Agenda item

This report sets out the motions received for this meeting.

Motion A – Proposed by Councillor Tejan and supported by Councillor Hackwell:

 

“This Council recognises the serious financial pressures facing local authorities nationwide, including Medway, and acknowledges the complex challenges involved in delivering vital services amid rising demand and constrained resources.

This Council notes with concern the continued reliance on permission for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from central government to sustain Medway’s day-to-day operations.

Since the Labour and Co-Operative Group took control of the Council in May 2023:

• The Council has had to rely on EFS to balance its day-to-day spending.
• In 2024/2025 it borrowed £20.239m via the EFS mechanism.
• In 2025/2026 it plans to borrow £18.48m via the EFS mechanism.
• The Medium-Term borrowing projection to 2030 stands at £191m.
• Despite the involvement of CIPFA there is no plan or target date for achieving a balanced budget.
• There remains significant overspending in key areas such as Children and Adult Social Services with limited evidence of cost containment.
• Interest is being charged on the amount borrowed reducing the amount available for services.

• With local government reorganisation, Medway’s EFS debt will become the obligation of residents currently living in other Authorities.

This Council expresses concern that:

•         Without a clear and achievable plan, Medway will be dependent on EFS for at least a further two to three years.

•         The Administration has failed to deliver savings from transformation initiatives such as “Medway 2.0” and procurement reforms have not delivered the expected impact.

•         Increased fees and charges for services such as leisure centres and parking disproportionately affect vulnerable residents, while the use of limited reserves to cover overspends signals a precarious financial position.

• Increases in debt for day-to-day spending reduces the amount available for investment in Medway as a Place.

This Council believes:

•         That Medway’s financial resilience, public service delivery, and staff wellbeing are at risk without decisive action.

•         That all political groups have a shared responsibility to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, protect frontline services, and maintain public trust, given the Budget is the responsibility of Full Council.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1. Call upon the Cabinet to publish a detailed and deliverable plan to achieve financial sustainability without reliance on EFS.
2. Urge the Cabinet to prioritise value for money, cost containment, and transparent governance in all future budgetary decisions.
3. Commit to working cross-party to place Medway’s finances on a stable and responsible footing, ensuring that future decisions are guided by prudence, compassion, and long-term vision.”

Decision:

 

Upon being put to the vote the motion was lost.

Motion B – proposed by Councillor Finch and supported by Councillor Lammas:

“This Council notes that:

• The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has increased significantly in parts of Medway, with many family homes being converted into multi-tenant properties, often without full planning scrutiny.
• This trend is contributing to increased pressure on local services, on-street parking congestion, noise complaints, and changes to the character of residential areas.
• Medway currently operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme for larger HMOs (five or more occupants forming two or more households) and has limited Article 4 Directions in certain conservation areas. However, these measures do not apply borough-wide, nor do they cover smaller HMOs.
• The Draft Medway Local Plan (2025) (Policy T8) and associated evidence base recognise the risks of HMO clustering, the loss of family housing and reduced amenity - but without Article 4 and additional licensing, these safeguards cannot be applied to most small conversions.
• Investor and landlord advice sites highlight Medway’s lack of Article 4 controls as making it easier to convert homes into HMOs compared with neighbouring areas, encouraging speculative development, leading to a rapid and uncoordinated increase in conversions.
• The uncontrolled spread of HMOs is also enabling the use of former family homes for temporary accommodation, including properties procured by the Home Office for asylum dispersals, further tightening the supply of family homes for Medway residents.
• Local authorities across England - including Lewisham, Chorley, Burnley, Redbridge, Manchester and over 75 others have introduced Article 4 Directions and Additional Licensing Schemes to better manage HMO growth and protect housing standards.

This Council believes:

• Medway needs stronger tools to manage the spread and impact of HMOs, especially in areas where family housing is being lost and community balance is at risk.
• Residents have a right to be consulted on the future of housing in their neighbourhoods, including how HMOs are planned and regulated.
• It is appropriate and necessary for Medway to bring itself in line with other councils that have taken proactive steps to ensure family home supply and community stability.

This Council therefore resolves to request the Cabinet to:

1. Begin the formal process of introducing an Article 4 Direction, in areas most affected by high concentration of HMOs, by removing permitted development rights for the change of use from C3 (dwelling house) to C4 (HMO), requiring planning permission for converting single-family homes into small HMOs (three or more people who are not from one household).
2. Launch a consultation on the introduction of an Additional Licensing Scheme, which would apply to smaller HMOs not currently covered by mandatory licensing. This consultation should also consider the preparation of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to support Policy T8 and manage HMO concentration.
3. Undertake a full public consultation and bring forward a report to Cabinet and relevant committees, setting out the evidence base, lessons from other authorities, and implementation options for strengthened HMO controls at the earliest practical opportunity.
4. Note the forthcoming Cabinet report on Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes (21 October 2025) and request that the evidence gathered through this work informs the designation of Article 4 areas and any related Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).”

