Council - Wednesday 27 November 2024, 7:00pm - Folkestone & Hythe webcasting

Council
Wednesday, 27th November 2024 at 7:00pm 

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  1. Cllr Anita Jones
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  3. Microphone Forty
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  1. Cllr Jeremy Speakman
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  6. Cllr David Wimble
  7. Cllr Jim Martin
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  1. Cllr Anita Jones
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  4. Cllr Belinda Walker
  5. Cllr Mike Blakemore
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  7. Cllr Belinda Walker
  8. Cllr Mike Blakemore
  9. Cllr Anita Jones
  10. Cllr David Wimble
  11. Cllr Jeremy Speakman
  12. Cllr Anita Jones
  13. Cllr James Butcher
  14. Cllr Anita Jones
  15. Cllr Stephen Scoffham
  16. Cllr Anita Jones
  17. Cllr James Butcher
  18. Cllr Stephen Scoffham
  19. Cllr Anita Jones
  20. Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee
  21. Cllr Anita Jones
  22. Cllr Tim Prater
  23. Cllr Anita Jones
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  26. Cllr Anita Jones
  27. Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee
  28. Cllr Mike Blakemore
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  30. Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee
  31. Cllr Anita Jones
  32. Cllr Clive Goddard
  33. Cllr Anita Jones
  34. Cllr Jeremy Speakman
  35. Cllr Clive Goddard
  36. Cllr Jeremy Speakman
  37. Cllr Anita Jones
  38. Cllr Jeremy Speakman
  39. Cllr Anita Jones
  40. Cllr Alan Martin
  41. Cllr Jim Martin
  42. Cllr Anita Jones
  43. Cllr Alan Martin
  44. Cllr Jim Martin
  45. Cllr Anita Jones
  46. Cllr Alan Martin
  47. Cllr Jim Martin
  48. Cllr Anita Jones
  49. Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee
  50. Cllr Tim Prater
  51. Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee
  52. Cllr Anita Jones
  53. Cllr Tony Cooper
  54. Cllr Anita Jones
  55. Cllr Tim Prater
  56. Cllr Tony Cooper
  57. Cllr Anita Jones
  58. Cllr Tony Cooper
  59. Cllr Anita Jones
  60. Cllr Tim Prater
  61. Cllr Anita Jones
  62. Councillor Tony Hills
  63. Cllr Tim Prater
  64. Cllr Anita Jones
  65. Councillor Tony Hills
  66. Cllr Tim Prater
  67. Cllr Anita Jones
  68. Cllr Tony Cooper
  69. Cllr Jim Martin
  70. Cllr Anita Jones
  71. Cllr Tony Cooper
  72. Cllr Jim Martin
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  74. Cllr Anita Jones
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  76. Cllr Anita Jones
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  1. Webcast Finished

Cllr Anita Jones - 0:00:00
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:00:00
Microphone Forty - 0:00:15
Heavenly Father, as we gather tonight in the warmth of these council chambers or of our
own homes for those joining us online, we hold before you those who will be cold this
night, those who cannot afford to turn on their heating or lights, those who have none,
and those who call the streets their home. Bring warmth for those who desperately need
it and community to those who are isolated. May we be a nation and a council who are there
for the most vulnerable and may we live that support in our words and deeds. Amen.
Among those local charities and institutions which do so much to care for the needs of
the vulnerable, tonight in particular we ask you, Lord, to bless the work and staff of
the Rainbow Centre. As their volunteers run the food banks, pantries, food stop, homeless
support service, Money Matters programme, Family Contact Centre and Winter's Shelter,
We ask that these services would bring the transformation and joy their users hope for.
May they be signs of hope in a dark and challenging world, and may their volunteers find joy and
fulfillment in their ministries. Amen.
And tonight, as they embark on their big sleep out, we ask you, Lord, to bless Councillors
keep them and all those sleeping outside tonight warm. May they get some sleep and may the
money they raise be used to bring positive change in others lives. Amen. And finally
as we look ahead to this Christmas season, a blessing for that season. May the joy of
the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the person of the Lord, the Lord of the angels,
of the Magi, and the care of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child.
Be yours this Christmas when it comes.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you,
and remain with those who you love, care for, and pray for this day and always.
Amen.
Amen.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:02:39
Please take a seat.
So good evening and welcome to the meeting of full council. This meeting will be webcast
live to the internet. For those who do not wish to be recorded or filmed, you will need
to leave the chamber. For members, officers and others speaking at the meeting, it is
important that the microphones are used so that viewers on the webcast and others in
the room may hear you. Would anyone with a mobile phone please switch it to silent mode
as they can be distracting.
I would like to remind members that although we all have strong opinions on matters under
consideration, it is important to treat members, officers and public speakers with respect.
And please note, I appreciate that some members may not be able to stand while addressing
the meeting and therefore I will of course permit those members to speak without the
need to stand at the meetings of full council.
So, onto the agenda, and apologies for absence.

1 Apologies for Absence

Thank you, Chair, and good evening,
councillors, members of the public, and colleagues.
We've got three apologies for absence this evening
from councillors Godfrey, Holgate, and McShane.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:03:56
Thank you, and item two, do we have any

2 Declarations of Interest

declarations of interest this evening?
Councillor Hills.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:04:05
Councillor Tony Hills - 0:04:08
Anything to do with Kent County Council.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:04:11
Thank you and also Councillor Jackie Meade.
OK, thank you.
No others?
That's fine.

3 Minutes

So we'll move on to item three and that's the minutes of the last meeting.
Do we have any comments or are we happy for me to sign them and to agree them?
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:04:58
Okay, so we'll move on to item four, Chair's Communications.
So, good evening.
It's lovely to see everybody again.
October and November have passed quickly within a number of great events both in and out of
the district including the Folkstone Book Festival, Trip on the Romilly Hive and Dim
Church Railway and a military concert in St Leonard's Hive among many other things.
We've had the season of remembrance which gave me plenty of time to reflect on how grateful
I am to live in a peaceful country when parts of the world are currently at war.
I attended a number of events around the district including the dedication of the Garden of
Remembrance in Folkestone, Remembrance Sunday Service in Liming, the Youth Festival of Remembrance
at the Leescliffe Hall and the Remembrance Day event in Hawkins with the Battle of Britain
Museum, Children from Hawkins Primary, and the Commonwealth
War Graves Commission.
It was significant that at all these events,
alongside the veterans, there were
young people leading parts of the service and laying wreaths.
This week marks National Tree Week.
You may remember that when I was given the position of chair
in May, I announced that I had ordered 400 native tree
saplings from the Woodlands Trust
to plant around the district to increase biodiversity.
I was delighted that Hithe Town Council were keen to have as many of my saplings as possible
for their biodiversity project.
Our KCC Councillor in Hithe, Councillor Jenny Hawkins, had also ordered 400 saplings, so
we joined forces last week and with some help planted around 600 in Hithe.
I still have around 200 left which need to be planted out in the next couple of weeks.
I've had some interest from a few councillors on the marsh, which is great, and they will
hopefully be planted in the next week or so.
But if you would like some for a small project in your ward, please let me know as soon as
possible and I will come and help you plant them.
They're very small and they don't need as much space as you might think.
As many of you know, after tonight's meeting, I am sleeping outside with councillors Jim,
Tim and Polly to raise money for the Folkestone Rainbow Centre.
Thank you to those of you who have sponsored us.
I'm delighted that we've exceeded my original target of £1000.
It's going to be a cold and comfortable night so if anyone else would like to sponsor us
it would make us less uncomfortable.
It's not a glamorous sleep out and we're not doing it just to raise money.
I'm hoping that it will raise awareness of the difficulties and challenges many people
will be facing this winter.

