be made to the Outside Bodies on the list:

 

Removal of Bentlif Wing Trust - As the Mayor is automatically appointed as an ex officio Trustee

Collis Millennium Green Trust – HCL Committee to appoint one High Street Ward Member

KCC Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee – CHE Committee (Chairman automatically appointed or Chairman to delegate to another Member)

Kent and Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board – P&R Committee (Chairman automatically appointed or Chairman to delegate to another Member)

One Maidstone – P&R Committee to appoint one Member as the Liaison Group no longer exists

Rochester Bridge Trust – P&R Committee

Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board

Vinters Valley Park Trust – CHE Committee to appoint a Ward Member

Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel – Leader automatic appointment or Leader to delegate to another Member

Kent and Medway Economic Partnership – Leader automatic appointment or Leader to delegate to another Member

West Kent Health and Wellbeing Board – Leader automatic appointment or Leader to delegate to another Member

 

AMENDMENT CARRIED

 

The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

 

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.  That the following Outside Bodies be retained and appointed by the relevant Service Committee as listed:

 

Action with Communities in Rural Kent – CHE Committee

Age UK – CHE Committee

Brenchley Charity Trust – HCL Committee

Citizens’ Advice Bureau – CHE Committee

Collis Millennium Green Trust – HCL Committee to appoint one High Street Ward Member

Cutbush and Corrall – CHE Committee

KCC Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee – CHE Committee (Chairman automatically appointed or Chairman to delegate to another Member)

Kent and Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board – P&R Committee (Chairman automatically appointed or Chairman to delegate to another Member)

Kent Community Railway Partnership – SPS&T Committee
Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee – SPS&T Committee
Local Government Association General Assembly – P&R Committee to appoint non-Voting Member (Leader automatically appointed as voting Member)

  Maidstone Area Arts Partnership – HCL Committee

  Maidstone Beauvais Twinning Association – HCL Committee

  Maidstone Cycling Forum – SPS&T Committee

  Maidstone Mediation – CHE Committee

Maidstone Quality Bus Partnership – SPS&T Committee
Maidstone Sea Cadets – HCL Committee

Medway Valley Line Steering Group – SPS&T Committee
One Maidstone – P&R Committee to appoint one Member

  PATROLAJC – SPS&T Committee

Relate West and Mid Kent – CHE Committee

Rochester Bridge Trust – P&R Committee

South East Employers – Employment Committee

South East Rail Passenger Group – SPS&T Committee

Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board– P&R Committee

Vinters Valley Park Trust – CHE Committee to appoint a Ward Member

 

2.  That the following Outside Bodies be retained and appointed by the
Democracy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

121.

Report of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14 February 2018 - Strategic Plan 2015-20, 2018-19 Refresh pdf icon PDF 30 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Wilson, seconded by Councillor Barned, that the recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee relating to the Strategic Plan 2015-20, 2018-19 Refresh be approved.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Strategic Plan 2015-20, 2018-19 Refresh, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be approved.

 

122.

Report of the Employment Committee held on 15 February 2018 - Pay Policy Statement 2018 pdf icon PDF 29 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Gooch, seconded by Councillor Mrs Wilson, that the recommendation of the Employment Committee relating to the Pay Policy Statement 2018 be approved.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Pay Policy Statement 2018, attached as Appendix B to the report of the Employment Committee, be approved for publication on the Council’s website by 31 March 2018.

 

123.

Notice of Motion - Introduction of Legislation to Reduce the Voting Age to 16

Notice of the following motion has been given by Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Harvey:

 

"This Council supports reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that our worshipful Mayor should write an open letter to the Prime Minister urging her to introduce legislation to reduce the voting age to 16.”

 

We believe that encouraging participation in the political process is a valuable means of engaging young people in modern society and note proposals in both the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament for a reduction of the voting age to 16, along with cross party support at Kent County Council.  We recognise the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds to the Scottish Independence referendum and believe that the young people of Maidstone should also play a role in determining the future of their borough and country.

 

Minutes:

The following motion was moved by Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor Harvey:

 

"This Council supports reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that our worshipful Mayor should write an open letter to the Prime Minister urging her to introduce legislation to reduce the voting age to 16.”

