Minutes of the meeting of the Borough Council held on 25 February 2015

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the meeting of maidstone borough council held at the town hall, high street, maidstone on

25 February 2015

 

Present:

Councillor Thick (The Mayor) and

Councillors Ash, Black, Mrs Blackmore, Burton, Butler, Chittenden, Collins, Cox, Cuming, Daley, Ells, English, Garland, Mrs Gooch, Greer, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Harwood, Mrs Hinder, Hogg, Mrs Joy, Long, McKay, McLoughlin, Moriarty, B Mortimer, D Mortimer, Naghi, Newton, Paine, Mrs Parvin, Paterson, Perry, Pickett, Powell, Mrs Ring, Mrs Robertson, Ross, Round, Sams, Sargeant, Mrs Stockell, Vizzard, B Watson, de Wiggondene, Willis, J.A. Wilson and Mrs Wilson

 

 

<AI1>

110.     Councillor Peter Parvin

 

The Council stood in silence for one minute in memory of Councillor Peter Parvin who died on 27 January 2015.

 

</AI1>

<AI2>

111.     Prayers

 

Prayers were said by Andrew Royal, United Reformed Church Minister.

 

</AI2>

<AI3>

112.     Apologies for Absence

 

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Fissenden, Munford, Springett and P Watson.

 

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<AI4>

113.     Dispensations

 

There were no applications for dispensations.

 

</AI4>

<AI5>

114.     Disclosures by Members and Officers

 

The Chief Executive, on behalf of herself and all other members of staff present, disclosed an interest in the report of the Member and Employment and Development Panel relating to the Pay Policy Statement.

 

</AI5>

<AI6>

115.     Disclosures of Lobbying

 

All Members present stated that they had been lobbied regarding the question to be asked of the Leader of the Council by Mr Dave Witcher.

 

</AI6>

<AI7>

116.     Exempt Items

 

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

</AI7>

<AI8>

117.     Minutes of the meeting of the Borough Council held on 10 December 2014

 

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Borough Council held on 10 December 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed.

 

</AI8>

<AI9>

118.     Mayor's Announcements

 

The Mayor and representatives of the five political groups paid tribute to Councillor Peter Parvin who passed away in January.

 

The Mayor then updated Members on recent/forthcoming events.

 

Following the announcements, Councillor Brian Mortimer presented a shield to the Mayor from the village of Montauban de Picardie which was adopted by the Borough after the First World War.

 

Note:  Councillor Garland entered the meeting during the Mayor’s announcements.

 

</AI9>

<AI10>

119.     Petitions

 

Mrs Susan Hogg presented a petition in the following terms:

 

We, the undersigned, wish our park at Bridge Mill play area to remain with the bark surfacing, and not to be replaced with rubber surfacing, and do not want this play area to close.

 

In presenting the petition, Mrs Hogg said that:

 

·           When the Bridge Mill play area was replaced a few years ago, it was designed so that the equipment enhanced the natural woodland setting by having a chip bark surface surrounded by wooden edges.  The play area was well used by residents of Tovil and adjoining Wards.  The purpose of the petition was to inform the Maidstone Borough Council Parks and Open Spaces Team that residents did not wish the bark surfacing to be replaced with rubber surfacing and did not want the play area to close.

 

·           Local residents first heard about the proposal to replace the bark surfacing and the possibility of the play area being closed at a meeting of the Parish Council in January 2015 and through a local newspaper.  The estimate which had been obtained was only to replace some of the surfacing and did not include the cost of taking away the old surfacing.  The use of rubber surfacing elsewhere had resulted in the need for ongoing repairs due to the surfacing lifting up and breaking.  There had been no official complaints about the use of bark surfacing at the Bridge Mill play area.

 

During the discussion on the petition, Members made a number of points, including:

 

·           Funding for the renewal of the play area was raised by Councillor Derek Mortimer in conjunction with Tovil Parish Council some four years ago and included a Government grant obtained through Kent County Council and Section 106 monies from the Borough Council.  Bark surfacing was chosen at that time as it was in keeping with the woodland surroundings.  Also at that time there was a discussion about the possibility of ownership of the play area being transferred, in due course, from the Borough Council to the Parish Council.  Since then, there had been a considerable reduction in the funding made available by the Borough Council to the Parish Council.

