Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Rebecca Brough  Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

45.

Apologies pdf icon PDF 24 KB

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D G Beaney and M Rose.

 

46.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 104 KB

To confirm the attached Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2019.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 October 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

47.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 37 KB

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

Minutes:

Councillor C F Woodgate disclosed to the meeting that section 106 Local Government Finance Act 1992 (Council tax and community charges: restrictions on voting) applied to him and did not vote on any question with respect to the setting of the council tax,

48.

Announcements pdf icon PDF 27 KB

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Council, the Leader of the Council, Members of the Cabinet or the Head of Paid Service.

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor M D Conolly, made the following announcements:

 

(a)  To congratulate Councillor M Bates on his successful election in the Guston, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe by-election held on 12 December 2019.

 

(b)  That the Council would be holding a VE Day 75th Anniversary event at Dover Castle on 8 May 2020. The intention was to have 75 guests with invitations extended to veterans, town and parish council leaders and local dignitaries.

 

(c)   That he had been moved by the ceremonies in Poland to mark the liberation of Auschwitz. He stated that the Holocaust had been a stain on humanity and reminded Members of the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day.

 

The Council stood in silence as a mark of respect.

49.

Leader's Time pdf icon PDF 33 KB

To receive an oral report at the meeting from the Leader (and Cabinet) on the business of the Executive or on any topic or subject that it is felt should be brought to the attention of the Council.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (Leader’s Time):

 

(a)  The Leader (and Cabinet) shall have up to 15 minutes to make within this report any statements that they wish on any topic or subject that they feel should be drawn to the attention of the Council.

(b)  The Leader of the Main Opposition Group (or their nominee) shall be allowed up to 10 minutes to respond.

(c)  The Leader of the Council shall be allowed up to 5 minutes to exercise a right of reply (or 25% of the time given to the Opposition Group Leader(s), whichever is the greatest).

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor T J Bartlett, included the following matters in his report:

(a)     To thank council staff for their warm welcomes on the visits he had conducted to the various council departments since becoming Leader of the Council and state the respect he had for the staff.

(b)     That the Council had been nominated for Public Sector Business of the Year at the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards to be held on 5 February 2020. The Council had 15 apprentices across a range of services with 2 on higher level apprenticeships in accountancy and law. The Council had seen two former apprentices go on to find permanent employment with the Council and East Kent Services.

(c)      That Councillor D G Beaney had won the Young Councillor of the Year award at the 10th annual Councillor Achievement Awards.

(d)     To congratulate Councillor M Bates on his election at the Guston, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe Ward by-election and welcome him to his first meeting.

(e)     To welcome the appointment of Rose Hudson-Wilkin at the Bishop of Dover.

(f)       To congratulate Natalie Elphicke on her election as the new Member of Parliament for Dover.

(g)     To advise that Dover District Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council had received additional funding from a government initiative to help those rough sleeping out of homelessness.

(h)     That he had met with three local Members of Parliament to discuss support for the dualling of the A2 and the need for a lorry park. He would also be meeting with the Leader of Kent County Council to discuss Thanet Parkway and parking at Dover Priory station. He had met with Highways England to discuss the Lower Thames Crossing. 

(i)       He supported the need for strategic infrastructure and had met with the Port of Dover.

(j)       That the preparations for The Open Golf were proceeding well and the issues of legacy and climate change impact had been considered.

(k)      That the launch of the Council’s tourism strategy would be held on 2 April 2020.

(l)       That meetings with ward councillors and town and parish council’s would be held to discuss Local Plan proposals.

(m)    That the Cabinet would be receiving the report on the options for East Kent Housing in February 2020.

(n)     The proposals for Maison Dieu and the importance of securing external funding to undertake needed works.

(o)     That the Climate Change Working Group had held its first meeting.

(p)     That he had visited the Dover Repair Café and had been impressed by the fantastic work undertaken by the group. He advised that a ‘Big Fix’ would be held on 15 February 2020.

