Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chishti, Franklin, Gulvin, Howard, Pendergast and Williams.  

Members are invited to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Significant Interests in accordance with the Member Code of Conduct.  Guidance on this is set out in agenda item 2.

Disclosable pecuniary interests

Councillor Griffiths declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20) because he is Deputy Chairman of Medway Community Healthcare (MCH). He stated that he would leave the meeting should there be any specific discussion on MCH.

Other significant interests (OSIs)

Councillor Doe declared an OSI in agenda items 8 (Commercial Property) and 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20) because he is the Chairman of Medway Commercial Group Ltd. He stated that the Chief Legal Officer had granted him a dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to this OSI.

Councillor Doe declared an OSI in agenda items 8 (Commercial Property) and 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20) because he is the Chairman of Medway Development Company Ltd. He stated that the Councillor Conduct Committee had granted him a dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to this OSI.

Councillor Mackness declared an OSI in agenda item 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20) because he is a Director of Medway Commercial Group Ltd. He stated that the Councillor Conduct Committee had granted him a dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to this OSI.

Councillor Maple declared an OSI in agenda item 8 (Commercial Property). He left the meeting during consideration of this item.

Councillor Turpin declared an OSI in agenda item 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20) because he is the Chairman of Medway Norse. He stated that the Councillor Conduct Committee had granted him a dispensation to speak and vote on matters relating to this OSI.

Other interests

The Worshipful the Mayor of Medway stated that he had been advised by the Monitoring Officer that with regards to agenda item 9 (Capital and Revenue Budgets 2019/20), a personal and potentially financial interest regarding pay for some officers should be recorded in the minutes on behalf of any officers present affected by the proposals.

Councillor Opara declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Pay Policy Statement 2019/20) because she has a family member who works for the Council. She stated that having taken advice from the Monitoring Officer there was no need for her to leave the meeting.

Councillor Saroy declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 8 (Commercial Property) because the company she works for advises on commercial leaseholders, one of which is in the Pentagon Centre. She stated that having taken advice from the Monitoring Officer there was no need for her to leave the meeting.

Councillor Saroy declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Pay Policy Statement 2018/2019) because she has a family member who works for the Council. She stated that having taken advice from the Monitoring Officer there was no need for her to leave the meeting.

To approve the record of the meetings held on 24 January 2019 (special meeting and ordinary meeting).

The records of the special and ordinary meetings held on 24 January 2019 were agreed and signed by The Worshipful The Mayor of Medway as a correct record.

The Worshipful The Mayor of Medway, on behalf of all Members, placed on record his sincere thanks and best wishes to Alvin Oades, the Council’s most long serving Civic and Ceremonial Officer. He had loyally served every Mayor over the last 20 years since Medway was created and he had also worked in a similar role for Gillingham Borough Council. He wished Alvin a long and happy retirement.

The Mayor proposed to suspend Council Rule 11.1.1 in respect of time limits on speeches in relation to agenda item 9 (Revenue and Capital Budgets 2019/20) to allow oneMember from each Group to speak for an unlimited time. The normal time limits would then apply. This was agreed.

Councillor Maple proposed to suspend Council Rule 11.1.1 in respect of time limits on speeches in relation to agenda item 8 (Commercial Property) to allow oneMember from each Group to speak for an unlimited time. In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the amendment was taken.

For – Councillors Bowler, Cooper, Craven, Freshwater, Gilry, Godwin, Griffiths, Johnson, Khan, Maple, McDonald, Murray, Osborne, Paterson, Price, Shaw and Stamp (17)

Against – Councillors Aldous, Avey, Bhutia, Brake, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers OBE, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, Etheridge, Fearn, Filmer, Griffin, Hall, Hicks, Mrs Josie Iles, Steve Iles, Jarrett, Joy, Kemp, Mackness, Opara, Potter, Purdy, Royle, Saroy, Tejan, Tranter, Turpin, Wicks and Wildey (31)

On being put to the vote, the proposal was lost.

The Mayor asked Members to speak clearly into the microphones to ensure people in the public gallery could hear and he reminded those present that the meeting was being audio recorded and the recording would be made available on the Council’s website. In addition, he asked Members to provide written copies of any amendments to the top table first.  

There were none.

This report seeks approval to the refresh of the Council Plan, following consideration by the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the annual review of the Council Plan which was undertaken to ensure that it remained relevant and that the Council continued to focus resources on its priorities. The summary of proposals was set out in paragraph 3 of the report.