 

·           A meeting was held recently between the Borough Council and the Parish Council to discuss the maintenance and future ownership of the play area.  At that meeting, the Borough Council asked the Parish Council to consider supporting and helping to finance the change from bark surfacing to rubber surfacing which was considered to be more economic from a maintenance point of view.  The view locally was that this change would be unacceptable.

 

·           The play area was probably unique in design and style and one of the best medium sized play areas in Maidstone.  The petition demonstrated the value placed on the excellent facility by parents and children.

 

·           There were no plans to close this play area, which was classified as a strategic play area.  The equipment was in good condition having been replaced some four years ago.  The main issue related to the surfacing. The Borough Council maintained approximately 70 play areas with a total annual maintenance budget of around £28,000.  The maintenance budget was not only for safety surfacing, but also for repairing the equipment and replacing items such as swing seats, fencing and gates.  The petitioners wanted to see the bark surfacing retained, but it was very expensive to maintain and the cost of maintaining it formed a significant part of the overall maintenance budget.  Discussions were taking place with the Parish Council and it was hoped that agreement could be reached regarding a cost effective solution.

 

·           The information provided about the annual cost of maintaining the bark surface at Bridge Mill Way was different from that held by the Parish Council and should be checked by the local Members.  It was necessary to ensure that the estimates obtained were accurate and comparable given experience to date about the expected life span of the alternative surface.

 

·           The Parish Council spent approximately £800 last year topping up the bark surfacing and keeping the play area safe.  The estimated cost of the new surfacing was £30k-£40k.

 

·           A way forward might be the setting up of a Trust which would be able to use its charitable status to apply for funding for the upkeep of the play area and new equipment.

·           It was anticipated that the Maidstone Play Strategy – A Strategy for Outdoor Equipped Play Areas would be submitted to the Cabinet Member for approval next month.  It would cover two areas; a long term strategy and an immediate improvement programme, and had been the subject of extensive consultation.

 

RESOLVED:  That the petition and the points raised in the debate be referred to the Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services for consideration.

 

</AI10>

<AI11>

120.     Question and Answer Session for Members of the Public

 

Questions to the Leader of the Council

 

Mr Fergus Wilson asked the following question of the Leader of the Council:

 

Should adverse reports about Maidstone Borough Council be reported to Members to be debated or should they be buried?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question.

 

Councillor Mrs Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor McKay, the Leader of the Labour Group, then responded to the question.

 

Mr Wilson asked the following supplementary question of the Leader of the Council:

 

Is it the intention to report CHI/29UH/HIN/20124/0005 (24 Hedley Street) to Members?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question.

 

Councillor Mrs Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor McKay, the Leader of the Labour Group, then responded to the question.

 

Mr Elliot Dean asked the following question of the Leader of the Council:

 

The Local Plan is a document which I have heard described as key, vital and "should have been done yesterday"The Council’s failure to deliver this key document has left the local economy, employment and the environment (to name a few) in a disastrous state.  Can you explain why you have failed to deliver a Local Plan?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question.

 

Councillor Mrs Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor Harper, on behalf of the Leader of the Labour Group, then responded to the question.

 

Mr Elliot asked the following supplementary question of the Leader of the Council:

 

Bearing in mind this Council must demonstrate best value at all times, can you explain why external mediators are being used to deliver the Local Plan?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question and provided a further response having clarified the issue raised.

 

Councillor Mrs Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor Harper, on behalf of the Leader of the Labour Group, responded to the question.

 

Mr Dave Witcher asked the following question of the Leader of the Council:

 

Anyone who is taken to court for an alleged debt would expect to receive an original court sealed and signed liability order from a magistrates court and NOT just a notification sent from the Council.

 

It goes without saying that this matter clearly affects an increasing number of people who are becoming aware that a transparent due process operating between the Council and the magistrates courts does not appear to exist; resembling an in-house system.

