The Mayor will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures. The Mayor will inform the meeting that: there is no scheduled test of the fire alarm during this meeting.  If the alarm does sound, please leave the building quickly without collecting any of your possessions, using the doors signed as fire escapes, and assemble outside where directed.  Await instructions, before re-entering the building.  Should anyone require assistance in evacuating the building, please make the Swale Borough Council Democratic Services Officers aware of any special needs so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Deputy Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for  themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary Interests (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)           Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

In accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 a resolution to confer the title of Honorary Freeman must be passed by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members voting. The Council is asked to pass the following resolution:

“That this Council in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 do confer upon Mr Robin Castle MBE the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Swale to acknowledge forty years of distinguished service at Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Station and helping to keep residents and visitors to the Isle of Sheppey safe”

Councillor Cameron Beart proposed and Councillor Peter Marchington seconded that Mr Robin Castle MBE be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough, and gave speeches in support of the proposal.

Councillor Beart outlined Mr Castle’s long and distinguished 40 year career at Sheerness Lifeboat station, including several heroic incidents at sea at which he had helped saved many lives. Councillor Beart explained that Mr Castle had received a Bronze medal for gallantry for saving lives in the 1987 Great Storm, was made an MBE by HM The Queen in 2010 and received a 30 year long service award by the RNLI in 2011. He thanked Mr Castle for his service to the Borough and wished him a happy retirement.

Councillor Peter Marchington praised Mr Castle’s work.

Councillor Ghlin Whelan gave a supporting speech.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the Deputy Mayor presented Mr Castle with a scroll to reflect the honour.

Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Swale, Mr Robin Castle MBE, gave a speech in recognition of the award.  He said he accepted the award on behalf of crews past and present and thanked the families of the RNLI crews for their support.

Resolved:

(1)  That this Council in pursuance of Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 confer upon Mr Robin Castle MBE the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough to acknowledge forty years of distinguished service at Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Station and in helping to keep residents and visitors to the Isle of Sheppey safe.