Councillor Louwella Prenter, supported by Councillor Curry, proposed the following amendment:

 

‘This Council notes that:?

The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has increased significantly in parts of Medway, with many family homes being converted into multi-tenant properties, often without full planning scrutiny. with some family homes being converted into multi-tenant properties.?

• This trend is contributing to increased pressure on local services, on-street parking congestion, noise complaints, and changes to the character of residential areas. has placed additional pressure on local services and affected the character of some residential areas.
• Medway currently operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme for larger HMOs (five or more occupants forming two or more households) and has limited Article 4 Directions in certain conservation areas. However, these measures do not apply borough-wide, nor do they cover smaller HMOs. and an evidence-led review of housing licensing arrangements is currently underway.
• The Draft Medway Local Plan (2025) (Policy T8) and associated evidence base recognise the risks of HMO clustering, the loss of family housing and reduced amenity — but without Article 4 and additional licensing, these safeguards cannot be applied to most small conversions. specifically address the risks of HMO clustering, loss of family housing and reduced amenity, supported by a detailed evidence base.?
• Investor and landlord advice sites highlight Medway’s lack of Article 4 controls as making it easier to convert homes into HMOs compared with neighbouring areas, encouraging speculative development and leading to a rapid and uncoordinated increase in conversions.
• The uncontrolled spread of HMOs is also enabling the use of former family homes for temporary accommodation, including properties procured by the Home Office for asylum dispersals, further tightening the supply of family homes for Medway residents.
• Local authorities across England — including Lewisham, Chorley, Burnley, Redbridge, Manchester and over 75 others — have introduced Article 4 Directions and Additional Licensing Schemes to better manage HMO growth and protect housing standards. The Cabinet has already agreed to bring forward a report in October 2025 on the potential introduction of Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes, and will consider the case for further controls, including possible Article 4 Directions where justified.?
• Officers are engaging with other local authorities and government departments to ensure Medway’s approach aligns with best practice and responds to local housing pressures.

This Council believes:?

• Medway needs stronger tools to manage the spread and impact of HMOs, especially in areas where family housing is being lost and community balance is at risk. is already taking steps to manage the spread and impact of HMOs to protect residents and community balance.?
• Residents have a right to be consulted on the future of housing in their neighbourhoods, including how HMOs are planned and regulated. That the Conservative and Liberal Democrats Coalition Government’s 2010 decision to extend permitted development rights — allowing homes to be converted into small HMOs without planning permission — has had unintended consequences, undermining local control and has contributed to the loss of family housing.?
• It is appropriate and necessary for Medway to bring itself in line with other councils that have taken proactive steps to ensure family home supply and community stability. Any new designations or controls must be based on robust evidence and be proportionate and deliverable.

This Council therefore resolves to request the Cabinet to: recognise and support ongoing work to strengthen HMO regulation in Medway, and to:

1. Begin the formal process of introducing an Article 4 Direction, in areas most affected by high concentration of HMOs, by removing permitted development rights for the change of use from C3 (dwelling house) to C4 (HMO), requiring planning permission for converting single-family homes into small HMOs (three or more people who are not from one household).Welcome the ongoing work already commissioned by Cabinet to review housing licensing and HMO regulation in Medway.
2. Launch a consultation on the introduction of an Additional Licensing Scheme, which would apply to smaller HMOs not currently covered by mandatory licensing. This consultation should also consider the preparation of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to support Policy T8 and manage HMO concentration. Request that this work continues to consider the use of Article 4 Directions, Additional Licensing Schemes and Supplementary Planning Documents where evidence supports their introduction.
3. Undertake a full public consultation and bring forward a report to Cabinet and relevant committees, setting out the evidence base, lessons from other authorities, and implementation options for strengthened HMO controls at the earliest practical opportunity. Note that a Cabinet report on Additional and Selective Licensing is scheduled for October 2025 and will inform any future decisions on HMO regulation.
4. Note the forthcoming Cabinet report on Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes (21 October 2025) and request that the evidence gathered through this work informs the designation of Article 4 areas. Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and ensuring high standards across all rented housing in Medway.’

Amended motion reads:

 

‘This Council notes that:?

• The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has increased in parts of Medway, with some family homes being converted into multi-tenant properties.?
• This trend has placed additional pressure on local services and affected the character of some residential areas.?
• Medway currently operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme for larger HMOs (five or more occupants forming two or more households) and an evidence-led review of housing licensing arrangements is currently underway.
• The Draft Medway Local Plan (2025) (Policy T8) and associated evidence base specifically address the risks of HMO clustering, loss of family housing and reduced amenity, supported by a detailed evidence base.?
• The Cabinet has already agreed to bring forward a report in October 2025 on the potential introduction of Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes, and will consider the case for further controls, including possible Article 4 Directions where justified.?
• Officers are engaging with other local authorities and government departments to ensure Medway’s approach aligns with best practice and responds to local housing pressures.