(q)     That he had been interviewed by the BBC South East programme ‘Inside Out’ about the success of the co-innovation hub, which now had every unit filled, and how it was getting new businesses into the High Street in Dover.

(r)      The new Green Energy Grant that paid 50% of costs (up to £10,000) to assist small businesses that wanted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

50.

Seat Allocation and Group Appointments pdf icon PDF 29 KB

To receive from Group Leaders any changes to seat allocations or appointments.

 

(Note:  Any changes must be within the approved allocation of seats to political groups in accordance with the political balance rules (where applicable).)

Minutes:

Councillor T J Bartlett moved the following changes to Conservative Group appointments:

 

Committee

Change

Licensing Committee

M Bates (replaced M J Holloway)

 

RESOLVED: That the following changes to Conservative Group appointments be noted and agreed:

 

Committee

Change

Licensing Committee

M Bates (replaced M J Holloway)

 

 

 

51.

Questions from the Public pdf icon PDF 36 KB

To receive answers in respect of questions from the public to Members of the Executive asked in accordance with Rule 11 of the Council Procedure Rules.

 

(a)  Questions will be asked in the order in which notice of them was received, except that the Chairman may group together similar questions.

(b)  The period for questions by the public shall be limited so that no further questions shall be put after the elapse of 15 minutes from the commencement of the first question.

(c)  A maximum of three minutes is allowed for the each question to be read.

(d)  A questioner who has put a question in person may also put one supplementary question without notice to the member who has replied to his or her original question. A supplementary question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply.

(e)  Afterwards, any other Member at the Chairman's discretion may speak for up to two minutes on a question or reply.

 

Questions from the Public

 

There were no questions from the public received within the notice period.

Minutes:

There were no questions on notice from Members of the public.

52.

Climate Change Emergency pdf icon PDF 32 KB

To consider the recommendation of the Cabinet made at its meeting on 4 November 2019.

Minutes:

The Council received the recommendation of the Cabinet made at its meeting held on 4 November 2019 that a climate change emergency be declared.

 

It was moved by Councillor T J Bartlett, and duly seconded by Councillor K Mills, that a climate change emergency be declared.

 

Councillor T J Bartlett advised that there was a lot of work to be undertaken but that the Council was undertaking a number of measures in response. The Council had formed a climate change working group and preparing a Climate Change Strategy with the intention of the council becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030 at the latest. The Council was also rolling out LED street lighting and looking to improve recycling at communal blocks.

 

It was noted that the Climate Change and Energy Conservation Officer had been nominated as a Heat Hero for her work in helping with tackling the issue of fuel poverty.

 

RESOLVED: That the Council declare a climate change emergency.

53.

Council Tax Base 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 107 KB

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources).

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 18.6 (voting on budget decisions) a recorded vote will be held in respect of this item.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) introduced the report on the Council Tax Base 2020-21. The attention of Members was drawn to the amended recommendations published in the supplementary paper.

 

It was moved by Councillor S C Manion, duly seconded by Councillor S S Chandler, and

 

RESOLVED: (a)     That for the financial year 2020/21, the empty homes discount for properties unoccupied and unfurnished remain at 0%, so that Council Tax will be payable in full on these properties.

 

(b)     That the District’s Council Tax Base for 2020/21 as 39,029.75 and the tax base for the towns and parishes in the Council’s administrative area be approved, as set out below:

 

 

 

 

