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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bartlett, Harwood, Munford, Rose, Springett and T Wilkinson.

There were no applications for dispensations.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

Note:  Councillor Bryant entered the meeting during consideration of this item (6.35 p.m.).

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

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

There were no petitions.

Motion to be moved by Councillor Mrs Gooch, seconded by Councillor Round:

That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 all Royal British Legion branches throughout the Borough be awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of the eminent services rendered to the Borough by them and everything they have done and continue to do for our Armed Forces, veterans and families past and present; the award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough also acknowledges branches reaching their Centenary in line with the National Royal British Legion which celebrated its 100th Anniversary throughout 2021.

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Gooch, seconded by Councillor Round, supported by Councillors English, S Thompson, Cleator and Harper and:

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 all Royal British Legion branches throughout the Borough be awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of the eminent services rendered to the Borough by them and everything they have done and continue to do for our Armed Forces, veterans and families past and present; the award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough also acknowledges branches reaching their Centenary in line with the National Royal British Legion which celebrated its 100th Anniversary throughout 2021.

Mr Alan Port (Headcorn Branch RBL), Mr Mike FitzGerald MBE (Sutton Valence and District Branch RBL) and Councillor David Naghi (Maidstone and District Branch RBL) then signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen, witnessed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive, and were presented with Certificates of Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Mr Port, Mr FitzGerald MBE and Councillor Naghi addressed the Council indicating that they were proud and honoured to receive this award.

Note:  Councillors Cannon and Fort entered the meeting during consideration of this item (6.40 p.m. and 6.42 p.m. respectively).

6.30 p.m. to 7.20 p.m.