The Mayor said that since a quorum approach was being taken for Covid safety reasons, the apologies of all Members not in attendance would be recorded as follows:

Councillors Bartlett, Brice, Brindle, Cannon, Clark, Coates, Cuming, Daley, Eves, Fissenden, Forecast, Fort, Garten, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Harwood, Hastie, Hinder, Holmes, Mrs Joy, Khadka, Kimmance, McKay, McKenna, Mortimer, Naghi, Newton, Mrs Ring, Mrs Robertson, D Rose, M Rose, Russell, J Sams, T Sams, Spooner, Springett, R Webb, S Webb, de Wiggondene-Sheppard and Wilby.

There were no applications for dispensations.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

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

The Mayor updated Members on recent engagements and activities including the opening of a new restaurant in Week Street.  The Mayor said that she had continued to promote and support local charities such as Dandelion Time, which worked with vulnerable children and families, and Council initiatives such as the Winter Bills Support and Advice events.  On 2 February she would be joining the Clean Up Maidstone Earl Street blitz.

There were no petitions.

There were no questions from members of the public.

There were no questions from Members of the Council to the Chairmen of Committees.

It was moved by Councillor Purle, seconded by Councillor English, that the recommendation of the Democracy and General Purposes Committee relating to the appointment of an Independent Person to serve on the Independent Remuneration Panel for the review taking place in February 2022 be approved.

RESOLVED:  That Mr Derek Butler be appointed as an Independent Person on the Independent Remuneration Panel for the review taking place in February 2022.

6.30 p.m. to 6.40 p.m.