Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mahil, Maple and Price.

The record of the meeting held on 8 August 2023 was agreed by the Cabinet and signed by the Deputy Leader as correct. 

Disclosable pecuniary interests

There were none.

Other significant interests (OSIs)

There were none.

Other interests

There were none.

Background:

This report outlined the proposed consultation on the emerging Local Plan. The consultation would focus on the vision and strategic objectives for Medway’s growth up to 2040, and provided options for how and where development should be planned to provide for Medway’s growing and changing communities.

It was proposed that the consultation would run between 18 September and 31 October 2023 and the Planning Service had been working closely with the corporate Communications Team in drafting an engagement and publicity programme. During discussion, every stakeholder was encouraged to engage in the process and it was suggested that the Portfolio Holder for Education work with schools to help raise awareness amongst young people and support them with engagement in the consultation.

An error had been spotted in Appendix 1 in relation to the green belt boundary at Map 4, and therefore Cabinet was also asked to delegate authority to enable this to be corrected along with any other minor amendments and clarifications required, ahead of publication.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken, details of which were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Reasons:

To provide for community and stakeholder input to the preparation of the new Medway Local Plan.

Background:

This report requested Cabinet approval for public consultation on the draft Star Hill to Sun Pier Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. The Appraisal considered the historic character and significance of the Conservation Area, and through the Management Plan introduced means for its future conservation and enhancement. As part of the Management Plan, four potential areas for extension to the Conservation Area had been identified.

Alongside the Appraisal, a Development Framework (for the same area) was also being produced to help shape the form and type of future development in the Area. It was intended that the two documents would be consulted upon in tandem.

The public consultation would take place for a minimum 6-week period between October and November 2023.

Reasons:

The proposed public consultation for the draft Conservation Area Appraisal will meet the requirements of Section 71(2) and (3) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which requires a public consultation and consideration of any comments received and will assist in the adoption of the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

Background:

This report outlined details of the work undertaken to date to assemble the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Development Framework, attached at Appendix 1 to the report and sought approval for its public consultation, in coordination with the Star Hill to Sun Pier Conservation Area Appraisal.

The HSHAZ programme, funded by the Government, aimed to transform high streets into thriving town centres through the power of heritage, by delivering physical improvements and cultural activities to regenerate historic high streets and/or town centres. One of its workstreams was the creation of a significance led Development Framework for this Conservation Area (known locally as ‘Chatham Intra’ or ‘Old High Street Intra’) to guide future development in a way that would protect the character and significance of the Conservation Area, whilst enabling sensitive sustainable growth and regeneration.

This Development Framework was intended to be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which would provide additional guidance to Local Plan policy and would be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken, details of which were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Reasons:

To allow for a public consultation on the draft Framework which will enable the adoption of a more robust document.

To meet the requirements of the Statement of Community Involvement.

To meet the agreed outputs of the High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme.

Background:

This report provided details of the Red Routes initiative, including results of recent informal public consultation (detailed at Appendix A to the report) and sought approval to progress to formal consultation and subsequently implement Red Routes where appropriate. It also provided an update on the Moving Traffic Enforcement initiative and sought approval of the proposed enforcement plan.

The report stated that the proposals supported key priorities within the Medway Council Strategy, the Local Transport Plan and the Medway Air Quality Action Plan. A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and was attached at Appendix C to the report.

Reasons:

The Red Route initiative, within the Safer Healthier Programme, meets several key strategic polices and action plans set out by the Council. The implementation of the recommendations enables effective enforcement of indiscriminate parking which will help to reduce congestion and delays on essential bus routes and improve road safety and air quality.

The Moving Traffic Enforcement initiative, within the Safer Healthier Programme, meets several key strategic polices and action plans set out by the Council. The implementation of the recommendations will create a more reliable and safer road network.

Background:

This report set out the Council’s intention to provide discretionary interventions alongside the Council’s statutory duty to promote independent living and wellbeing within safer, healthier homes.

The Better Care Fund (BCF) enabled the Council to support the wider prevention agenda of housing, social care and health and this policy would allow for the flexible use of the BCF to support households that would not normally be eligible for assistance to maintain their independence in their home.

Section 8 of the report provided information about the consultation that had been undertaken and amendments that had been made to the policy as a result of the feedback received.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken, details of which were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Reasons:

Adopting a new policy will provide more flexibility to the way that the funding is used, allowing for more people to be supported to maintain their independence in their home to avoid the requirement to move home or live in unsuitable accommodation.

Background:

This report set out proposals to amend the use of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 to ensure the grant was disbursed in full to Medway’s residents.

On 4 April 2023, the Cabinet agreed plans for the Household Support Fund for 2023/2024, part of which had included the provision of grants to residents. However, uptake of that provision had reduced, and a higher proportion of those applying had been unable to demonstrate hardship to be eligible for an award. Consequently, the spend overall for the Council’s total allocation was lower than anticipated and amendments to the arrangements were necessary, in order to ensure the Council disbursed its allocation in full to the residents of Medway.

Reasons:

Given the lack of cost to the local taxpayer it is appropriate for the Council to introduce these measures to support our most vulnerable residents.

Background:

This report provided an overview of treasury management activity during 2022/23.

It stated that overall, the Interest and Financing budget made a surplus of £5,921,000 over its targeted budget of £12,315,000.

The underspend on the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) followed a report by Link Asset Services, which concluded that provision in previous years had been too high. A reduction of £5,489,000 had therefore been applied to the charge originally calculated for 2022/23 and no adjustments would be required for future years.

The report was previously considered by the Audit Committee on 1 August 2023, the comments of which were set out in section 12 of the report. During discussion, reference was made to the importance of Member training and opportunities for its provision, particularly for Audit Committee Members, would be discussed with officers.

Reasons:

Section 7.1 (e) of the Council’s Financial Rules state that the Chief Operating Officer shall report to Cabinet and the Audit Committee not later than September on treasury management activities in the previous year.