4 Chair's Communications

We all get to go home after the sleep out.
For those who are homeless, this will be their daily trial.
And I'm sure it will open our eyes to how hard it is.
When I was sourcing the cardboard boxes
for this evening's sleep out, the man who provided them
to me told me how he had been homeless not so many years ago
and that he had been helped by a charity similar to the Rainbow
Centre but one with accommodation.
He was grateful of all the support this charity provided and given the opportunity to rebuild his life.
Although the Rainbow Centre currently don't have their own accommodation, they provide practical help to homeless people,
such as clothes washing, showers and food. They also work closely with our council to help find accommodation.
I know from their recent AGM that they have an ambition to have accommodation in the future.
There was another story today, forgive me, it wasn't on my communications, which I'd like to share with you.
It was my sister who was walking to work in Folkestone earlier this week and she came across a homeless man
who was sprawled, passed out on a grass verge. There were a lot of people looking at him but not doing anything.
and she's of the medical profession, so she stepped in and helped.
But a lot of people who were happy to all come by and happy not to help,
I would like to think that we would like to encourage people to help more
and that we should always, we don't understand the situation that person is
and we should always reach out to them.
So I just wanted to say that it made me feel that we're doing this for the right reasons tonight
when I heard that story today.
I've had challenging moments in the last week
where I thought it's very cold.
It's been particularly challenging weather,
but actually this money that we're raising
will really go to helping the right people
and hopefully help them get the right help.
Sorry, I'll carry on.
The money we've raised from this will not only support the homeless,
because obviously the Rainbow Centre provide the food bank
and they help people with food for their families
who can't afford it.
And thank you again for all the donations
that you've bought this evening,
both food and there were some hats and gloves
and scarves and jumpers.
So thank you.
It will all be very much appreciated.
And I know that it will go to help
and improve somebody's life in our district.
So it looks like we have a remarkably short agenda tonight.
After the meeting, Jim and I have organised
drinks and nibbles for everyone.
Connor has also kindly organised some mince pies
from his students.
It would be lovely if all councillors and officers could
join us in this pre -advent and early Christmas social
just to finish off the evening.
Thank you.

5 Petitions

OK, so we'll move on to item five, petitions.
There are no petitions.
So we will move on to public questions.

6 Questions from the Public

And we have two questions from members of the public.
So our first question is from Mr. Mouland to Councillor Speakman, Cabinet Member for
Assets and Operations.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 0:10:57
Councillor Speakman, you'll need to switch your microphone off.
Good evening, Madam Chairman and each and every one of the members
Microphone Forty - 0:11:06
present tonight.
I'm rather surprised that my question, which was tabled to the leader of the Council,
which is now being answered by a member of the assets,
I'm rather disappointed there.
Perhaps we could have a comment on that?
As far as I understand, it was possibly a more appropriate question for Councillor Speakman.
Yes, if I can answer that, good evening, Mr. Miller.
I'm happy to answer the main body of your question, which obviously is normally customary
when there are...
Can we have the question first, please?
I left you answering...
Oh, that question.
Sorry.
So I was answering your initial question about why you come to me as cabinet member with
portfolio for assets including the row of remembrance
which is related to that.
So that would be the normal course of events.
Otherwise the quality of the house would be large.
Just for the record, I'm disappointed there.
Anyway, that's all shared and done.
Thank you.
Now the question tonight, thank you members.
What does the district council intend
to do with the disused 1892 Victorian gents convenience embedded in the Church Slope Road,
renamed in 1924 as the Road of Remembrance, if anything. Recently publicised in the July
issue of the newspaper The Looker. Thank you.
Thank you. Councillor Speakman.
I say good evening, Mr Woman and thank you for the question.
As you know, the Victorian Gents Convenience Block was discovered by the council operatives clearing the vegetation from the bank and above the road of amendment following the land tips last winter.
And there was certainly an unexpected fire, if you didn't know, they were there.
So the council priority at the moment of course is to continue working with Kent County Council Highways
to ensure that the bank can be stabilised and the road can be safely re -opened as soon as possible.
Currently the council has no intention of doing anything with the toilet block and there is no budget set aside for this purpose.
But obviously having said that and I do recognise that there is quite a bit of public interest in the restoration of the structure
and there may well be the possibility of working with community groups in the future,
but obviously as long as the site's inherent health and safety risks are mitigated.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. And do you have a related supplement?
Yes, I do. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Now, it needs to be made abundantly clear
that there is no intention of restoring this site...
Can this be a question? It is a not -a -statement.
with the site and the issue on the tape of the question.
There is no intention of restoring this site or altering it in any way.
We are simply asking to place some form of a memorial
in the name of thousands of soldiers from 1914 -1918
that marched down three and a half miles from Shorncliffe Camp
to the top of the road of remembrance.
We are not asking for a single penny, all we are asking for is to put some form of a
memorial.
And it should be said that where this structure is, it is almost to the top of the road of
remembrance and nowhere near, anywhere near the landslides that took place at the bottom.
Thank you.
I'll let Councillor Speakman answer your question.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I can only really reiterate that we certainly do appreciate people's interest and concerns
on this toilet block, which as I said was discovered purely by accident.
There is a lot of work and a lot of plant machinery going up and down that road, which
is a very busy road, and at the moment it does remain closed.
This is actually a KPC request, but that will remain closed until they finish the recommended
I'm sure we can have a conversation over time about some sort of memorial.
I'd be more than happy to discuss that over time.
I think it would work.
I should just mention that we have nothing to do with any other group.
Excuse me.
Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:15:43
Our second question this evening is from a Ms Fay Meek to Councillor Holgate.
In Councillor Holgate's absence, the Leader will respond to this question.
Microphone Forty - 0:16:05
Good evening, Madam Chairman and all the rest of the councillors here.
My question concerns the moving of the bus station at its present place
to the bus stops going down to Middle Oak Square.
I've already emailed everybody the plan of what is expected to be done
and what I think should be done.
I asked you, is it safe to have three of the five new bus stops
situated between Boothree Place and the busy road going into Asda,
where people could get knocked down trying to cross it,
which is on a steep hill as well,
which prohibits people with bad hearts or any other sort of failure
in their health from going from the bottom bus stop up to the top ones.
That's it.
Thank you. Councillor Jim Martin.
Thank you very much, Mrs Meek, for your question.
And I'd also like to extend my thanks to the group that were hosted here.
to express their concerns with regard to the moving of the bus stops.
Regarding your question on the relocation of the bus station, in relation to the health
and safety, I can confirm that an independent stage two road safety audit has been undertaken
on the entire scheme and no issues relating to the positioning of the new bus stops has
been identified by the expert consultants.
The footpath will be improved to incorporate drop curves to assist pedestrian flow and
the existing traffic light controlled entry and exit to the ASDA car park will remain.
I do understand the concerns regarding the slope of Middleburg Square and can confirm
that the gradient of that slope is less than 4%,
which is well below the maximum committed gradient
of a footway.
I believe that sufficient consideration has been given
to the provision of safe access to the new bus stop
locations on the southern side of Middleburg Square
to prevent the risk of collisions
between pedestrians and vehicles.
Just my own note on top of that is that the creation of the park
and playground in place of the bus stand
I think will be a very positive addition to Folkestone Town Centre.
I hope that addresses some of your concerns.
Thank you. Do you have a related supplementary question?
No, only that, as I say, I feel entirely unsafe.
If anybody does get knocked down, it will be on your heads, not on mine.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:19:15
So let's move on to item seven of our agenda.
Councillor questions.
We have 19 questions this evening
and our time limit for those is 45 minutes.
So we'll see how we go and hopefully we'll get through as many as possible.
Our first question this evening is from Councillor Wimble to Councillor Jim Martin.
Cllr David Wimble - 0:19:42
Thank you Madam Chair.
Can the Leader give members an update on the Otseville Park development to follow on from
his message he gave us last December that he would soon be able to give us some very
positive news following on from the many meetings he's attended with potential partners?
Councillor Martin.
Thank you very much Chair.
Thank you, Councillor Wimble, for your highly relevant and very timely
Cllr Jim Martin - 0:20:07
question.