This Council believes:?

• Medway is already taking steps to manage the spread and impact of HMOs to protect residents and community balance.?
• That the Conservative and Liberal Democrats Coalition Government’s 2010 decision to extend permitted development rights — allowing homes to be converted into small HMOs without planning permission — has had unintended consequences, undermining local control and has contributed to the loss of family housing.?
• Any new designations or controls must be based on robust evidence and be proportionate and deliverable.

This Council therefore resolves to recognise and support ongoing work to strengthen HMO regulation in Medway, and to:

1. Welcome the ongoing work already commissioned by Cabinet to review housing licensing and HMO regulation in Medway.
2. Request that this work continues to consider the use of Article 4 Directions, Additional Licensing Schemes and Supplementary Planning Documents where evidence supports their introduction.
3. Note that a Cabinet report on Additional and Selective Licensing is scheduled for October 2025 and will inform any future decisions on HMO regulation.
4. Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and ensuring high standards across all rented housing in Medway.’

Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was agreed.

 

Decision:

 

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

This Council notes that:?

• The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has increased in parts of Medway, with some family homes being converted into multi-tenant properties.?
• This trend has placed additional pressure on local services and affected the character of some residential areas.?
• Medway currently operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme for larger HMOs (five or more occupants forming two or more households) and an evidence-led review of housing licensing arrangements is currently underway.
• The Draft Medway Local Plan (2025) (Policy T8) and associated evidence base specifically address the risks of HMO clustering, loss of family housing and reduced amenity, supported by a detailed evidence base.?
• The Cabinet has already agreed to bring forward a report in October 2025 on the potential introduction of Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes, and will consider the case for further controls, including possible Article 4 Directions where justified.?
• Officers are engaging with other local authorities and government departments to ensure Medway’s approach aligns with best practice and responds to local housing pressures.

This Council believes:?

• Medway is already taking steps to manage the spread and impact of HMOs to protect residents and community balance.?
• That the Conservative and Liberal Democrats Coalition Government’s 2010 decision to extend permitted development rights — allowing homes to be converted into small HMOs without planning permission — has had unintended consequences, undermining local control and has contributed to the loss of family housing.?
• Any new designations or controls must be based on robust evidence and be proportionate and deliverable.

This Council therefore resolves to recognise and support ongoing work to strengthen HMO regulation in Medway, and to:

1.   Welcome the ongoing work already commissioned by Cabinet to review housing licensing and HMO regulation in Medway.

2.   Request that this work continues to consider the use of Article 4 Directions, Additional Licensing Schemes and Supplementary Planning Documents where evidence supports their introduction.

3.   Note that a Cabinet report on Additional and Selective Licensing is scheduled for October 2025 and will inform any future decisions on HMO regulation.

4.   Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and ensuring high standards across all rented housing in Medway.

Motion C – The motion published in the agenda was withdrawn by Councillor Sands and was therefore not discussed.

Motion D – proposed by Councillor Maple and supported by Councillor Mark Prenter:

‘This Council notes that:

1. Eurostar and other international high-speed rail services have not called at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International since 2020, following suspensions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. The absence of these stops undermines regional connectivity, tourism, business growth, and the wider value of HS1 infrastructure in Kent and Medway.

3. Independent analysis suggests that restoring services could generate significant additional visitor numbers, economic spending, and wider regional benefits.

4. Local councils across Kent, including Medway, have already expressed support for the return of international rail services and are working together through the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign.

5. The UK Government has recently signalled support for reinstating services, recognising the need for fair access to depots and infrastructure to allow new operators onto HS1.

This Council further notes that:

• Improved international rail connectivity is central to the ambitions of devolution in Kent and Medway, ensuring that our region has the powers and infrastructure needed to compete fairly and grow.

• For Medway specifically, the return of international trains would support local businesses that trade with Europe, attract inward investment, and give residents fast access to continental destinations.

• Tourism would receive a major boost — especially around Christmas and peak holiday periods, when visitors could once again travel directly to Kent and Medway, supporting our shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, and festive events.

This Council resolves to:

1. Support the campaign to “Bring Back Euro Trains” stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, and commit the Council to speaking publicly in favour of the reinstatement of these services.

2. Write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rail Minister, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and local Members of Parliament, urging them to prioritise the reinstatement of international services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet as part of building a stronger and more connected South East.

3. Work in partnership with neighbouring councils, transport bodies, and campaigners to strengthen the regional case for restoring these services, while highlighting the economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Medway.’