The report had been considered by both the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee (31 January 2019) and Cabinet (5 February 2019), comments of which were set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the report respectively.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken on the proposals as set out in Appendix B to the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Business Management, Councillor Turpin, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Regeneration, Inward Investment and Partnerships, Councillor Rodney Chambers OBE, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

a)    The Council noted the comments of the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet as set out in sections 4 and 5 of the report respectively.

b)    The Council approved the proposed changes to programmes and measures of success summarised in paragraph 3.2 to the report and as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

c)    The Council agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, to approve the final measures of success as set out in paragraphs 3.4 and 5.1 of the report and as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report once further information is received.

d)    The Council agreed to grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, to make any necessary changes to align the Plan’s indicator set to the agreed budget.

This report presents the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the 2019/20 financial year. The Treasury Management Strategy incorporates within it the Treasury Management Policy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the 2018/2019 financial year. The Strategy had been prepared in line with CIPFA’s Local Authority Treasury Management Code, and set out the Council’s borrowing requirement and strategy, its strategy in respect of investments and details of the Council’s current portfolio position. It also provided details of the prudential and treasury indicators that would be used to monitor and measure treasury performance.

The report had been considered by the Audit Committee on 8 January 2019 and Cabinet 5 February 2019, comments of which were set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken on the Strategy as set out in Appendix B to the report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

a)    The Council noted the comments of the Audit Committee and the Cabinet, as set out in sections 4 and 5 of the report respectively.

b)    The Council approved the Treasury Management Strategy 2019/2020, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

This report seeks approval to add the acquisition of the head leases from Chatham LLP of the Pentagon Centre and other included freehold property and the proposed additional enabling capital works to the Capital Programme, following Cabinet’s decisions to approve these acquisitions on 12 February 2019.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the proposal to add the acquisition of the head leases from Chatham LLP of the Pentagon Centre and other included freehold properties and the proposed additional enabling capital works to the Capital Programme, following Cabinet’s decisions to approve these acquisitions on 12 February 2019.

The Mayor proposed that the press and public be excluded during consideration of any information contained in the exempt appendix to this report, as set out on page 295 of the agenda, on the basis that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. This was agreed.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Councillor Stamp, supported by Councillor Osborne, proposed the following amendment:

“Add after 7.1:

This Council recommends Cabinet obtains two further independent market valuations to help ensure the valuation is accurate and the Council achieves the best possible value for money with the proposal”.

In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the amendment was taken.

For – Councillors Bowler, Cooper, Craven, Freshwater, Gilry, Godwin, Griffiths, Johnson, Khan, McDonald, Murray, Osborne, Paterson, Price, Shaw and Stamp (16)

Against – Councillors Aldous, Avey, Bhutia, Brake, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers OBE, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, Etheridge, Fearn, Filmer, Griffin, Hall, Hicks, Mrs Josie Iles, Steve Iles, Jarrett, Joy, Kemp, Mackness, Opara, Potter, Purdy, Royle, Saroy, Tejan, Tranter, Turpin, Wicks and Wildey (31)

Note: Councillor Maple was not present for the recorded vote as he had declared an OSI and had left the meeting during consideration of this item.

On being put to the vote, the proposed amendment was lost.

Councillor McDonald, supported by Councillor Price, proposed the following amendment:

“Add after 7.1:

This Council recommends Cabinet to prioritise Gillingham Town Centre as Medway Council’s first bid for the Future High Streets Fund, with Chatham Town Centre to follow in the second bidding round due in 2020.”

In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the amendment was taken.

For – Councillors Bowler, Cooper, Craven, Freshwater, Gilry, Godwin, Griffiths, Johnson, Khan, McDonald, Murray, Osborne, Paterson, Price, Shaw and Stamp (16)

Against – Councillors Aldous, Avey, Bhutia, Brake, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers OBE, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, Etheridge, Fearn, Filmer, Griffin, Hall, Hicks, Mrs Josie Iles, Steve Iles, Jarrett, Joy, Kemp, Mackness, Opara, Potter, Purdy, Royle, Saroy, Tejan, Tranter, Turpin, Wicks and Wildey (31)

Note: Councillor Maple was not present for the recorded vote as he had declared an OSI and had left the meeting during consideration of this item.

On being put to the vote, the proposed amendment was lost.