7 Questions from Councillors

I have much to say about Otipool in my leader's announcement, so I will try and be brief at
this stage.
Since last December, a great deal has happened.
As you will recall, I promised to carry out three reviews of the Otipool development,
governance, management and financial.
These reviews have resulted in a new board under a new chair, a new managing director
and a greatly streamlined staff structure, a financial model which is now investable.
I have spoken to many people, government agencies, potential partners, potential investors, developers,
contractors and consultants and as a result of these discussions we are now almost in
a place where we are able to move forward.
I will cover more of this in the leaders announcement.
So I'm not sure I've changed you honestly.
The principle change in this improvement
is that the council has taken its correct place
in the center of the negotiations
rather than relying on Otterfield Park LLP.
This is no reflection on Otterfield Park LLP,
but people much prefer to see the council
in the middle of things.
This has meant a great deal of additional work
falling on the shoulders of our senior officers
and I must thank them for their unswerving commitment
to the delivery of the best results for the district.
I do have some positive news to announce
and I will include that news in my leader's announcement
if I may.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:21:47
Have you got a related supplementary question?
Cllr David Wimble - 0:21:51
I don't see how I can have until I hear what he's got to say
so thank you very much.
Thank you. Our second question this evening is from Councillor Walker
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:21:58
to Councillor Mike
Blakemore.
Cllr Belinda Walker - 0:21:59
Thank you, Chair. I've been approached by a resident who is at best concern as there
are no cancer rehab or recovery support services in Folkestone or in Hive for residents once
they are discharged from hospital. For the size of this district, this is really quite
shocking. On discharge from hospital, patients are told to seek out the local support from
The closest to cancer specific services are either in New Rongney in our district or Dover
outside our district.
This highlights a vast health inequality locally.
It's unreasonable to expect those recovering from cancer to travel these distances.
Can the leader or indeed the cabinet member tell us how this cancer can help and what
it can do in terms of talking to providers to improve the situation for residents in
the towns of Folkestone and of Hyde?
Thank you.
Thank you. Councillor Mike Bloepmore.
Cllr Mike Blakemore - 0:22:54
Thank you Councillor Walker for your question.
The District Council does not hold cancer support information specifically,
but we can however flag this request to key health partners
and ask for any latest or new initiatives, how they are promoted
and how those requiring support can act as services as well as flagging perceived gaps.
Many groups are provided by the voluntary sector, but sadly these haven't recovered to pre -pandemic levels.
There are some online groups for those unable to travel.
The council is aware of support that runs from the Romney Marsh Community Hub. This
is a peer support group running twice a month for two hours, is paid for via a Macmillan
grant. The council have heard from Age UK, South Kent coast, who state that they don't
currently run council drop -ins but have worked with Macmillan and South Enterprise Kent to
Safe haven and South Kent mind based in
folks and can support those experience
and stress and anxiety and anxiety
from issues including illness.
I would recommend consulting Matt
Lillan's cancer care map online,
which provides up to date
details of support available.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:24:03
Thank you and do you have a
related supplementary question?
Cllr Belinda Walker - 0:24:06
Yes, please.
I wonder if you could provide me with that.
In writing, please cancel it late more and
I can pass it on to the resident. Thank
Cllr Mike Blakemore - 0:24:17
Certainly happy to. That social enterprise cake is what I was garbling over. Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:24:22
Thank you. There's a very useful map in our notes, actually, so thank you for that.
Our third question is from Councillor Wimble to Councillor Speakman.
Cllr David Wimble - 0:24:33
Thank you, Madam Chair. This is quite an important one for us down on the marsh. Could you please
update the Council and the members of New Romley Wards on the progress of the beach huts
and toilets at the Great Stone car park site as it proves to be a valuable source of future
income.
Councillor Spootman.
Yes, thank you Councillor Wymond for your question.
I'm happy to update on that.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 0:24:52
As you will be aware, the cabinet received a paper providing an update on the Coast Drive
Beach Hut project and that's its meeting on the 13th of November.
So it's pretty up to date.
The recommendation was approved to provide some additional funding or budget for unforeseen
UK power network costs to provide a new substation.
The officers have been working hard on the project to overcome a number of challenges.
Planning Commission was granted in June after the ecology issues were mitigated.
So the main works contract is currently out to tender and the intention is to point a
contract to before Christmas.
Works on site are expected to commence at the end of February following the winter bird
migration season and works are expected to continue to completion on site next autumn
when the beach house will be ready to rent.
Councillor Wimble do you have a supplementary related question?
Hi just thank you very much for the information.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:25:53
Question 4 from Councillor Butcher to Councillor Scoffram.
Cllr James Butcher - 0:25:58
Thank you chair.
The proposal to enhance the gauge of the rail track between Dover and Wembley so that freight
can travel by rail rather than road. It's got multiple benefits, reduced congestion,
better air quality and lower carbon emissions. What can the Council do together with our
partners to support and encourage this initiative?
Councillor Scotland.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:26:19
Cllr Stephen Scoffham - 0:26:21
Thank you for this question. This is an important one, Councillor Butcher. There are, as you
say, many benefits from shifting freight from road to rail. During the summer I toured Hawkins
and surrounding areas with the new MP for the district,
Sir John Joseph,
looking at how traffic congestion problems
which arise when block is integrated can be dealt with.
With the new European entry and exit system due shortly
and lorry traffic expected to increase by 30 % by the end of the decade,
there's every prospect of more disruption in the future.
The stretch of railway between Dover and Wembley
is the only break in the frail network linking Scotland and North England
with the rest of mainland Europe.
Once over the Channel, freight can travel by rail,
not only to countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy and Turkey,
but right across the Middle East as far as India.
Upgrading the network would bring economic benefits
both to our district and other parts of the UK
to contribute to levelling up and reduce pollution.
There's plenty of spare capacity in the Channel tunnel
and the cost of upgrading the track would be relatively small
in comparison to the economic damage caused by congestion.
The leader of the council, Polly Blatemore,
and in her role as cabinet member for transport and myself,
wrote to the two MPs who represent our district in August
setting out this case.
Councillor Lockwood tells me that he had discussions around the issue
when he was at the Labour Party conference a few months ago.
More recently, the MP for Folkestone, Tony Bourne,
asked a question about the freight -to -rail campaign
in the House of Commons.
Meanwhile, last week, we organised an online briefing session
for councils and offices.
I think the most useful thing we can do at this stage
is to signal our support to our two MPs
in any negotiations they might be having at ministerial level.
Many people have campaigned for shifting road -to -rail in the past
and this has laid the groundwork.
There are now good reasons to think that this is an opportune moment
to reignite the debate.
We will continue to lobby to shift freight from road to rail
as vigorously as we can,
and I will be discussing this further with relevant partners.
Thank you. Do you have a related supplementary question?
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:28:43
Cllr James Butcher - 0:28:46
Yes, thank you, Chair, and thank you, Councillor Scotland,
for that very full response.
I think it links to what we heard about the corporate plan
consultation exercise, the idea of an advocacy role for the councils,
lobbying and challenging organisations that provide services
to residents and businesses in the district.
So, just on that, your last sentence, I wonder who else we can be talking to
and who else we could be working alongside to pursue this issue.
Cllr Stephen Scoffham - 0:29:13
I think that's very much a matter of finding allies as they evolve
because this is that type of scenario
but the allies I'm thinking of are the stakeholders
in the rail networks.
Eurotunnel are clearly a key player in this
and have so much to offer.
I suspect that looking in the other direction, as it were,
working with local councils and local community groups
will be extremely useful.
So it's a fluid situation.
The discussion can go in all sorts of different directions,
and I very much appreciate the way
that we've been able to work in a cross -party way
already with other councillors in the chamber.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:29:54
And moving on to question five from Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsby to Councillor Prater.
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:30:05
At the moment, businesses pay 13 .8 % of the employees' earnings, earning over 9 ,100 a
year.
In the recent budget, racial reeds increase the rate to 15 % as from April 2025 and reduce
the threshold to 5 ,000.
This increased rate will have an effect on the charities we work with, our contractors,
associated organisations, etc.
For example, Neolia and also an Otterfield Park LLP.
And will have an impact on our budget for 2025 -2026.
Can the cabinet member confirm that as a public sector organisation, the district council is
exempt from this increase and can he tell us what work has been undertaken to consider
