This decision relates to the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to reflect the latest position and describes the issues and risks involved. It considers key assumptions to be made in preparing the MTFS and concludes by setting out the subsequent steps involved in developing an updated MTFS and the Budget for 2023/24, including a timetable for consideration by Members.

1.  That the issues and risks associated with updating the Medium Term Financial Strategy are noted; and

2.  That the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the proposed approach outlined to development of an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2023/24 – 2027/28 and a budget for 2023/24 be approved.

This decision is on the adoption of a new policy that will inform how the Housing Service delivers the Council’s obligations in relation to ‘Fire and Building Safety’.

That the Fire & Building Safety Policy attached as Appendix 1 to the report be adopted.

Decisions are required regarding the future operation of the Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course and the best way of ensuring capital investment in the Golf Course and its facilities.

Each year Full Council has to approve the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the following year. This reference makes a recommendation on the scheme to be implemented for 2023-24. This matter has been considered by the Communities, Housing and Environment Policy Advisory Committee before being passed to the Executive. The final decision on the scheme has to be made by Full Council.

RESOLVED:That the Council be recommended to agree that no changes be made to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the year 2023/24.

The draft Statements of Common Ground (SoCG) relating to this report summarise the key strategic planning matters between Maidstone Borough Council and other bodies. The exempt appendices were considered by the Planning and Infrastructure Policy Advisory Committee on 3 November 2022. The exempt Appendices to this report are:

MBC, Lidsing Developers and Kent Downs AONB (Exempt Appendix 2)

Exempt Appendices 1 and 3 referenced in the report were unavailable for signing at the time of the meeting (MBC and National highways, and MBC and Kent County Council).

That the Draft Statement of Common Ground between the Council, Lidsing Promoters and Kent Downs AONB (Exempt Appendix 2 to the report), be approved.

The Interim Monitoring Officer introduced the report and outlined the recommended appointment of the Director of Strategy, Insight and Governance as the Council’s Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, with the Democratic and Electoral Services Manager as the Council’s Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.

The Committee reiterated the considerable experience of both officers in facilitating and supporting elections, with support expressed for the proposed appointments. The breadth of the Director of Strategy, Insight and Governance’s responsibility was noted. 

In response to questions, the Interim Monitoring Officer confirmed that the relevant officers including the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team had been consulted on and supported the proposed appointments.

RESOLVED: That the Council be recommended to

1.  Appoint Angela Woodhouse (Director of Strategy, Insight & Governance) as the Council’s Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer for Maidstone Borough Council with immediate effect;

2.  Appoint Ryan O’Connell (Democratic and Electoral Services Manager) as the Council’s Deputy Electoral Registration Officer; and

3.  Authorise the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution to reflect these changes.

The draft Statements of Common Ground (SoCG) summarise the key strategic matters between Maidstone Borough Council and other bodies. Both appendices were considered by the Planning and Infrastructure Policy Advisory Committee on 3 November 2022. The SoCG relate to the Heathlands site promoters and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit (Exempt Appendix 1), and between Maidstone Borough Council and Natural England (Exempt Appendix 2).

1.  That the Draft Statement of Common Ground between Maidstone Borough Council, the Heathlands site promoters and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit, attached as Exempt Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

2.  That the draft Statement of Common Ground between Maidstone Borough Council and Natural England, attached as Exempt Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

To agree a plan for spending the Rural England Prosperity Fund money which has been allocated to the Council as an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Funding received earlier this year.

1.  That the Intervention for the Rural England Prosperity Fund, as set out in the Officers’ report, be approved, and submitted to the Government by the Director of Strategy, Insight and Governance.

2.  That there should be a guideline figure of £50,000 on the value of applications, but schemes which are significantly above or below this figure be considered on their merits.

3.  That a business directory of green solution providers be developed to give advice and support to applicants.