Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors N S Kenton and D P Murphy.

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 meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 February 2022 numbered CAB 77 to CAB 81 (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the meeting held on 7 February 2022, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 77 to CAB 81, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (to follow).

It was agreed that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendation (b), made at its meeting held on 21 February 2022 (Minute No 116), be approved as follows:

‘That the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet be encouraged to consider the points raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at the meeting held on 21 February 2022 in respect of the need for clarification over the intended use of the smoothing reserve and that the ESG investment policy links to achieving the Council’s climate change targets.’ 

To consider the attached report of the Head of Commercial Services.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services

It was agreed:

(a)  That the outcome of the annual review of parking charges be noted.

(b)  That the proposed parking charge options set out at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

(c)   That each of the Transport and Parking Services Manager and the Head of Commercial Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services, be authorised to take all necessary legal and procedural processes to give effect to the agreed recommendations set out at Appendix 1, including the giving of notices and the making or amendment of any orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and also the making of arrangements with the Dover Harbour Board pursuant to Section 33(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. 

To consider the report of the Head of Finance and Investment (to follow).

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

(a) It was agreed:

(i)            That, subject to Council approving the 2022/23 budget, the grants to organisations, as set out at Annex 9 of the report, be approved as follows:

Grants to Concessionary Rentals 2022/23 - £30,005

Various grants towards rentals/lease charges:

Sandwich Tennis Club - £50

Aylesham Parish Council - £75

Dover Bowling Club - £225

Victoria Park Bowling Club - £355

Aylesham Parish Council - £0

Deal & Walmer Angling Club - £325

Capel-le-Ferne Parish Council - £450

Dover Rugby Football Club - £1,225

Dover Rugby Football Club - £1,750

Dover Athletic Football Club - £2,500

Dover Athletic Football Club - £8,000

Dover Citizens’ Advice Bureau - £11,800

Deal Citizens’ Advice Bureau - £0

Cross Links - £3,250

Financial Assistance Payments to Other Outside Bodies:

Your Leisure - £100,350

Agreed budget for Tides Leisure Centre

Pegasus Playscheme - £1,500

Provision of a playscheme for children with disabilities

Age Concern - £1,500

Provision of area office services

Kent County Council - £3,000

Contribution to Sports Partnership

Gazen Salts Nature Reserve - £4,500

To assist in managing and maintaining the reserve

Sandwich Town Cricket Club - £16,000

To assist the club in defraying its expenditure in managing, maintaining and improving the recreation grounds at The Butts and Gazen Salts

Dover Outreach Centre - £10,000

Grant towards Winter Shelter costs

Dover Rugby Club - £12,600

For ground maintenance at Crabble Athletic Ground

Victoria Bowls - £1,000

Contribution to running expenses of the club

Dover Bowling Club - £4,000

Grant towards ground maintenance at Dover Bowling Green

Dover Citizens’ Advice Bureau - £102,000

Core funding grant including £10,000 from Housing Revenue Account, plus £3,500 service charge contribution and £1,500 for other potential services

Neighbourhood Forums - £22,500

Grant to support voluntary and community organisations

Deal Town Council - £5,000

Astor Theatre grant

Action with Communities in Rural Kent - £3,500

Contribution to rural housing

(ii)           That the various Cabinet recommendations produced at the end of the sections within the Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), summarised in Annex 10 to Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

(b) It was agreed that it be recommended to Council:

(i)            That the General Fund Revenue budget, the Capital and Special Projects Programmes, the Housing Revenue Account budget, the Council Tax Resolution and the content of the MTFP be approved.

(ii)           That the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Digital and Climate Change, be authorised to draw on the Earmarked Smoothing Reserve to meet in-year variations in the budget.

(iii)          That a Council Tax increase of 2.6% for Dover District Council (DDC) purposes be approved, resulting in an increase on Band D properties of £4.95 per year and an annual DDC Council Tax of £202.14.

(iv)          To note that it is the view of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) & Section 151 Officer, having due regard to the circumstances and the range of uncertainties, that the budget has been prepared in an appropriate and prudent manner and that, as far  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.