this impact on our partners on the budget. Thank you.
Councillor Crota.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:31:05
Good evening and thank you for your question, Jenny. This is the first of five being asked
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:31:14
of me today, so I apologise if I've known councillors wanted me to speak more in meetings.
I'd have stepped up before. As you ask, I'm happy to confirm that it is my understanding
that as a principal council we will be compensated by government for the NI increase to us directly.
However, the details behind exactly what the mechanism for that repayment is are still
awaited.
But the same is not true for our colleagues in town and parish councils, for instance,
who will not be compensated and to whom this will come as a direct hit to their finances.
This impact will also be felt by our contractors, and our arrangements with them are governed
by contract, and any increases will be governed by the terms of that contract.
So, taking Veolia contract for example, this utilises a basket of indices approach, which
effectively includes for instance the level of the national living wage.
Inflation is applied to that contract annually in January, and as the employees' NI will
have increased from April 2025, that will then begin to feed into the new rate from
January 2026.
Because that's the way it's governed under the contractual terms, alongside the other
costs facing Veolia such as inflation on their own goods, contracts and services.
On Otterpool Park LLP, as you'll know, much of their costs are being capitalised.
So although this will increase the amount that is capitalised there, which is a long -term
increase in the cost, it shouldn't impact our revenue budget significantly in the near
future.
So overall the impact of the October budget is likely to be much more felt in the longer
range MTFS than it is in the 25 -26 budget.
The MTFS is therefore being adjusted to reflect the implications
arriving out of the autumn budget,
a process which is already underway
as it would be after the budget in any year.
Hope that helps.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:33:03
Do you have a related supplementary question?
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:33:06
Thank you. Yes, I do, please.
You say that we will be compensated,
and I suppose what I'm asking is
will we be compensated for the whole amount?
I ask that because I understand from the police,
the police budget, they will be compensated,
but they could be a million pound short
of what is actually required.
So I will be pleased for an update
as and when that comes along.
And also, you haven't really mentioned
the partners, voluntary partners.
For instance, Age UK, Heide, Liming and Ashford,
who are now closing that.
Can we just stick to one question, please? Sorry.
Closing their Liming branch, not necessarily because of the increase,
but because of the costs generally,
and you haven't mentioned anything about voluntary organisations.
Councillor Prater.
He invited me to speak more, so I shall.
On voluntary organisation, including Age UK Liming
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:34:12
and the really unfortunate closure of their services there,
as you'll know, they've been losing over £15 ,000 a month for some time,
and therefore a closure, though it may be coming now,
is due to the costs which have been incurred over a long period of time.
I think, although I can blame many things on the Chancellor, that ain't one.
As I did, I did actually make the case about the impact on town and parish councils,
who I said are not being compensated at all.
We await the details in the December financial settlement
of exactly what the compensation mechanism will be for district and in the county councils
in terms of how that compensation, how that NI compensation is going to be paid and exactly
how much it will be. We've been told it should be, it should compensate us directly for the
increased cost of our NI increases as an organisation and that we should get full compensation for
that. I don't know until we have seen the numbers, until it's been written on a piece
of paper and given to us towards Christmas exactly what that number will be and exactly
whether it will be in balance. But you've got to have faith in someone and let's hope
that the Chancellor's numbers add up to the same that mine add up to.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:35:27
Thank you. And then moving on to question six, another question from Councillor Hollingsby
and this time to Councillor Mike Blakemore.
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:35:35
Folkestone and High District Council have designated the Folkestone Sports Centre an
asset of community interest, nominated by the group, say, Folkestone Sports Centre.
Under this designation of the Folkestone Sports Centre Trust, or the, if the, sorry, under
this designation, if the Folkestone Sports Centre Trust or the administrators decide
to sell, the local group can pause the sale for up to six months in order to organise
a bid. What effect will this designation have on current bids and who will underwrite the
cost of maintaining the swimming pool during this time?
Councillor Mike Blakemore.
Cllr Mike Blakemore - 0:36:15
Thank you for your question Councillor Holly and another answer from me. Folkstone Sports
Centre Trust was formally designated as an asset community value on 21st October this
year following assessment of a nomination by the Save Folkstone Sports Centre Group.
In normal circumstances this would mean that the owner of the asset of Community Value
must notify the Council of their intention to sell. This would then trigger a moratorium
period, as we've indicated, which in essence provides an opportunity for a Community Group
to make a bid to acquire the asset. However, in the context of Folkstone Sports Centre
Trust being an administration, the disposal isn't subject to the asset of Community
value rules as insolvency legislation takes primacy.
It is important to note though that following the completion of the insolvency process,
which will likely include sale of the site, the asset of community value designation remains
in place.
The cost of maintaining the swimming pool in the meantime is a matter for the administration.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:37:18
And do you have a related supplementary question?
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:37:20
No, thank you very much.
Thank you for that.
Thank you.
So we'll move on to question seven from Councillor Goddard to
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:37:27
Councillor Speakman.
Thank you Chair.
Good evening Councillor Speakman.
Cllr Clive Goddard - 0:37:33
Can you tell me and this council how much funding has been budgeted to keep Hyde swimming
pool open and fit for purpose since May 2023 and what contingency plans in place should
it have to permanently close due to maintenance concerns?
Councillor Speakman.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:37:50
Yes.
Good evening.
Thank you for your question.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 0:37:57
Your question appears short but actually the answer on threads is going to be rather lengthy
so hopefully you'll get some detail for your question.
So yes, obviously Hyde pool is currently the only community swimming pool operating in
the district so its continued operation, as we understand, is absolutely vital.
An answer to the first part of your question, simply for ease, we have taken the figures
for the full financial year 23 -24, which you referred to, rather than for May 23 onwards.
So as background, to explain, the budget for Hivepool has two main variables, and obviously
these change.
Firstly, the amount of income the pool generates, and secondly, the cost of any unplanned maintenance.
So 2023 -24, the overall cost of operating Hive Pool was £608 ,602, but of course this
figure includes all corporate recharges and accounting adjustments like depreciation.
The total income generated was £338 ,199, making a different shortfall overall of £270 ,403.
£403 which would be supported financially from the General Fund.
So that's 2324.
So this financial year, the amount budgeted for the General Fund
support to the pool is £392 ,570,
i .e. the difference between expected costs and income,
which in addition to the usual inflationary increases
also includes an additional budgeted amount
called maintenance and repairs to the building.
This figure hopefully will be reduced because there have been increases,
for obvious reasons, in incomes generated this year by Hyde Pool.
So that should be a positive.
So that's the answer to your first question.
The second question is in terms of contingencies.
I would firstly have to commend absolutely the hard work of the assets team
and Hyde Pool for keeping it open over the years.
As you know, it's not in its first flush of youth by any means.
They have become very adept at keeping the current pool operating.
Realistically, it is difficult to plan for contingencies
for any facility like a swimming pool shutting.
Previously, of course, the service continuity planning for Hyde Pool
had involved discussions with the Fokuson Sports Centre
for that sort of change.
I think that moving forward,
the council should encourage bidders for Fokuson Sports Centre
who are committed to reopening the Sports Centre,
including the swimming pool and in the longer term for high pool should,
but it's allowed, the council should look to building a new swimming pool
at a location that enjoys wide community support
or alternatively look at options for major renovation of the existing facility.
Maybe this will be in a wider letter of fact for this time.
Thank you very much indeed.
Anne, do you have a related supplementary question?
Thank you. Not quite a question.
It's just a humble Brit though, not an accountant.
Cllr Clive Goddard - 0:41:04
So if Councillor Sweetman can send me those figures, you'll answer.
That would be appreciated. Good news about it.
It could go elsewhere.
I've got plenty of land down in the marsh and I'm sure I'd love a swimming pool.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 0:41:22
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:41:24
OK, so we'll move on to question eight.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 0:41:26
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:41:27
From Councillor Alan Martin to Councillor Jim Martin.
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Alan Martin - 0:41:35
This month we have seen the publication of plans
for the South Kent Energy Park on the Romley Marsh.