Parish

2019/20 Tax Base - using collection rate

2020/21 Tax Base using collection rate

Alkham

310.13

304.27

Ash

1152.87

1161.21

Aylesham

1474.03

1568.81

Capel-Le-Ferne

659.24

673.96

Deal

6750.79

6828.29

Denton-with-Wootton

172.51

171.43

Dover

8198.33

8299.07

Eastry

816.95

817.26

Eythorne

792.44

802.60

Goodnestone

174.81

174.43

Great Mongeham

268.83

274.27

Guston

399.09

403.13

Hougham-Without

182.30

180.70

Langdon

236.07

242.80

Lydden

251.67

257.00

Nonington

295.01

295.03

Northbourne

269.95

270.56

Preston

366.78

380.46

Ringwould-with-Kingsdown

1021.39

1028.01

Ripple

149.51

148.49

River

1488.97

1496.74

St Margarets-at-Cliffe

1294.76

1303.78

Sandwich

1917.37

1940.37

Shepherdswell-with-Coldred

757.31

765.48

Sholden

736.36

736.50

Staple

232.27

232.89

Stourmouth

116.29

116.46

Sutton-by-Dover

303.62

304.77

Temple Ewell

651.17

662.04

Tilmanstone

154.16

156.52

Walmer

3337.77

3340.57

Whitfield

1972.43

2039.52

Wingham

677.85

685.90

Woodnesborough

465.57

479.01

Worth

477.66

487.42

Total

38,526.26

39,029.75

 

(c)     That the “Long Term Empty Premium” for properties that have been left empty and substantially unfurnished be determined as followed:

 

(i)            for periods of 2 but less than 5 years, a Long Term Empty Premium to be charged at 100%; and

 

(ii)           for periods of 5 years or more a Long Term Empty Premium to be charged at 200%.

 

In accordance with the requirements of Council Procedure Rule 18.6 (voting on budget decisions) a recorded vote was held in respect of this item of business. The manner of the voting was as followed:

 

FOR (29)

AGAINST (0)

ABSTAIN (0)

J S Back

 

 

T J Bartlett

 

 

M Bates

 

 

S H Beer

 

 

E A Biggs

 

 

T A Bond

 

 

P M Brivio

 

 

J P J Burman

 

 

S S Chandler

 

 

N J Collor

 

 

M D Conolly

 

 

D G Cronk

 

 

D Hannent

 

 

J P Haste

 

 

M J Holloway

 

 

S J Jones

 

 

P D Jull

 

 

L A Keen

 

 

N S Kenton

 

 

S C Manion

 

 

K Mills

 

 

D P Murphy

 

 

O C de R Richardson

 

 

J Rose

 

 

C A Vinson

 

 

P Walker

 

 

R S Walkden

 

 

H M Williams

 

 

C D Zosseder

 

 

 

 

 

Recorded Vote
TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
Council Tax Base 2020-21 Resolution Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 54.

    COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 451 KB

    To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources).

    Minutes:

    The Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) introduced the report on the Council Tax Support Scheme 2020-21.

     

    It was moved by Councillor S C Manion, duly seconded by Councillor O C de R Richardson, and

     

    RESOLVED:       That the adoption of the revised Council Tax Support Scheme (including the Exceptional Hardship Scheme) as set out in this report as Option C be approved.

     

    55.

    Amended Calendar of Meetings 2019-20 pdf icon PDF 60 KB

    To consider the attached report of the Democratic Services Manager.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Democratic Services Manager presented the report on the Amended Calendar of Meetings 2019-20.

     

    It was moved by Councillor T J Bartlett, duly seconded by Councillor S S Chandler, and

     

    RESOLVED:       That the Calendar of Ordinary Meetings for 2019-20 be amended as set out in Appendix 1 of the report as followed:

     

    Meeting

    Old Date

    New Date

    Cabinet

    2 March 2020

    24 February 2020

    Council

    4 March 2020

    26 February 2020

     

     

     

     

    56.

    Draft Calendar of Ordinary Meetings 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 57 KB

    To consider the attached report of the Democratic Services Manager.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Democratic Services Manager presented the Draft Calendar of Ordinary Meetings 2020-21.

     

    It was moved by Councillor T J Bartlett, duly seconded by Councillor P D Jull, and

     

    RESOLVED:       That the Draft Calendar of Ordinary Meetings for 2020-21 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved in principle subject to final ratification at the Annual Meeting of Council on 13 May 2020.

     

    57.

    Members Allowances Scheme 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 99 KB

    To consider the attached report of the Democratic Services Manager.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    The Democratic Services Manager introduced the report on the Members Allowances Scheme 2020-21.