Councillor Lammas, supported by Councillor Finch, proposed the following amendment:

 

‘This Council notes that:

 

1.      Eurostar and other international high-speed rail services have not called at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International since 2020, following suspensions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2.      The absence of these stops undermines regional connectivity, tourism, business growth, and the wider value of HS1 infrastructure in Kent and Medway.

 

3.      Independent analysis suggests that restoring services could generate significant additional visitor numbers, economic spending, and wider regional benefits.

 

4.      Local councils across Kent, including Medway, have already expressed support for the return of international rail services and are working together through the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign.

 

5.      The UK Government has recently signalled support for reinstating services, recognising the need for fair access to depots and infrastructure to allow new operators onto HS1.

 

This Council further notes that:

 

• Improved international rail connectivity is central to the ambitions of devolution in Kent and Medway, ensuring that our region has the powers and infrastructure needed to compete fairly and grow.

 

• For Medway specifically, the return of international trains would support local businesses that trade with Europe, attract inward investment, and give residents fast access to continental destinations.

 

• Tourism would receive a major boost — especially around Christmas and peak holiday periods, when visitors could once again travel directly to Kent and Medway, supporting our shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, and festive events.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

1.      Support the cross-party campaign to “Bring Back Euro Trains” stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, and commit the Council to speaking publicly in favour of the reinstatement of these services.

 

2.      Write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rail Minister, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and local Members of Parliament, drawing their attention to the KCC-led event on 26^th September and urging them to prioritise the reinstatement of international services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet as part of building a stronger and more connected South East.

 

3.      Continue toWwork in partnership with neighbouring councils, transport bodies, and campaigners to strengthen the regional case for restoring these services, while highlighting the economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Medway.’

 

Amended motion reads:

‘This Council notes that:

 

1.   Eurostar and other international high-speed rail services have not called at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International since 2020, following suspensions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

2.   The absence of these stops undermines regional connectivity, tourism, business growth, and the wider value of HS1 infrastructure in Kent and Medway.

 

3.    Independent analysis suggests that restoring services could generate significant additional visitor numbers, economic spending, and wider regional benefits.

 

4.    Local councils across Kent, including Medway, have already expressed support for the return of international rail services and are working together through the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign.

 

5.    The UK Government has recently signalled support for reinstating services, recognising the need for fair access to depots and infrastructure to allow new operators onto HS1.

 

This Council further notes that:

 

• Improved international rail connectivity is central to the ambitions of devolution in Kent and Medway, ensuring that our region has the powers and infrastructure needed to compete fairly and grow.

 

• For Medway specifically, the return of international trains would support local businesses that trade with Europe, attract inward investment, and give residents fast access to continental destinations.

 

• Tourism would receive a major boost — especially around Christmas and peak holiday periods, when visitors could once again travel directly to Kent and Medway, supporting our shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, and festive events.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

1.      Support the cross-party campaign to “Bring Back Euro Trains” stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, and commit the Council to speaking publicly in favour of the reinstatement of these services.

 

2.      Write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rail Minister, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and local Members of Parliament, drawing their attention to the KCC-led event on 26^th September and urging them to prioritise the reinstatement of international services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet as part of building a stronger and more connected South East.

 

 

3.      Continue to work in partnership with neighbouring councils, transport bodies, and campaigners to strengthen the regional case for restoring these services, while highlighting the economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Medway.’

 

Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

 

Decision:

 

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

This Council notes that:

1.   Eurostar and other international high-speed rail services have not called at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International since 2020, following suspensions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2.   The absence of these stops undermines regional connectivity, tourism, business growth, and the wider value of HS1 infrastructure in Kent and Medway.

3.   Independent analysis suggests that restoring services could generate significant additional visitor numbers, economic spending, and wider regional benefits.

4.   Local councils across Kent, including Medway, have already expressed support for the return of international rail services and are working together through the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign.

5.   The UK Government has recently signalled support for reinstating services, recognising the need for fair access to depots and infrastructure to allow new operators onto HS1.

This Council further notes that:

• Improved international rail connectivity is central to the ambitions of devolution in Kent and Medway, ensuring that our region has the powers and infrastructure needed to compete fairly and grow.

• For Medway specifically, the return of international trains would support local businesses that trade with Europe, attract inward investment, and give residents fast access to continental destinations.

• Tourism would receive a major boost — especially around Christmas and peak holiday periods, when visitors could once again travel directly to Kent and Medway, supporting our shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, and festive events.

This Council resolves to:

1.   Support the campaign to “Bring Back Euro Trains” stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, and commit the Council to speaking publicly in favour of the reinstatement of these services.

2.   Write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rail Minister, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and local Members of Parliament, urging them to prioritise the reinstatement of international services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet as part of building a stronger and more connected South East.

3.   Work in partnership with neighbouring councils, transport bodies, and campaigners to strengthen the regional case for restoring these services, while highlighting the economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Medway.