How does the Council ensure that we are not inundated
with speculative power generation projects
across the district?
And can we reassure residents that their voice
will be heard and championed by the Council?
Thank you.
Councillor Jim Martin.
Thank you very much, Chair, and thank you,
Cllr Jim Martin - 0:41:56
Councillor Martin, for your highly relevant question.
It's a little bit complex.
The council will be consulted on the application at the pre -application stage and will have
28 days to provide comment on any proposals.
The council's formal view will be considered by our planning committee.
So, it will be for our planning committee to put forward the council's view.
And there's a reason for that, which I'll get to in a minute.
In parallel, the applicant is required to consult residents and other stakeholders such
as KCC, town and parish councils.
These all would be consulted.
I would urge all those who have concerns to make their representations to the applicant.
It is at this stage that we have the greatest influence to secure changes to the proposals
to overcome any concerns we may have.
The applicants have a duty to take into account all responses to their statutory consultation
at the pre -application period.
They must summarise all responses in a consultation report,
which must be submitted with any application.
The consultation report must explain how the applicant
has had regard to the consultation process.
After this, the applicant has a choice.
So the applicant could come back to us, or what is more likely, the applicant could submit
their application to the Secretary of State.
At this point, any members of the public, councillors or other stakeholders can make
a relevant representation and become an interested party.
All interested parties will be invited to make written representations and can take
Park in the Examination Act hearings etc.
The eventual consideration and determination of any application would be made following
a public inquiry.
At this stage I do not have the full details of the South Kent Energy Park proposals and
as a result I do have concerns about the size of the installation.
I also do not understand what the proposals would offer
in terms of the reduction of visual impact
and how the land would impact on the valuable farming land.
It is my intention to write to the developers
and voice my concerns on behalf of the people
of Poston Hyde.
When I receive a response, I will ensure
that all Romney Marsh councillors also receive a copy.
You ask how we as a council can ensure that we are not innervated with speculative power
generation projects.
There is no way to prevent the submission of any application, indeed of any type, not
only a solar farm.
That is everyone's legal right.
However our safety net is our adopted planning policies which will need to be considered
by the Secretary of State in making a decision.
They will need to balance the adopted planning policies
against all material considerations.
So the kicker here is the applicant, because it's so big,
the applicant will have a choice whether they come to us
or whether they go directly to the Secretary of State.
But we will have them, or we will have our planning committee,
will voice our concerns ahead of that.
And I dare say that will color their decision.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:46:07
Thank you, do you have a related supplementary question?
Yes I do, thank you.
Cllr Alan Martin - 0:46:11
First of all, thank you for that reassuring answer.
And I think everyone on the march will be grateful
not only how seriously you're taking it,
but also the fact that we have some formal involvement
in the process.
Given the fact that we will be involved in the process
and likely additional activity in this area with further plans coming in the future should
not just in the planning department but within our corporate plan we have a clear statement
that articulates the council's strategy for supporting a diverse power generation plan
across the district including all potential projects so including South Kenenji Park but
other projects such as New Nuclear at Dungeness.
Thank you very much, Councillor Martin.
Cllr Jim Martin - 0:47:02
It's kind of like talking to ourselves, isn't it?
With no relation.
Yeah, I think we've talked a lot about energy and I just reiterate that we support all clean
forms of energy.
It is a topic of constant discussion and shall I say a great variation.
It seems to change regularly where the emphasis is, where the emphasis might be
and I'm happy that those discussions...
Sadly the decision doesn't lie with us but we will do all we can to, if you like,
guide other people in terms of making the right decisions.
Thank you.
Question number nine.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:47:53
We have another question from Councillor Alan Martin to Councillor Rich Holgate.
But in his absence, our leader will respond to the question.
Cllr Alan Martin - 0:48:02
Thank you, Chair.
Can you provide an update with regards to the levelling up fund, in particular, where
contracts have been issued and as to whether we are at risk of having to return some of
the money.
Thank you very much, Councillor Martin.
Cllr Jim Martin - 0:48:20
The answer for this was written by Councillor Holgate, so it's a lot briefer than one of
mine.
Thank you very much for your question.
The project is progressing very well.
The main works have now gone out to tender and the tenders received from, tenders have
been received back from contractors.
The evaluation is almost complete and we expect KCC to appoint in early December.
The contract value is in line with our budget estimate and the works are due to start early
in the new year.
We anticipate completion of the entire scheme by spring 26 subject to no unforeseen disruptions.
MHCLG are fully committed to the R1, 2 and 3 LUF projects
and want them very much to be delivered.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:49:16
Thank you. Do you have a supplementary related question?
No? Okay.
We'll move on to question 10 from Councillor Hollingsby to Councillor Prater.
I'm going to read this, but we did have a...
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:49:33
Almost immediately I put in the question, we had a survey come out, but I'm going to read it even so.
The Government has recently opened a consultation on enabling remote attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings,
and responses are required by 19th December 2024.
Councillors of course can respond individually, but is the administration responding,
and will there be an opportunity for groups to contribute to the Council's response?
You've probably answered my own question.
Thank you for your question.
As you'll know, Gemma emailed all Councillors over a week ago, and to be fair, Gemma beat
me to asking Gemma, so this is what he got there first, asking all Councillors for their
have used to feed into the council's response, including a survey and also ask for further
responses from group leaders. If you haven't clicked on the link and completed that survey,
which is a one question survey, please do so now. At the moment, I believe it's ten
councillors to four are saying that they would prefer, would like the ability to take part
in online meetings under certain circumstances. For me, our position is that local government
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:50:50
Government should have the power and the right to decide the most appropriate way to meet
for ourselves. Councils are best placed to decide how and when meetings should be convened
to meet the needs of our communities. Now it might be that some regular online meetings
are the right approach, for others hybrid options might be better, and others may rarely
choose to meet online. But it should be for them to choose, and not the government. So
So, I'd expect our response to be asking government for the maximum freedom to make the decisions
ourselves.
And when granted that freedom, this council, and also the towns and parishes in our area,
can then decide which of those powers is best for them and their residents, and the technology
and the resources that they have, and make their meetings as accessible as possible to
more people.
And do you have a related question?
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 0:51:48
No, thank you for that and I would just encourage everybody to respond to the survey.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:51:54
So question 11 from Councillor Cooper to Councillor Prater.
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Tony Cooper - 0:51:56
Councillor Pains, the Government recently awarded more than £11 million in household
support funding to the Conservative and neutral Kent County Council for distribution to district
councils in order to support residents with their household support needs.
Could you please tell us how much that sum was allocated by KCC to Felton and Hyde District
Council and to date what has been spent on it?
Thank you.
Councillor Proter.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:52:21
Thanks Tony for your question.
I'd love to.
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:52:24
Felton and Hyde District Council received £207 ,245 .90 as the latest round of the household
support fund.
We opened our scheme as soon as possible which was on Wednesday 13th November and applications
are live now on the Council's website. The scheme is designed to mainly support local
residents with food support via supermarket vouchers, similar to the previous rounds of
HSF, which were delivered by the welfare team at the Council. Applicants are also asked
if they need any further support through the Council's other schemes, such as the Home
Essentials Fund. Money is already going out now, and the fund will run until the end of
February 2025, or sooner if the funds are exhausted. In addition, Kent County Council
are running its own food and energy support schemes opening in early 2025 to support vulnerable
low -income households with rising food and energy costs.
The schemes already live or launching in the new year and which are available to folks
and high residents are listed on their website at kent .gov .uk slash household support fund
and include the pensioner just missing out scheme which will run from Thursday the 28th
of November to noon on the 5th of March or until all funds are allocated.
The Winter Food and Energy Support Scheme, which is scheduled to run from 9th of January
till the 5th of March or until all funds are allocated.
And there is free school meal voucher support for eligible families receiving benefits related
to free school meals.
