Agenda and draft minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors K Mills and C D Zosseder.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The decisions of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 3 March and 17 March 2025 numbered CAB 94 to CAB 108 and CAB 109 to CAB 112 respectively (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the Cabinet meetings held on 3 March and 17 March 2025, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 94 to CAB 108 and CAB 109 to CAB 111 respectively, be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee made at its meeting held on 17 March 2025 following Member call-in.

It was agreed that the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, made at its meeting held on 17 March 2025 (Minute No 120), be rejected on the grounds that the proposed parking bay suspension charges regularised the system and ensured  fairness across the district, and the charge for charity and community groups was lower than the charge for general/commercial requests in recognition of the social/community benefits.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Place and Growth.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that capital works to amend the access arrangements associated with delivering continued operational services at Tides Leisure Centre, to be funded by £245,000 included within the Capital Programme funding, be approved.

To consider the attached joint report of the Director of Environment & Place and the Chief Executive.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holders for Transport, Licensing & Environmental Services

                        and Community & Corporate Property

It was agreed that the commencement of statutory and public consultation on the draft Public Spaces Protection Order for a period of six weeks, in accordance with Sections 59, 60 and 72 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, be approved.

To consider the attached report of the Community Safety, Resilience and Digital Manager.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that an increase in the Council’s annual contribution towards the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service to £18,689.10 from 2026/27 be approved. 

To consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Place.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Environmental Services

It was agreed that the revocation of the A20 Dover Air Quality Management Area, in accordance with Local Air Quality Management Guidance, be approved. 

To consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Place.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Climate Change and

                        Environment

It was agreed that the Community Cohesion and Resilience Programme grants, as proposed by the Community Cohesion and Resilience Programme Appraisal Panel and set out at table 3 of the report, be approved. 

To consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Place.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that the proposed budget of £100,000 be made available to the Community Grants Scheme, to be allocated over two (summer and winter) grants scheme rounds during 2025/26.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Place and Growth.

Responsibility: Leader of the Council

It was agreed:

(a)   That the extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund for at least a year be noted.

(b)   That the Head of Place and Growth be authorised, in consultation with the Director of Environment and Place and the Leader of the Council, to accept all funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund and manage the projects going forward.

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and the public be excluded during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Housing.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education

It was agreed:

(a)   That a project to acquire the freehold of 22 affordable homes at Cross Road, Walmer, and the subsequent sale of shares in 12 of the properties designated as Shared Ownership homes, be approved. 

(b)   That the Director of Housing, Finance and Assets be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education, to take the necessary decisions and actions to progress the project and purchase the properties including (but not limited to) agreeing the final purchase price, approving the sale purchase agreements, approving the sale and disposal of Shared Ownership properties, allocating developer contributions and appointing any necessary professional advisers.