 

The Mayor said that he considered it convenient and conducive to the despatch of business that the motion be dealt with at this meeting, and that a factual briefing note had been circulated.

 

Amendment moved by Councillor M Burton, seconded by Councillor D Burton, that the motion be amended to read:

 

That this Council supports reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that the Chair of a relevant committee should write an open letter to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Education and our own local MPs, urging them not just to work to bring forward legislation to reduce the voting age to 16, but also to investigate, report on and implement proper economic and political education for all.

 

The mover and the seconder of the motion indicated that they accepted the amendments to the motion.

 

The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

 

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

 

RESOLVED:  That this Council supports reducing the voting age to 16 and agrees that the Chair of a relevant committee should write an open letter to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Education and our own local MPs, urging them not just to work to bring forward legislation to reduce the voting age to 16, but also to investigate, report on and implement proper economic and political education for all.

 

124.

Notice of Motion - High Speed Train Service

Notice of the following motion has been given by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor Adkinson:

 

In light of the all-party support for the continuation of the direct high speed train service from Maidstone West to St Pancras International, this Council resolves to:

 

1.  Formally adopt a position of support for the continuation of the high speed train link.

 

2.  Ask our Members of Parliament to lobby Ministers for the service to be extended throughout the day.

 

Minutes:

The following motion was moved by Councillor Adkinson, seconded by Councillor Willis:

 

That in light of the all-party support for the continuation of the direct high speed train service from Maidstone West to St Pancras International, this Council resolves to:

 

1.  Formally adopt a position of support for the continuation of the high speed train link.

 

2.  Ask our Members of Parliament to lobby Ministers for the service to be extended throughout the day.

 

The Mayor said that he considered it to be convenient and conducive to the despatch of business that the motion be dealt with at this meeting, and that a factual briefing note had been circulated.

 

With the agreement of the mover and the seconder, the motion was amended to read:

 

In light of the all-party support for the continuation of the direct high speed train services from Maidstone to London stations, this Council resolves to formally adopt a position of support for the continuation of the high speed train link and no delay to the December 18 adoption of Thames Link services to London Bridge, the City and Cambridge.

 

Amendment moved by Councillor D Burton, seconded by Councillor English, that the motion, as amended, be replaced by the following:

 

This Council resolves to:

 

1.   Support the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee in its continuing work in assessing proposed changes to rail services in the Borough and continue to respond to all consultations and to seek all improvements in rail services for the Borough; and

 

2.  Thank our Members of Parliament for their efforts in lobbying Ministers on all aspects of improving rail services in the Borough and offer our support to them in their continued efforts.

 

The mover and the seconder of the original motion, as amended, indicated that they accepted these changes.

 

The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

 

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

 

RESOLVED:  That this Council resolves to:

 

1.   Support the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee in its continuing work in assessing proposed changes to rail services in the Borough and continue to respond to all consultations and to seek all improvements in rail services for the Borough.

 

2.  Thank our Members of Parliament for their efforts in lobbying Ministers on all aspects of improving rail services in the Borough and offer our support to them in their continued efforts.

 

Note:  Councillors Harwood and B Mortimer left the meeting after consideration of this item (9.00 p.m.).

 

125.

Report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance - Review of Allocation of Seats on Committees/Membership of Committees pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Wilson, seconded by Councillor Perry, that the recommendations arising from the review which has been undertaken of the allocation of seats on Committees be approved.

 

RESOLVED: 

 

1.  That the allocation of seats on Committees be as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance.

 

2.  That the wishes of the Group Leaders with regard to the consequential changes to the membership of Committees, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be accepted.

 

126.

Report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance - Calendar of Meetings 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Brice, and

 

RESOLVED:  That the Calendar of Meetings 2018/19, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance, be approved.

 

127.

Appointment of Mayor Select 2018/19

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor English, seconded by Councillor Newton, supported by Councillors Round, Mrs Gooch and Adkinson, and

 

RESOLVED:  That Councillor David Naghi be appointed as Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2018/19.

 

128.

Appointment of Deputy Mayor Select 2018/19

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Mrs Joy, supported by Councillors Mrs Gooch, Barned and Adkinson, and

 

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Marion Ring be appointed as Deputy Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2018/19.

 

129.

Duration of Meeting

Minutes:

6.30 p.m. to 9.10 p.m.