Councillor Murray, supported by Councillor Griffiths, proposed an amendment regarding the future of the Pentagon Centre, which following advice from the Chief Legal Officer, required the exclusion of the press and public.

In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 838.

This report sets out Cabinet’s proposals for the capital and revenue budgets for 2019/20. In accordance with the Constitution, Council is required to approve the capital and revenue budgets, rent increases and council tax for 2019/20.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the revenue and capital budget proposals for 2019/20.

The Cabinet had considered initial budget proposals on 20 November 2018, which had been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy. In accordance with the budget and policy framework rules within the Constitution, the Overview and Scrutiny Committees had then considered the Cabinet’s proposals prior to Cabinet’s consideration of the draft budget on 5 February 2019.

It was noted that an overarching Diversity Impact Assessment, as set out in Appendix 8 to the report, summarised the results of the Diversity Impact Assessments which had been completed for each of the services affected by the proposed budget changes.

In his introduction, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett referred to an addendum report which was circulated to advise the Council of a correction required to the calculation of the Council Tax uplift and yield, a series of revisions to the budget requirement and a change to the schedule of Parish Council precepts, all of which were explained in the report and highlighted in bold in the revised recommendations at paragraph 2 of the addendum report and revised Appendices 1, 5, 6 and 6a.

The Leader highlighted additional revenue budget headroom as a consequence of these changes as follows:

The Leader also stated that he would be proposing additional capital schemes which would be funded from capital receipts with the exception of the purchase of the Pentagon Centre which would be funded by prudential borrowing. The Corn Exchange/Guildhall Museum, BRMF (Building Repairs and Maintenance Fund) and the Pentagon Centre related to additions to the 2018/19 Capital Programme whereas the other schemes related to the 2019/20 Capital Programme.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations set out in section 2 of the addendum report, together with the following detailed changes listed below in relation to recommendations 2.3 and 2.4 of the addendum report:

“Revenue Budget:

More detail to support the revised figures as reflected in the total net expenditure in recommendation 2.3 and shown in the revised summary table at appendix 1 of supplementary agenda 1:

Capital Budget:

Approve the proposed capital programme as set out in Appendix 3 and section 12 of the original report, amended for the additional capital schemes outlined below:

This report seeks approval to the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2019/2020 in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the Pay Policy Statement (PPS) for the financial year 2019/2020 in accordance with the Localism Act 2011. It was noted that the PPS must be approved by a resolution of Full Council before it came into force and had to be prepared and approved before 31 March 2019 for the following financial year.

The report had been considered by the Employment Matters Committee on 30 January 2019, details of which were set out in section 5 of the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been carried out on the PPS, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

The Chairman of the Employment Matters Committee, Councillor Wicks supported by Councillor Kemp, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the Pay Policy Statement 2019/20, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

This report sets out the arrangements for a review to be undertaken by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) of the electoral arrangements in Medway with effect from February 2019.

It also sets out proposals for the establishment of a Working Group to compile the necessary submissions to the LGBCE and develop and recommend proposals to Full Council.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the arrangements for a review to be undertaken by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) of the electoral arrangements in Medway with effect from February 2019. It also sets out proposals for the establishment of a Working Group to compile the necessary submissions to the LGBCE and develop and recommend proposals to Full Council in October 2019.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Business Management, Councillor Turpin, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

a)    The Council noted the arrangements for a review of electoral arrangements by the Local Government Boundary Review for England.

b)    The Council agreed to setting up a cross-party, Member level Working Group on the basis set out in paragraphs 4.3-4.5 of the report.

c)    The Council agreed the Terms of Reference of the Electoral Review Working Group as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

This report provides details of recent usage of urgency provisions contained within the Constitution.

Discussion:

This report provided details of recent usage of urgency provisions contained within the Constitution, in relation to the Cabinet meetings held on 5 February 2019 and 12 February 2019.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Educational Attainment and Improvement, Councillor Potter, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council noted the report.

This report summarises the content of an exempt appendix which, in the opinion of the proper officer, will contain exempt information within one of the categories in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. It is a matter for the Council to determine whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of this document.

Decision:

The Council agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting during part of the consideration of agenda item 8 (Commercial Property), as highlighted in minute no. 838/2019 above, because consideration of this matter in public would disclose information falling within paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as specified in agenda item 4 (Exclusion of Press and Public) and, in all the circumstances of the case, the Council considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.