 

When one approaches the Council they are directed to the magistrates court for the liability order and vice versa, nor do the civil procedure rules seem to apply, yet the criminal procedure rules are applied in their place to obtain a un-court sealed summons by the Council when it is in fact a civil matter NOT criminal matter; the summons are also not sealed by the magistrates court.

 

Is the Council aware that Section (3) of The Council Tax Administration and Enforcement Act states the following 'The amount in respect of which a liability order is made is enforceable in accordance with this Part; and accordingly for the purposes of any of the provisions of Part III of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (satisfaction and enforcement) it is NOT to be treated as a sum adjudged to be paid by order of the court.'

 

Does the Council have a transparency policy on Council Tax enforcement and do they follow due process to obtain and provide a properly constituted magistrates court sealed liability order for the people who the Council allege owe Council Tax and is this a sum adjudged to be by order of the magistrates court?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question.

Councillor Mrs Wilson, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor McKay, the Leader of the Labour Group, then responded to the question.

 

Question to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development

 

Ms Geraldine Brown asked the following question of the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development:

 

Leaving to one side the development requirements for 963 new care home places, will the Borough’s current residents welcome another 18,600 homes, implying another 30,000 or so residents?

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development responded to the question.

 

Councillor Harwood, on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Mrs Gooch, the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Powell, the Leader of the UKIP Group, and Councillor McKay, the Leader of the Labour Group, then responded to the question.

 

The time allowed within the Council’s Procedure Rules for questions by members of the public having expired, the Mayor announced that the remaining questions would be dealt with by written answers.

 

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

 

http://live.webcasts.unique-media.tv/mbc243/interface

 

</AI11>

<AI12>

121.     Questions from Members of the Council

 

Question to the Leader of the Council

 

Councillor Sargeant asked the following question of the Leader of the Council:

 

In view of recent revelations from other authorities can we ensure that the interactions of Maidstone Borough Council with vulnerable residents and children are handled appropriately?

 

The Leader of the Council responded to the question.

 

Note:  To listen to the response to this question, please follow this link:

 

http://live.webcasts.unique-media.tv/mbc243/interface

 

</AI12>

<AI13>

122.     Current Issues - Report of the Leader of the Council, Response of the Group Leaders and Questions from Council Members

 

There was no report from the Leader of the Council on this occasion.

 

</AI13>

<AI14>

123.     Report of the Cabinet held on 17 December 2014 - Update on Motion Referred to the Cabinet by Council

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Blackmore, seconded by

Councillor Mrs Ring, that the recommendation of the Cabinet relating to a motion referred to it by the Council be approved.

 

RESOLVEDThat the action taken by the Cabinet in respect of the motion referred to it by the Council relating to the Waterside Park at Junction 8 decision and the update by Officers be noted.

 

</AI14>

<AI15>

124.     Report of the Cabinet held on 11 February 2015 - Draft Strategic Plan 2015-2020

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Blackmore, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to the draft Strategic Plan 2015-2020 be approved.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.     That the draft Strategic Plan 2015-2020, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be approved.

 

2.     That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor amendments to the document as required.

 

Voting:        29 – For      1 – Against     19 - Abstentions

 

</AI15>

<AI16>

125.     Report of the Cabinet held on 11 February 2015 - Budget Strategy 2015/16 Onwards

 

Before calling upon Councillor Mrs Blackmore to move the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to the Budget Strategy 2015/16 onwards, the Mayor reminded Members that, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4, each Group Leader could speak for up to ten minutes when moving his/her Group’s budget proposals.

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Blackmore, seconded by Councillor McLoughlin, that the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to the Budget Strategy 2015/16 onwards be approved.

