Question from Councillor T Sams to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee

At the Annual Meeting regarding the change in Constitution you stated that the change

“Allows the selection of Chairs and Vice-Chairs from the widest possible pool of available candidates and also I believe paves the way to addressing an unfairness in so much as only 2 political groups have direct access to briefings for agenda items at meetings and I believe there should be the facility to all to receive that briefing equally.” 

Since that time to date all Chairs and Vice-Chairs come from the same party.

How has this addressed the unfairness you spoke about?

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded to the question.

Councillor T Sams asked the following supplementary question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee:

We believe that years of experience and leadership has been lost to these committees from the exclusion of Councillors across the political spectrum.  Do you think that this is favourable to residents?

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded to the question.

Question from Councillor T Sams to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee

We recognise that the Government guidelines will change, however we feel that this Council needs to make a stand to promote the wearing of masks.

England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has suggested 3 situations which are particularly important at a time when the epidemic is significant and rising.  He states:

“The first is in any situation indoors and crowded or indoors with close proximity to other people. And that is because masks help protect other people.

The second situation is if I was required to by any competent authority.

And the third reason is if someone else was uncomfortable if I did not wear a mask – as a point of common courtesy.”

The Chief Scientist, Sir Patrick Vallance, endorsed the approach. He added: “Masks are most effective at preventing somebody else catching the disease from you, and they have some effect to prevent you catching it.”

This Borough has an opportunity and can take responsibility to give a lead to safeguard all our community.

Do you agree that this Council should positively promote the wearing of masks in all retail outlets, on all public transport and inside crowded areas where there may be close proximity to other people?

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded to the question.

Councillor T Sams asked the following supplementary question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee:

Even "double vaxers" can catch COVID, and many are doing so.

On the back of more than 1,200 doctors and scientists opposed to the Government strategy, do you feel this Council should be saying "Get the jab and continue to act responsibly, wearing a mask in shops, on public transport and in crowded areas to protect us all"?

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded to the question.

Question from Councillor J Sams to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee

Having seen what we were told was the Heathlands third iteration on July 6th, we were dismayed and surprised that this contained little substance with no mention of discussions with Homes England, KCC, Ashford Borough Council or Network Rail.

Can we ask whether this is in fact the third iteration or whether there is another document that we as Ward Councillors have not been shown, that Policy and Resources Members are working to?

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded to the question.

Councillor J Sams asked the following supplementary question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee:

Please can you let us know the three locations that have been discussed for the proposed new railway station and whether the closure of Lenham station has also been discussed?

The Mayor said that she was not prepared to accept the supplementary question as she did not consider that it arose out of the original question or the reply.

Question from Councillor J Sams to the Chairman of the Planning Committee

Following the planning approval at Loder Close, Lenham application no. 18/506657 for 53 dwellings, the Officer used delegated powers to allow a fundamental change without Councillors’ knowledge.

This change resulted in a loss of all CIL monies totalling £469,000 including

Primary education £159,000

Secondary £197,000

Community learning £16,000

Youth service £450

Libraries £7,800

Social services £3,400

Please can you review this delegated authority at the next Planning Committee so this loss of funding for infrastructure cannot happen across the Borough?

The Chairman of the Planning Committee responded to the question.

Councillor J Sams asked the following supplementary question of the Chairman of the Planning Committee:

Please can you set up a Planning Sub-Group meeting with the developer and Lenham Parish Council to put in place S106 agreements to mitigate some of this £469,000 loss?  The community is aiming to build a new nursery facility and S106 funding would be a significant way to ensure its success.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee responded to the question.

To listen to the answers to these questions, please follow this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbd6BslS_bk&t=2690s