Agenda item

 This report sets out motions received for this meeting.

Motion A – proposed by Councillor Hackwell and supported by Councillor Perfect:

“The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration is railroading through a red route scheme for Rainham High Street. There is clear unequivocal opposition to the scheme from residents and local traders, evidenced through the Council’s consultation and the recent Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18th October 2023.

 

The Council instructs the Director of Place to publish:

 

1.    Evidence that the Rainham scheme will improve traffic flow, journey times, and reduce pollution.

 

2.    Current baseline data on:

a.Traffic flow.

b.Journey times.

c.Air pollution.

 

3.    Target KPIs in these three measurements above that justify the Rainham scheme.

 

4.    Current revenue assumptions for the red route in Rainham.

 

The Council recommends to Cabinet to consider all responses to the consultation and not impose a small geographical location thus preventing many who use, travel through and visit Rainham.

 

The Council notes that the Conservative Government and Transport Secretary intends to tackle anti-car measures where there is clear opposition to the scheme through the “Plan for Drivers”.

 

The Council further recommends to Cabinet to cancel the scheme in Rainham the Director of Place is unable to provide the requested information.”

 

Councillor Field supported by Councillor Hamandishe proposed the following amendment:

 

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration is railroading through a red route scheme for Rainham High Street. There is clear unequivocal opposition to the scheme from residents and local traders, evidenced through the Council’s consultation and the recent Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18th October 2023 overseeing the possible introduction of Red Routes across Medway. There is clear interest in this from some in our community.

 

The Council instructs the Director of Place to publish:

 

1.    Evidence that the Rainham scheme will improve traffic flow, journey times, and reduce pollution.

 

2.    Current baseline data on:

a.Traffic flow.

b.Journey times.

c.Air pollution.

 

3. Target KPIs in these three measurements above that justify the Rainham scheme.

 

4. Current revenue assumptions for the red route in Rainham.

 

The Council recommends to Cabinet to consider all responses to the consultation and not impose a small geographical location thus preventing many who use, travel through and visit Rainham.

 

The Council notes: that the Conservative Government and Transport Secretary intends to tackle anti-car measures where there is clear opposition to the scheme through the “Plan for Drivers”.

 

The Council further recommends to Cabinet to cancel the scheme in Rainham the Director of Place is unable to provide the requested information

 

·      That a business case was prepared for the previous Administration in December 2022 (as noted by Councillor Gulvin during Council on 19 October 2023) which sets out the case for Red Routes in Medway, including Rainham. This business case was de facto adopted as policy by the previous administration via its inclusion in the budget, agreed by their Members at both Cabinet and two successive Full Council meetings.

·      That the Conservative Government is cynically using traffic controlling and road safety measures as a ‘wedge issue’ with voters, despite being adopted by local authorities of all political colours across the country.

Amended motion reads:

 

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration is overseeing the possible introduction of Red Routes across Medway. There is clear interest in this from some in our community.

 

“The Council notes:

 

·      That a business case was prepared for the previous Administration in December 2022 (as noted by Councillor Gulvin during Council on 19 October 2023) which sets out the case for Red Routes in Medway, including Rainham. This business case was de facto adopted as policy by the previous administration via its inclusion in the budget, agreed by their Members at both Cabinet and two successive Full Council meetings.

·       That the Conservative Government is cynically using traffic controlling and road safety measures as a ‘wedge issue’ with voters, despite being adopted by local authorities of all political colours across the country.”

 

In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the amended motion was taken:

For: Councillors Animashaun, Bowen, Browne, Campbell, Cook, Coombs, Edwards, Field, Gurung, Hamandishe, Hamilton, Howcroft-Scott, Hubbard, Jackson, Khan, Mahil, Mandaracas, Maple, McDonald, Murray, Myton, Nestorov, Osborne, Peake, Louwella Prenter, Mark Prenter, Price, Shokar, Stamp and Van Dyke (30)

Against: Councillors Anang, Barrett, Brake, Clarke, Doe, Etheridge, Gilbourne, Gulvin, Hackwell, Hyne, Joy, Kemp, Lawrence, Perfect, Tejan, Mrs Turpin, Wildey and Williams (18)

Abstain: Councillors Crozer, Pearce, Sands, Spalding, (4)

Decision:

Upon being put to the vote the substantive motion was carried:

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration is overseeing the possible introduction of Red Routes across Medway. There is clear interest in this from some in our community.

 

The Council notes:

 

1)    That a business case was prepared for the previous Administration in December 2022 (as noted by Councillor Gulvin during Council on 19 October 2023) which sets out the case for Red Routes in Medway, including Rainham. This business case was de facto adopted as policy by the previous administration via its inclusion in the budget, agreed by their members at both Cabinet and two successive Full Council meetings.

 

2)    That the Conservative Government is cynically using traffic controlling and road safety measures as a ‘wedge issue’ with voters, despite being adopted by local authorities of all political colours across the country.

 

Motion B – proposed by Councillor Coombs and supported by Councillor Gulvin:

“Medway Council welcomes the £4,524,926 it has received through the Household Support Fund from the Government which helps to support the most vulnerable in our community through the cost-of-living crisis during the 2023/2024 financial year.

 

Medway Council was concerned that the government’s Autumn Financial Statement was unable to commit to continuing this support through into the next financial year, at a time when people are still feeling the pressure of years of high inflation and record energy costs.

 

Medway Council notes that there is a still an opportunity for the government to continue to fund this much needed support before it is due to run out, as part of the Spring Budget.

 

Medway Council agrees to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to confirm the long-term future of this vital fund at the Spring Budget. This will allow local authorities, who are most attuned to their constituents’ needs, to make vital interventions which help support families and individuals at this time.”

 

During discussion it was requested that the letter to be submitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, subject to the motion being agreed by the Council, should be signed by the Leaders of the three political groups and by the Chief Executive.

 

Decision:

Upon being put to the vote the substantive motion was carried.