Prayers were said by the Very Reverend John S Richardson of All Saints Church.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs Blackmore, Bryant, Clark, Mrs Grigg, Holmes, Khadka, Mortimer, Munford, Reid, Mrs Robertson, Round, Springett, S Thompson and S Webb.

There were no applications for dispensations.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

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

There were no petitions.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

That pursuant to Section 54 of the Courts Act 1971 and Sections 245 and 246 of the Local Government Act 1972, His Honour Judge Julian Smith be duly appointed as the Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone with effect from 19 July 2023 for a period no longer than the duration of his term as Resident Judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

It was moved by the Mayor (Councillor Newton), seconded by Councillor Burton, supported by Councillors English, Jeffery Mrs Gooch, Cleator and Harper and

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to Section 54 of the Courts Act 1971 and Sections 245 and 246 of the Local Government Act 1972, His Honour Judge Julian Smith be duly appointed as the Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone with effect from 19 July 2023 for a period no longer than the duration of his term as Resident Judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

The Honorary Recorder then signed the Acceptance of Office Book, which was also signed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive.

The Mayor presented a certificate to the Honorary Recorder commemorating the occasion of his appointment.

The Honorary Recorder thanked the Council for his appointment.

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

RESOLVED:  That the Council’s appreciation of the service of His Honour Judge David Griffith-Jones KC as Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone from 26 September 2018 to 20 April 2022 be recorded.

6.30 p.m. to 6.55 p.m.