And they receive voucher support direct from their eligible child or children's school.
The food vouchers will be available to FSM eligible children
for the October, Christmas, February and Easter school holiday periods,
which is six weeks at £10 per week per eligible child,
plus an additional one off £40 supermarket voucher at Christmas.
The plans to distribute these vouchers are currently already under way.
Thank you. Do you have a supplementary question?
Cllr Tony Cooper - 0:54:24
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:54:25
Thank you for that answer. Would it be at all possible
Cllr Tony Cooper - 0:54:27
for you to advise us in Brighton after the meeting?
I want each individual authority in Kent received £207 ,000 in my views.
Please call this one.
Councillor Proater.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:54:42
I'm sure that we can find those figures.
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:54:48
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:54:49
And moving on to question 12 from Councillor Hills to Councillor Proater.
Thank you, Chair.
Councillor Tony Hills - 0:54:57
Councillor Proater, I should such take season's greetings.
What puts the total cost, including the travel of members and officers,
of moving the full council meeting held on 2nd October 2024 to the Marsh Academy?
Councillor Prater.
Thank you, Tony, for your question.
It's old, you can wait months for a question from a Tony
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:55:18
and then two come along at once.
The total estimated cost of holding full council at the Marsh Academy
on the 2nd of October is £2981 and 5 pence, which consists of the following £2750 for
the webcasting, £200 for the venue hire, £13 .05 for member mileage claims, somebody's
very accurate on their mileage claim, and £18 on officer travel costs. On top of that
there's the opportunity cost of the staff time organising it, which could otherwise
has been spent on something else, obviously.
But as we know, cost is one thing and value is another.
The value of demonstrating that we both acknowledge
and value all parts of our district, including the Romney Marsh,
priceless.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:56:05
Do you have a supplementary related question?
Yes, thank you, Chair.
Councillor Tony Hills - 0:56:10
I need so much that I agree with the spirit
of what you're trying to say, Councillor Craitor,
but the question is, will the money be better spent
improving the technology in this chamber so it could communicate better
up the middle of March.
Chancellor Proter.
I think we'll have interesting questions in the future about chambers
and about the technology that we're going to need to do that,
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:56:35
whether we're going to be moving around anyway,
whether we're going to remain in this chamber at all,
whether you're going to have fixed cameras,
whether you're going to have the capability to move things around.
Of course, it is important that when we make those decisions,
we think about that technology and how we open to people wherever we are and wherever
we meet and make sure that we can webcast and have that feedback directly to residents
from whatever location we're in.
So I think we'll need to plan that in to the work that we do as we look at what our options
are around meeting in future and where this council sits in future.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 0:57:17
And question 13, Councillor Cooper to Councillor Jim Martin.
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr Tony Cooper - 0:57:21
Councillor Martin, in addition to the poor classifications of our seawater,
we are regularly discovering issues during planning committee meetings
with inadequate infrastructure and with genuine flooding concerns
being raised by residents and others.
I can ask, will this Council continue to press Southern Water
and the Environment Agency to publish detailed plans for all current infrastructure investments
taking place within this district and can I also please be pressed to produce a comprehensive
plan to upgrade and replace infrastructure when felt in the hive.
In addition, if satisfactory responses are not received by, for example, the end of the
year, can the Council also consider what action it might be taking, including consideration
of recollection?
Thank you.
Councillor Jim Martin.
Thank you very much, Councillor Cooper.
Cllr Jim Martin - 0:58:09
Like me, I know you are delighted to see the improvement in the quality of bathing water
that St Mary's Bay has set out in the figures yesterday released by the Environment Agency.
But both you and I are equally disappointed in the decline in the quality of the bathing
water at Dim Church.
We have both attended many meetings with Southern Water and the Environment Agency and I think
that we are of a similar mind,
in that much more needs to be done by both.
We will continue to press for their detailed
infrastructure plans as you suggest.
You and I have both seen the 11 million pound figure
for Southern Walters investment in the district
from their 2025 to 30 plan,
and both you and I know that 11 million pound
is way below the investment needed.
So we will continue to press Southern Walter to provide the details and to do so much more.
Can I refer to your point regarding legal action?
Southern Walter was fined a record of £90 million in 2021
for illegally dumping sewage into rivers and coastal waters in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.
They pleaded guilty to 6 ,971 illegal sewage discharges between 2010 and 2015.
In 2024, Southern Water were fined 330 ,000 for stream pollution and killing over 2 ,000 fish in Hampshire.
I can confirm that I have signed a joint letter sent by a number of councils in the Southern
Water area of operation calling on Ofwop to take further legal action against Southern
Water.
Because we are not the water regulator or the environment agency, our regulatory powers
are limited at best.
The route I am advised we have to follow in taking legal action is to press off one to
take action on our behalf.
We will therefore join with our other council colleagues because Southern Waters polluting
activities are not confined to this district.
I will of course update on any further developments.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:00:45
Do you have a supplementary related question?
I do.
Thank you very much and thank you very much for that comprehensive answer,
Councillor Marlin.
Cllr Tony Cooper - 1:00:51
I agree and endorse your comments regarding St Mary's Bay.
It's good to see that.
However, I do feel we need to do something more than just an adjunct letter,
with all due respect, with the councils.
For example, down in Hastings...
And do we have a question?
I beg your pardon.
Could we not do the same as Hastings and query and get the money
that they've just recently had, some fixed -air funding problems?
Could we not copy their model please?
Councillor Martin.
Thank you very much.
Councillor Cooper, I am in contact with a number of local councils who are, shall we
say, pursuing different routes with regard to their problems with southern water.
So watch this space.
It's something I'm very keen to do.
we just have to take it a step at a time.
But while I'm on my feet, can I just,
councillors won't know this,
but I am, with the help of officers,
organizing a meeting on, I think it's penciled in
for the 14th of January for Southern Water
and the Environment Agency to come to this chamber
to specifically talk about Folkestone and Sunny Sands,
in particular.
Sunny Sands just, and I mean just,
missed getting a poor rating in the annual figures.
So the Environment Agency wrote to me
and suggested in their letter
that prevention is better than cure.
I completely agree.
So we are in the process of organizing a meeting
for all elected members.
So that's not only the members in this chamber,
but I'm going to invite Folkestone Town Council members, KCC members and our MPs.
Anyone who has an interest in the sewage problems in Folkestone.
We talk a great deal about Little Sloan, the Dim Church and Seminary's Bay.
Quite rightly, absolutely rightly,
but we need really to focus on the pent stream.
It's a different set of problems, but we really need to get a focus on those,
because we just missed having to put up no swim notices on sunny sands,
which would have been an absolute disaster for us.
So I will be e -mailing everybody once that's confirmed,
but we've got confirmation from the Environment Agency that that will happen.
Thank you.
Cllr Jim Martin - 1:03:31
Cllr Tony Cooper - 1:03:32
Thank you. I'm running out of time, sadly,
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:03:37
but we can just about have a look at question 14,
so from Councillor Keene to Councillor Prater.
Cllr Nicola Keen - 1:03:44
Well, I'd actually like to do question 17,
because that's far more important to me.
I've been asked that.
Okay, that's fine.
Three years ago, I asked why the Leescliff Hall
was in such a poor state of repair.
On a recent visit, nothing has changed.
The venue is now worse than it was three years ago,
and falling into disrepair.
Can I please ask when the work that is desperately needed is going to start on the building?
Councillor Spickman.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:04:12
Yes, thank you very much for your question, Councillor Keene.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman - 1:04:16
Actually the property team do regularly visit the lease to call and carry out inspections
of the building to check that ATG are meeting the repair and maintenance commitments within
the lease.
They have also recently commissioned a condition survey as preparation for the lease ending
in July 26.
I know that the building has difficult challenges due to its age and construction with water
encroachment from the cliffs and regular storm battering to the front of the building.
The team have monitored the repairs carried out by ADT and can provide summary of the
repairs completed in the past three years if you wish.
However, purely by chance it is.
In fact I am visiting tomorrow with Officer and with Councillor Mike Lakemore, the leads
and obviously would be happy to raise any specific concerns,
if you'd like to email the particular concerns you have.
And I will take them up and come back to you.
Thank you.
Thank you. I'm afraid we're out of time,
but perhaps you could chat about it afterwards,
if you've got some specific things you'd like to note for that.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:05:23
All the other questions which we haven't had time for,
you will receive a written response for.