     

    In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.4, six members present at the meeting required that a recorded vote be held.

     

    It was moved by Councillor S C Manion, duly seconded by Councillor S S Chandler, and

     

    RESOLVED:       That the Members’ Allowances Scheme be made at the levels set out in Appendix 2 of the report with effect from 1 April 2020, subject to the Dependants’ Carers Allowance being increased to £8.72 per hour in line with the National Living Wage.

     

    On being put to the vote, the manner of voting was as followed:

     

    FOR (17)

    AGAINST (12)

    ABSTAIN (1)

    J S Back

    S H Beer

    J P Haste

    T J Bartlett

    E A Biggs

     

    M Bates

    P M Brivio

     

    T A Bond

    J P J Burman

     

    S S Chandler

    D G Cronk

     

    N J Collor

    S J Jones

     

    M D Conolly

    L A Keen

     

    D Hannent

    K Mills

     

    M J Holloway

    P Walker

     

    P D Jull

    H M Williams

     

    N S Kenton

    C F Woodgate

     

    S C Manion

    C D Zosseder

     

    D P Murphy

     

     

    O C de R Richardson

     

     

    J Rose

     

     

    C A Vinson

     

     

    R S Walkden

     

     

     

     

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    Members' Allowance Scheme 2020-21 Resolution Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 58.

    Questions from Members pdf icon PDF 39 KB

    Up to 60 minutes is allowed for this part of the meeting unless extended by the Chairman of Council on a motion moved, duly seconded and approved by the Council.  Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

     

    Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

     

    The questions received are set out in the agenda papers.

     

    Minutes:

    In accordance with Rule 12(1) of the Council Procedure Rules, Members of the Cabinet responded to the following questions:

     

    (1)   Councillor P Walker asked the Portfolio Holder for Community and Tourism, Councillor M J Holloway:

     

    “Can the Portfolio Holder for Community and Tourism please update Members on what progress there has been on the District’s new Tourism Strategy?”

     

    In response Councillor M J Holloway stated that this was a key strategic priority for the Council and at the heart of its regeneration and prosperity programmes. There had been significant progress on developing the District’s new Tourism Strategy and although it was still in the the consultative phase of development it had already resulted in investment decisions being taken. The District’s draft growth strategy for tourism, titled “Destination White Cliffs Country” was published in November 2019 and key stakeholders had been further consulted on the document following this.

     

    The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had welcomed the Strategy and as a result of its recommendations, as agreed by the Cabinet, indicators were being developed to better measure the Strategy’s impact. In particular, there would be numerical based targets introduced aimed at bringing Dover Town visitor satisfaction levels up to those of Deal and Sandwich. The strategy would be formally launched on 2 April 2020 at Dover Castle.

     

    The district would also be hosting the 149th Open Golf Championship in July 2020 and in excess of 200,000 golfing enthusiasts were expected to visit the district over the course of the event. These would be actively targeted with the intention of them returning again as future visitors.

     

    The Council was working on a new website which would also be launched on 2 April, 2020 which would use the latest techniques, be inter active and, enable prospective visitors to digitally visit and see some of the iconic landscape and heritage sites in real time. It would also provide a platform for

    businesses.

     

    The new District’s Local Plan would also play a key part in ensuring the Tourism Strategy’s success through encouraging investment in the sector. The Council had seen an increase in enquiries from potential investors, in particular in hotel and hospitality. There was private sector interest in building a cable car in Dover which would stretch from the sea front and town centre to the Castle which would have a significant impact in respect of the destination development plan of Dover Town. Locally, strategic decisions by Shepherd Neame to upgrade their facilities throughout the District, and the building of a further Travelodge in the District had been made.

     

    In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.5, Councillor P Walker exercised his right to ask one supplementary question.

     

    59.

    Urgent Business Time pdf icon PDF 28 KB

    To consider any other items deemed by the Chairman of the Council to be urgent in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972.

    Minutes:

    There were no items of urgent business for consideration.

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