 

Amendment moved by Councillor Mrs Wilson, seconded by Councillor Harwood:

 

That the recommendations of the Cabinet to the Council relating to the Budget Strategy 2015/16 onwards be approved subject to the amendment of recommendation 5 to read:

 

That the revenue estimates for 2015/16 incorporating the growth and savings items, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed with the following amendments:

 

a)  That recognition of the service growth required to provide new housing is set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy through the provision of a budget of £40,000 to support the new service.  For the budget year 2015/16 funding will be provided from the set aside of the projected under spend for 2014/15 that Cabinet has already approved for such use.  For future budget years 2016/17 onwards this would be resourced from the income generated by the service.

 

b)  That a sum of £50,000 is set aside from the business rates growth identified in the 2015/16 budget to enable survey and feasibility work to be completed on one or more areas of the town centre that would benefit from regeneration and would provide a catalyst for further regeneration activity in the town.

 

c)   That 50% of the surplus generated from the litter enforcement activity of the Council be directed into new litter awareness work through a joint arrangement between the waste team and the community development team and that this work be focused on campaigns with school age children and young adults.

 

As a consequence of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a named vote was taken on the amendment as follows:

 

FOR (22)

 

Councillors Chittenden, Cox, Daley, English, Mrs Gooch, Mrs Grigg, Harwood, Mrs Joy, Long, Moriarty, B Mortimer, D Mortimer, Naghi, Newton, Paterson, Pickett, Mrs Robertson, Sams, Vizzard, B Watson, Willis and Mrs Wilson

 

AGAINST (19)

 

Councillors Mrs Blackmore, Burton, Butler, Collins, Cuming, Garland, Greer, Mrs Hinder, Hogg, Paine, Mrs Parvin, Perry, Mrs Ring, Ross, Round, Mrs Stockell, Thick, de Wiggondene and J.A. Wilson

 

ABSTAINED (8)

 

Councillors Ash, Black, Ells, Harper, McKay, McLoughlin, Powell and Sargeant

 

AMENDMENT CARRIED

 

The substantive motion was then put to the vote.

 

As a consequence of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a named vote was taken on the substantive motion as follows:

 

FOR (45)

 

Councillors Ash, Black, Mrs Blackmore, Burton, Butler, Chittenden, Collins, Cox, Cuming, Daley, Ells, English, Mrs Gooch, Greer, Mrs Grigg, Harper, Mrs Hinder, Mrs Joy, Long, McKay, McLoughlin, Moriarty, B Mortimer, D Mortimer, Naghi, Newton, Paine, Mrs Parvin, Paterson, Perry, Pickett, Powell, Mrs Ring, Mrs Robertson, Ross, Round, Sams, Sargeant, Mrs Stockell, Thick, Vizzard, B Watson, de Wiggondene, Willis and

Mrs Wilson

 

AGAINST (3)

 

Councillors Garland, Hogg and J.A. Wilson

 

ABSTAINED (1)

 

Councillor Harwood

 

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.     That the future production of the budget book should be linked to the Council’s priorities as detailed in the Strategic Plan and as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet (circulated separately).

 

2.     That the revised revenue estimates for 2014/15, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed.

 

3.     That the minimum level of General Fund Balances be set at £2m for 2015/16.

 

4.     That the proposed Council Tax of £235.71 at Band D for 2015/16 be agreed.

 

5.     That the revenue estimates for 2015/16 incorporating the growth and savings items, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed with the following amendments:

 

a)  That recognition of the service growth required to provide new housing is set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy through the provision of a budget of £40,000 to support the new service.  For the budget year 2015/16 funding will be provided from the set aside of the projected under spend for 2014/15 that Cabinet has already approved for such use.  For future budget years 2016/17 onwards this would be resourced from the income generated by the service.

 

b)  That a sum of £50,000 is set aside from the business rates growth identified in the 2015/16 budget to enable survey and feasibility work to be completed on one or more areas of the town centre that would benefit from regeneration and would provide a catalyst for further regeneration activity in the town.

 

c)   That 50% of the surplus generated from the litter enforcement activity of the Council be directed into new litter awareness work through a joint arrangement between the waste team and the community development team and that this work be focused on campaigns with school age children and young adults.

 

6.     That the Statement of Earmarked Reserves and General Fund Balances, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed.