8 Announcements of the Leader of the Council

So, we will move on to Item 8 on our agenda, which is the announcements of the leader of
the Council.
And so, you have 10 minutes for your announcements.
Thank you very much, Chair.
Good evening, everyone.
Cllr Jim Martin - 1:05:47
I have held regular meetings with stagecoach, and I am looking forward to hearing how the
injection of government money will improve local services.
Fingers crossed.
I have been in regular contact with Southern Walter and have held meetings with them online
and in person.
These meetings are principally concerned with the sewage spills and the in the sea and the
quality of our bathing water.
But I've also discussed the problems on the Copperfield Estate in Lid, which seems according
in Southern Water beyond solution at the moment.
The flooding to Oden Road and Beverly Gardens,
which I think there is a more optimistic outlook on,
in Dimchurch, and the impact of the use of tankers
during the winter moving sewage from Newington and Pene
to Range Road in Hyde.
Southern Water's response on that is really
they're keeping their fingers crossed for a dry winter.
I have had further meetings with Southern Water
and the Environment Agency plan,
but without massive financial investment,
and I refer back to Councillor Cooper's question
in their ailing infrastructure,
I do not hold out a lot of hope.
I am organizing a meeting to discuss
the specific drainage issues that affect folks
than penciled in for the 14th of January.
The leaders of four political groups
and independent Councillor Paul Thomas
have been meeting regularly
as we move towards committee system.
Councillor briefings continue.
These meetings will continue
and we are on track to move to a committee system
at our AGM in May.
I have been chairing the committee
considering applications under the Rural Prosperity Fund
along with officers and board councillors.
The fund is now fully subscribed.
I am however pleased to note that the Green Community Grants
program has received positive feedback
from the overview and scrutiny committee.
This program of grants will primarily be aimed
at town and parish councils, community buildings,
schools and church halls with the intention
of reducing their carbon footprint
and reducing energy costs to community groups.
The fund is open to all community based initiatives that reduce carbon, a car club for example.
The launch date will be agreed and publicised shortly.
Our corporate plan consultation has been approved by the overview and scrutiny committee.
There has been significant input from all parties represented in this chamber and I
am grateful to the members for their ideas, suggestions and advice.
I hope everyone in the district will find the corporate plan useful in understanding
the direction of the council.
I have attended many meetings regarding Otsepal Park with government agencies, developments,
consultants, et cetera.
These discussions have been positive and will continue.
I am limited in what I can say precisely at the moment, but I can confirm that we have
received a draft collaboration agreement from Homes England and this agreement is being
looked at and detailed by the Tusk and Finish Group set up by the Overview and Scrutin Committee.
The agreement is for an initial six months with a possible three months extension.
The intention is that we collaborate with Homes England to agree the best delivery mechanism
for Otseville Park.
As members will recall, the key piece of
hottable infrastructure is the wastewater
treatment works.
These works have taken on a greater
significance recently because in trying
to deal with the problems of phosphates
and nutrients flowing into Stog Marsh
and neighbours Canterbury and Ashford
are working jointly to mitigate the
impact on Stog Marsh and reduce
and nutrients. The Otipool wastewater treatment plant, once built, will be able to process
wastewater from 10 ,000 homes. However, we will not build out 10 ,000 homes for many years.
This means the wastewater treatment works will have surplus capacity. This surplus capacity
will generate what is called waste water credits
and we will be able to loan these credits
to our neighbors Canterbury and Ashford
to help their mitigation and release
their pipeline of blocked homes.
I will of course update members as that's developed.
We are working with KCC, Ashford and Canterbury
and both our MPs to accelerate this solution
as quickly as possible.
As the Council's Armed Forces Champion, I was honoured to attend the Gurkha Memorial
in Bochton and the Remembrance Memorial in Saltwood.
I've attended the Business Advisory Board meetings.
I've held meetings with a number of other businesses, including a very interesting meeting
at Lid Airport to discuss their future business plans.
This Council, of course, is a good friend to business.
I've attended the Kent Leaders Forum meetings
to discuss the issues which affect the councils in Kent.
I've also attended meetings of the East Kent Leaders Forum
which has a more focused view on the issues
affecting the East Kent districts.
I also attended the Local Government Association Conference.
Discussions continue on transport waste control,
strategic development and sustainable growth,
but currently the agenda on all forums is dominated
by the prospect of devolution in local government
as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister.
We anticipate the government will outline their plans
for devolution in a forthcoming white paper.
Just a note for my council colleagues,
absolutely everything we discuss from now until the end
of our term will have a devolution implication.
I was delighted to be invited to the unveiling of the latest sculptures
at Folkestone West Station by Strange Cargo,
the fantastic Cheriton based arts company who has done so much to contribute
to the arts led regeneration of Folkestone.
Two sculptures were unveiled, one by an internationally acknowledged artist
and one by a local community group.
Subject to funding, there will be another 12 sculptures
to complete the work.
I held a meeting with the developers of the Lees Pavilion
and was reassured comprehensively
that the funding was being provided
and work would shortly commence.
Two weeks later, the developer went into liquidation.
We are trying to find out what will happen next
from the administrator.
The sale of the Folkestone Leisure Centre has been tended by the administrator appointed
by the principal creditors.
We have been told unofficially that all bids made included the retention of the swimming
pool.
I will update members as soon as I hear any results.
I attended a meeting with the Citizens Advice Bureau and was told that they intend to merge
with the Citizens Advice Bureau in Dover and Deal.
While this is disappointing, the Citizens Advice Bureau assured me that 94 % of their
client consultations have taken place electronically or on the telephone since the pandemic and
by merging they will be able to maintain and even improve services to local people.
I have asked officers to explore with the Citizens Advice Bureau possible opportunities
to hold surgeries in Folkestone High, New Romney and Lid.
I am writing to the developers of the South Kent Energy Park to try and better understand
their proposals.
I have sincere concerns regarding the scale of the development.
I attended the investiture of the Lord Warden of the sink ports.
This district has more sink ports than any other and we are justifiably proud of the
membership held by HIVE, New Romney, Fosden and Lee.
I was very pleased to be asked to support the White Ribbon campaign
to stop violence against women and girls.
I am clearly of a certain age and was therefore delighted to be at the opening
of the Noel Redding exhibition in Folkman Museum.
Noel Redding came from Seabrook, very close to where I live,
and he was the bass guitarist in the seminal rock band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The first performance of the experience was in Folkestone.
Jimmy stayed with Noel in Sigbrooke in the early days,
and I'm sure would have caused a stir
as a 6 '4 ex -paratrooper in rainbow trousers and sheepskin waistcoat
walking along the Royal Military Canal path.
There is an old joke that says,
if you can remember the 60s, you weren't their man.
So from the little I can remember,
Jimmy Hendrix was very significant.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:15:39
And we'll have the response from Councillor Lockwood first.
Cllr Adrian Lockwood - 1:15:43
Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Councillor Martin.
Can I just start by thanking you for all the work you do on our behalf,
and you have done since you came into office,
all of the meetings, the work that you're doing for us
with various organizations and all the city duties as well.
We do as groups try and contribute
and support you with that as we can.
Thank you for all the updates on things like
the State Coach, that sounds encouraging,
Southern Mortar and the Environment Agency.
Issues will continue into the future, we know that.
Good to hear about the Rural Prosperity Fund
and the Green Grant scheme looking forward to encouraging people to apply for those funds
and particular updates on the Citizens Advice Bureau and the swimming pool.
If I may just take this opportunity to echo some words that were said during prayers and
by our chair with relation to homelessness.
We fully support all of that.
And can I take this opportunity to thank this council
for bringing in severe weather emergency protocol,
SWEP, as known as SWEP, in a timely fashion.
We know this being done at the right time,
in the worst instances, can save lives.
So we really appreciate that that's done
in a timely fashion, and thank you for that.
