Agenda item

Members received the Leader’s Report. The issues discussed included the following:

• Local Government Reorganisation:
  • The Leader was satisfied that the Government had selected a four Council unitary model for Kent and Medway but there was disappointment that the opportunity to address structural and boundary anomalies had not been addressed.
  • Members and officers who had been involved in the development and submission of Medway’s proposal were thanked for their hard work.
  • It was confirmed that Medway Council would not be challenging the Government’s decision.
  • The Leader would be reaching out to the Leaders of Dartford and Gravesham Councils to start considering how to take the development of the new unitary authority forward. Delivery of services for the people of Medway would continue alongside the development of the new Authority.
  • Some opposition Members were pleased that Medway’s proposed option had not been selected and considered that resources should not have been used to develop this option. There was also concern regarding the length of time it would take for cost savings to be made.

·        The hosting of Armed Forces Day, with over 17,000 tickets having been issued for the event, the second meeting of the Medway Armed Forces Partnership and the Armed Forces and Summer Fun Day held in Cliffe.

·        The retention of eight Green Flags for parks and green spaces in Medway.

·        The launch of the vision for 2035 advancing Medway higher education.

·        The topping out of the Docking Station at Chatham Historic Dockyard.

·        Holding the Food Partnership Annual event.

·        Our Medway Live sessions hosted by the Leader and Chief Executive which were attended by over 800 Council staff.

·        The 11^th Child Friendly Medway Conference had taken place and the creation of a Medway Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayors.

·        ‘Poet in every Port’ session held at Chatham Library.

·        The Howard School had become the first secondary school in Kent to receive an exceptional rating from Ofsted.

·        Luton Primary school Year 2 work had been displayed at the National Gallery as part of the ‘Take One Picture’ programme.

·        The Pride in Medway Awards and the Kent Apprenticeship Awards.

·        The 60^th anniversary of the Medway Samaritans.

·        Holding the Medway Business and Skills Showcase.

·        Medway Watersports Trust had received the Kings Award for voluntary service.

·        Hosting of the UK Salt Marsh Conference that included experts from the UK and around the world.

·        Opening of a new play zone at the Strand and forthcoming opening of play zones in Chatham Central and Brompton and on the Peninsula.

·        Opening of the James Williams Healthy Living Centre Society which demonstrated strong partnership working.

·        Welcome news that Grain Fire Station had been removed from a possible closure list but concern that Cliffe was still under threat.

·        Dismissal of a planning appeal by the Planning Inspectorate that had sought to build 800 homes in Wainscott.

·        Progression of the new Medway Local Plan to examination stage.

·        Tribute to politician Anne Widdecombe, who had recently passed away in tragic circumstances.

·        Development and implementation of the Medway River Strategy.

·        The Sunlight Centre, Gillingham and its role in helping to reduce health inequalities and promoting better health. Projects run through the Centre included Men in Sheds and Women in Sheds and Medway Safe Haven.

·        The reopening of the Capstone Dementia Centre.

·        Medway having been selected as Kinship Carer pilot area.