 

7.     That the Capital Programme, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed.

 

8.     That the funding of the Capital Programme, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed.

 

9.     That the Medium Term Financial Strategy, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be agreed.

 

10.   That the Strategic Revenue Projection, as set out in Appendix A to the report of the Cabinet, be endorsed as the basis for future financial planning.

 

11.   That it be noted that the Council’s Council Tax Base for the year 2015/16 has been calculated as 56974.3 in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992.

 

12.   That it be noted that in accordance with Government guidance the yield from business rates has been calculated as £58,252,075.

 

13.   That it be noted that the individual Parish Area Tax Bases set out in Appendix B are calculated in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations, and are the amounts of the Council Tax Base for the year for dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area to which a special item relates.

 

14.   That the distribution of Local Council Tax Support funding to Parish Councils, as set out in Appendix C, be approved.

 

15.   That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2015/16 (excluding Parish precepts) is £13,429,412.

 

16.   That the following amounts now be calculated by the Council for the year 2015/16 in accordance with Sections 31A, 31B and 34-36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by the Localism Act 2011:

 

(a)

£80,506,490

being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

(b)

£65,683,120

being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)

£14,823,370

being the amount by which the aggregate at 16(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 16(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31A(4) of the Act).

(d)

£260.18

being the amount at 16(c) above (Item R), all divided by the figure stated at 11 above (Item T in the formula in Section 31A(4) of the Act), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts).

(e)

£1,393,958

being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per the attached Appendix B).

(f)

£235.71

being the amount at 16(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 16(e) above by the Tax Base given in 11 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish precept relates.

 

17.   That it be noted that for the year 2015/16 Kent County Council, the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner and the Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Valuation Bands

 

KCC

£

KPCC

£

KMFRA

£

A

726.66

98.10

47.10

B

847.77

114.45

54.95

C

968.88

130.80

62.80

D

     1,089.99

147.15

70.65

E

     1,332.21

179.85

86.35

F

     1,574.43

212.55

102.05

G

     1,816.65

245.25

117.75

H

     2,179.98

294.30

141.30



18.   That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 16 (d), and 17 above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets out in Appendix D, the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2015/16 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.

 

Note:  Councillor Powell left the meeting after consideration of this item.

 

</AI16>

<AI17>

126.     Adjournment of Meeting

 

The meeting was adjourned from 8.55 p.m. to 9.05 p.m.

 

</AI17>

<AI18>

127.     Report of the Cabinet held on 11 February 2015 - Treasury Management Strategy 2015/16

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Blackmore, seconded by Councillor Black, that the recommendation of the Cabinet relating to the Treasury Management Strategy 2015/16 be approved.

 

RESOLVEDThat the Treasury Management Strategy 2015/16 and related Appendices, all attached to the report of the Cabinet, be adopted.

 

</AI18>

<AI19>

128.     Report of the Member and Employment and Development Panel held on 21 January 2015 - Pay Policy Statement

 

It was moved by Councillor McLoughlin, seconded by Councillor Black, that the recommendations of the Member and Employment and Development Panel relating to the Pay Policy Statement be approved.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.     That the Pay Policy Statement, attached as Appendix B to the report of the Member and Employment and Development Panel, be approved for publication on the Council’s website after 31 March 2015.

 

2.     That the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to update the Pay Policy Statement with the pay figures at the end of the financial year, prior to publication.

 

</AI19>

<AI20>

129.     Oral Report of the Economic and Commercial Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 24 February 2015

 

It was noted that there was no report arising from the meeting of the Economic and Commercial Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 24 February 2015.

 

</AI20>

<AI21>

130.     Notice of Motion - Living Wage

 

The following motion was moved by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor McKay:

 

As a result of the cost of living crises since 2010, wage levels have not generally kept pace with prices.  This is more exacerbated for lower earners.

 

The independently verified Living Wage represents the minimum hourly wage someone can live on at a basic level and ensures that those in full-time work are guaranteed a decent standard of living.

 

The Maidstone economy has a large element of lower paid unskilled jobs.

