Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gilry, Gulvin, Harriott and Hunter. 

Councillor Griffiths declared a personal interest in any discussion that may take place during the course of the meeting with reference to NHS Medway in that he is a non-executive director of the Trust and concerning Danecourt School, as his wife is an employee there.

Councillor O’Brien declared a personal interest in any reference to the NHS in that members of his family are employed the NHS.

All Members of the Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups declared a personal interest in agenda item 6A (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2010/2011), in that it was proposed to amend the terms and conditions of the Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups’ Political Assistants.

The Mayor reminded Members that tickets were still available for the Mayor’s Ball on 13 March 2010.

The Mayor announced that the Mayor’s Chauffeur at Ashford, Richard Vella, had died earlier in the day and, on behalf of all Members, sent the Council’s condolences to his wife and family.

Members were reminded to speak loudly and clearly into their microphones and to provide a written copy of amendments to any proposals to the Head of Democratic Services. 

There were none. 

The following petitions were received and referred to the appropriate Director:

Councillor O’Brien presented a petition containing 700 signatures calling on Medway Maritime Hospital and Medway NHS Foundation Trust to reopen the hydrotherapy pool at the hospital which was funded by public donation and that the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee ensure there is a clear timescale for reaching a decision on the viability of reopening the pool.

Councillor Godwin presented a petition containing 111 signatures calling on the Council to upgrade the level of the gritting status at Sturla Road, Chatham, because of the closure of the hill and the problems facing the emergency services in bad weather.

Councillor Wildey presented a petition containing 454 signatures objecting to any proposals to build housing in the Capstone Valley.

The Council is asked to approve the capital and revenue budgets, rent increases and Council Tax for 2010/2011. 

Discussion:

Members received a report which asked Council to approve the capital and revenue budgets, rent increases and Council tax for 2010/2011.

Councillor Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance, supported by the Leader, Councillor Rodney Chambers, proposed that the Council:

1.            approve the capital budget proposals as set out in Appendix 1 to the report together with the capital additions set out below;

2.            approve the general fund gross, income and net revenue estimates as summarised in table 5 of the report together with the revenue items set out below. The total budget sum to be £381.058 million;

3.                 note the Kent Police Authority precept requirement;

4.                 note the Kent Fire and Rescue Service precept requirement;

5.                 note the parish council precept requirements of £316,815 as detailed at Appendix 4 of this report;

6.                 agree the schedule of precept instalment dates as set out in section 12 of the report;

7.                 approve the basic rate of council tax at band D for 2010/2011, before adding the police, fire and parish precepts, at £1,119.15;

8.                 as part of the budget proposals, to approve fees and charges, as recommended by Cabinet and set out in the booklet 'Medway Council - Fees and Charges April 2010' as set out in Appendix 7 to the report;

9.                 approve the following with regard to the Housing Revenue Account:

(i)               The budget proposed as summarised at Appendix 5 to the report;

(ii)             The proposed increase in rents averaging £0.99 for a 50 week collection;

(iii)           That service charges for 2010/2011 reflect the costs incurred in providing that service, where possible, and that costs increase by no more than 5.0% over that charged in 2009/2010. The average increase will be 1.72%; and

(iv)            That garage rent charges are held at 2009/2010 levels.

10.             adopt the formal resolution for the budget requirement and schedule of council tax charges for 2010/2011 as set out in Appendix 6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 629a

The Council is asked to approve the 2010/2013 Council Plan. 

Discussion:

This report presented the Council Plan 2010/2013, which had been developed alongside the 2010/2011 capital and revenue budget proposals in order to align the Council’s business planning processes with the budget setting process. 

Councillor Janice Bamber, supported by Councillor Rehman Chishti, proposed the recommendations as set out in the report. 

Decision:

(a)              The Council approved the Council Plan 2010/2013.

(b)              The Council agree to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Communications, Performance and Partnerships, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Customer First and Corporate Services, to make changes to the Plan prior to publication (if necessary) to reflect the final Budget as agreed by Council.

The Council is asked to approve the Treasury Management Strategy and associated policies and strategy statement, together with revisions to the constitution. 

Discussion:

This report sought approval of the Treasury Management, Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement after taking account of the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s and Cabinet’s comments. The report also incorporated changes that arose from the new CIPA code and Communities and Local Government consultation in light of the Icelandic situation and financial crisis.

Councillor Jarrett, supported by Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision:

(a)              The Council noted the comments from the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.

(b)               The Council approved the Treasury Strategy and associated policies and strategy statements including the proposed variations to the Constitution set out in Appendix 4 to the report.