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.
Prayers were said by the Reverend Canon Andrew Sewell, Area Dean and Priest in Charge of St Paul�s Church, Boxley Road.
Item 17 - Report of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14 February 2018 � Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Proposals 2018/19.
It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Butler, Ells and de Wiggondene-Sheppard.
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.
RESOLVED:� That all items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 � another exciting example of new technology.
This is a very exciting time; there is much more we can do.� Let�s not rest until Maidstone is the exemplar in encouraging and promoting electric vehicle usage and improving air quality.
60,000 homes in England have remained vacant for at least 2 years and 11,000 homes across the country have remained uninhabited for a decade or more.
Councils have the opportunity to make use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders which allow Local Authorities to bring unoccupied properties into use as housing.
Whilst this 2004 Housing Act legislation was aimed at properties that have been empty for 6 months or more we can show you properties in Harrietsham that have been empty for over 10 years.
In light of the housing shortage in Maidstone what steps will this Council take to use this legislation for the benefit of local residents?
The Housing and Health team works hard with the owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.� However returning empty properties back into use is often not straightforward.� This is because the reasons properties are left empty for long periods of time are often complex and difficult to resolve.� Empty Dwelling Management Orders were introduced in 2006.� In reality they are difficult to obtain.� During the period 2006-2011 only 43 EDMOs were issued nationally.
Our Council Tax records show that there are currently 116 properties in the Borough classified as empty and unfurnished for over two years. However there may be further properties that are not being lived in but are not classified as empty on our system for the purpose of Council Tax.
The Housing and Health team has liaised with the owners of eight long term empty properties in Harrietsham.� None of these properties would be suitable for consideration of an Empty Dwelling Management Order for a variety of reasons, including being subject to probate, being part of commercial premises, being about to be demolished or currently being marketed for sale.� If there are other properties we are not aware of please do contact the Housing and Health team and we can investigate further.
There was no report from the Leader of the Council on this occasion.
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.
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.
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.
1. That the revised revenue estimates for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be agreed.
4. That the revenue estimates for 2018/19 incorporating the growth and savings items, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be agreed except 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.
8. That the Medium Term Financial Strategy, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be agreed.
9. That the Strategic Revenue Projection, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be endorsed as the basis for future financial planning subject to the projected surplus of �97,000 for 2018/19 being reduced to �77,000 as a consequence of the decision set out in paragraph 4 above.
12. That it be noted that the individual parish area tax bases set out in Appendix B are calculated in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations and are the amounts of the Council Tax Base for the year for dwellings in those parts of the Council�s area to which a special item relates.
being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.
being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3) of the Act.
being the amount at 14(c) above (Item R), all divided by the figure stated at 10 above (Item T in the formula in section 33(1) of the Act), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33 of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts).
being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per the attached Appendix B).
16. That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 14 (d), and 15 above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets out in Appendix C, the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2018/19 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.
Management and Prudential Indicators, outlined in Appendix A to the report of the Policy and Resources Committee, be adopted.
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.
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.
4.���� That each Outside Body representative reports to the appointing Committee at least on an annual basis providing an update.
5.���� That the Monitoring Officer be given delegated powers to make the necessary changes to the Constitution.
Note:� Councillor Harper left the meeting after consideration of this item (8.00 p.m.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note:� Councillors Harwood and B Mortimer left the meeting after consideration of this item (9.00 p.m.).
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.
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.
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.
RESOLVED:� That Councillor David Naghi be appointed as Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2018/19.
RESOLVED:� That Councillor Marion Ring be appointed as Deputy Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2018/19.
6.30 p.m. to 9.10 p.m.