 

To demonstrate THIS Council’s commitment to the Living Wage, the Council agrees the following:

 

1.     To note that the Council employs all its staff above the level of the Living Wage and to advertise the fact to encourage other employers as a good example;

 

2.     To investigate with the Living Wage Foundation the implications of being an accredited Living Wage Employer and to receive a report back to a future Council Meeting on this;

 

3.     To ask the Council’s Officers to undertake an audit of all Council contractors and sub-contractors to establish if they pay any staff below the Living Wage;

 

4.     If any contractor/sub-contractor is paying below the Living Wage, to review the impact of bringing their lowest paid staff to the Living Wage;

 

5.     To investigate the policy of the Royal Borough of Greenwich to offer discounted business rates to local companies who commit to paying their workers the Living Wage.  This is aimed to encourage local businesses looking at making the change to the Living Wage, to supporting local communities and the local economy in general;

 

6.     To apply the Living Wage to apprentices in its employment (as the young should not be discriminated against); and, where they are paid less currently, to prepare an action plan on how this will be remedied and also to undertake a similar exercise with its contractors and sub-contractors; and

 

7.     To recommend that Kent County Council and other members of the Mid-Kent Consortium take similar measures.

 

RESOLVED:  That the motion, having been moved and seconded, be referred to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, as the Cabinet Member responsible, for consideration.

 

</AI21>

<AI22>

131.     Report of the Head of Finance and Resources - Members' Allowances

 

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Black, that the recommendations contained in the report of the Head of Finance and Resources relating to Members’ Allowances be approved.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.     That the Group Leaders’ Allowance (other than the Leaders’ Allowance) be determined based upon how many Members there are in their respective parties as set out in the report of the Head of Finance and Resources.

 

2.     That Members be eligible to receive the same percentage increase in their allowances as the Council’s members of staff receive each year and that this should include Dependant Carer’s Allowance and Non-Councillors’ Allowances.

 

3.     That the issue relating to a Special Responsibility Allowance for Vice-Chairmen be deferred for further consideration by the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel at the full review in March 2015.

 

</AI22>

<AI23>

132.     Report of the Head of Finance and Resources - Harrietsham Parish Council - Increase in Number of Councillors

 

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor English, that the recommendation contained in the report of the Head of Finance and Resources relating to the proposed increase in the number of Parish Councillors on Harrietsham Parish Council be approved.

 

RESOLVEDThat an Order be made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 to increase the number of Parish Councillors on Harrietsham Parish Council from nine to eleven.

 

 

 

 

</AI23>

<AI24>

133.     Report of the Head of Finance and Resources - Committee Membership

 

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Hogg, that the recommendation contained in the report of the Head of Finance and Resources relating to the membership of Committees be approved.

 

RESOLVEDThat the following changes be approved to reflect the wishes of the Leader of the Independent Group:

 

Community, Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Members

 

Delete Councillor Munford.  Insert Councillor Newton.

 

Substitute Members

 

Delete Councillor Newton.  Insert Councillor Munford.

 

Planning, Transport and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Members

 

Delete Councillor Munford.  Insert Councillor Mrs Gooch.

 

Substitute Members

 

Delete Councillor Mrs Gooch.  Insert Councillor Munford.

 

</AI24>

<AI25>

134.     Appointment of Mayor Select 2015/16

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Gooch, seconded by Councillor

B Mortimer, supported by Councillors Sargeant, McKay and Collins and:

 

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Daniel Moriarty be appointed as Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2015/16.

 

</AI25>

<AI26>

135.     Appointment of Deputy Mayor Select 2015/16

 

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Blackmore, seconded by Councillor Naghi, supported by Councillors Mrs Gooch, Sargeant and McKay and:

 

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Derek Butler be appointed as Deputy Mayor Select for the Municipal Year 2015/16.

 

</AI26>

<AI27>

136.     Duration of Meeting

 

6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

 

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FIELD_TITLE

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FIELD_TITLE

 

FIELD_SUMMARY

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FIELD_SUMMARY

 

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FIELD_SUMMARY

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