I'll just note that the previous Labour Government almost eliminated street sleeping and over
the last 14 years of Tory rule we've seen people forced back onto the street in large
numbers and that's a shame and that's something we can all work together on in the district
and nationally as well.
There is a plan and we'll hope to see that coming down over the coming years.
So that's the key to this is new housing,
building lots of houses.
That will release properties for families
on the waiting list.
That takes families out of temporary accommodation,
frees up temporary accommodation,
and ultimately helps to get people off the street.
So, and that, we know that's part of the problem.
We know some of these cases are incredibly complicated
and will take a lot of sorting out,
but that's part of the plan and it will help.
So it's really encouraging to hear news on Otterpool,
it's very wise, so the amount of work that you've put in
and the team, the officers and the team down at Otterpool
to bring that together, what relief it will be to see
space in the ground at some point in the future,
for all those reasons I've just described.
Hopefully we can encourage as well as part of that process
that there's a good amount of social housing in that
or in old part of the council housing
as it used to be.
So we look forward to that good news
about closing the potential partnership there.
Pleased to hear the results of the corporate plan
consultation that went well and that's now feeding in. We'll see a final
graph of that coming forward. Thank you for opening on that. All the work that's been
done on the committee, bringing in the committee system. There was an excellent piece of
training that happened earlier in the month around scrutiny. That was really good that that training is coming through.
and we look forward to that change in May 25.
Take your point about devaluation,
that's kind of risen from nowhere to somewhere very quickly
and we will obviously support you in any way we can
in working with our labor colleagues in other districts
that will be working with us on those issues
and we're happy to support you with that.
Just to say, for the record and for people watching at home,
the way opposition business works is it's shared between political parties.
We get more slots because we have more councillors,
but tonight was the slot for the Tory party and they haven't submitted opposition business.
I don't know why, but it's a shame
because we could have used that slot
to progress our manifesto pledges,
but that's gone, so we'll have to figure that out.
And I am gonna finally do the plug
for the living Advent calendar, which starts,
there's a clue in the title,
starts on the first of December.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:20:59
Thank you.
And we'll have the other opposition response from Mrs. Jenny Hollingsby.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee - 1:21:14
Mayor, Chair, first of all, on opposition business, I see no reason in bringing opposition
business to the Council for the sake of bringing opposition business, which has happened on
many occasions.
I too welcome all the conversations and meetings
that you have, leader, with the various organizations,
Stagecoach, Southern Water, et cetera.
I'm just picking out some because it was a very long
statement and very welcome.
Thank you very much.
On committee system, well, I like to say it each time.
And it wouldn't be the same if I didn't
say it would it, but it's,
we're going to be there and we're going to do it.
But I think we did devolution again though also.
It seems a little bit
before really, a bit early should I say.
I know we didn't know about devolution,
but we did know about devolution,
because a few years ago we had a vote actually
on joining with other East Kent districts,
and we did turn that down.
We had that opportunity.
We may not have that opportunity next time.
It may well be forced on us.
And so I'm wondering why we need to go
to a committee system prior to finding out
what's going to happen in the evolution,
because we probably, more than likely, won't be here,
or we'll be part of the unitary, or something like that.
I too welcome, well I don't welcome the end of the Royal Prosperity Fund, but I welcome
that it's been taken up by so many organisations and I also welcome the Green Community Grant
program and I hope that will be just as successful.
On the corporate plan, it still doesn't mention Dungeness so again I will raise that each
time and obviously when it comes to the full council it will be something that
we I won't be I mean it's great we've had some great input from from young
people which has been really good but it still doesn't mention Gunziness so I'm
telling you now I will be abstaining I will not be voting for it.
Otteville Park.
Right, where do I start?
It's very good to have all councillors
very much in favor of Otteville Park.
This didn't happen previously,
and it's really nice, particularly hearing
Councillor Lockwood and Councillor Martin
consistently saying, talking about Otteville Park.
I welcome obviously the conversations with Homes England
and I welcome the fact that a collaboration agreement
is coming through or has come through.
But of course it's still rather a long time.
Six months to decide what we're going to do with them.
Another three months possibly.
So that's another, almost another year's delay
before we actually do anything.
So that's the way it is, I understand that.
But this has been going on for some period of time.
You did say that there was a backup plan
and I wonder sometimes whether we perhaps
ought to go on to plan B.
Who knows?
But I do welcome the collaboration agreement,
but I would like to see it moved a lot quicker than it is
because we've got to call out the sites.
We're looking for other places to build
and Otterfield Park should have been delivering now
and it isn't.
The wastewater treatment plant
requires the funding of about 24 million pounds.
Has that been agreed with Homes England yet?
Where are we going to get that money from?
Great that the planning application is going to be put forward because we will all have
that in place when that funding comes along, but where is that funding coming from?
That's a question I ask.
The wastewater, there is a consultation on wastewater treatment at Sallings Village Hall
on the 3rd of December.
I think as a council we've been invited to 230
and then it's open to the public after 330 onwards.
I'll move on from Otterpool.
You don't have long I'm afraid.
Sorry, right, you'll have to stop me when.
It's time up, I'm really sorry.
Oh, so well.
But thank you.
I'll continue that afterwards.
Over to some drinks, that'd be lovely.
I just wanted to say happy Christmas to everybody.
And thank you for all the work that officers have done over the last year.
And a very happy Christmas to everybody.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:26:43
Thank you. And, Councillor Jim Martin, you've got the right to reply.
You've got five minutes.
Cllr Jim Martin - 1:26:48
Yep, five minutes. Here we go.
Thank you very much.
Both are all very, very relevant,
and I take on board all of your comments.
The point that I'd really like to come back to is
one that Councillor Lockwood made.
Councillor Prater, Polly, and your good self, Chair,
are doing a sleep -out this evening.
Now, you know, which is great, and it's a bit of fun,
and we hope to raise some money, and you know, it's all that sort of...
But, you know, I had a great night's sleep last night.
You know, I had an excellent meal, which I cooked, before I came out.
I am well... I've got two sleeping bags.
I'm well provided for.
I am well resourced, well rested and able to tackle this,
and it's one night only.
So, tonight my thoughts will be with those people
that didn't get a great night's sleep last night because they were sleeping out.
They haven't eaten a great deal today.
They're having to face some really cold temperatures.
Fortunately, it's stopped raining.
and they've got the same to face tomorrow.
We as a council declared sweat today I think,
so you know, which is terrific, which is fantastic.
Well done us.
I will confirm that Tim, myself, Polly,
and I'd suggest you Anita will not be presenting
this evening as in need of shelter,
But, genuinely, if we can draw people's attention to the fact
that this is people's fate, night after night after night,
then we will have done something good.
So I'd like to join Jenny in wishing everyone...
It seems ridiculously early, but this is my last formal opportunity
to wish you all a very, very happy Christmas.
I'd like to thank you for all of your support,
your ideas, your engagement, your suggestions throughout the year.
I look forward to working very closely with you all in the new year.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you.
Cllr Anita Jones - 1:29:23
Thank you for everybody's hard work as councillors.
We will seek a proposal in a second,
but I'd just like to echo the thanks to Councillors and Officers,
Officers who work incredibly hard for us.
So thank you and wish everybody a happy Christmas as well.
Anyway, we need to seek a Proposer who will be...
Jim and Tim will second.
And are we all agreed?
Agreed.
Thank you.
Okay, so moving on to Portfolio Reports.

9 Portfolio Holder reports to Council

I hope you've all had a chance to read them.
Very detailed.
I can see that our cabinet have been working really hard with the officers.
Some really interesting news in there on various projects, so take your time to read those.
But we just need to note those, I think.
So we'll move on to there's no opposition business for item 10, and there's no motions

10 Opposition Business

on notice for 11.

11 Motions on Notice

So with that in mind, we will close the meeting.
And please join us for some drinks and nibbles.