Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)    No fire drill is planned during the meeting.  If the alarm sounds please leave the building quickly without collecting any of your possessions, using the doors signed as fire escapes, and assemble outside where directed.

(b)     Await instructions before re-entering the building.

(c)     Anyone who requires assistance in evacuating the building should make officers aware of any special needs so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The retiring Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2022 (Minute Nos 1- 11) and the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2023 (Minute Nos. 804 – 816) as correct records.

The Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 May 2022 (Minute nos. 1 – 11) and the Minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 5 April 2023 (Minute nos. 804 -813) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair as correct records.

In accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, a resolution must be passed by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members voting. The Council are accordingly requested to pass the following resolution:

"That this Council in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, do confer upon Nicholas Hampshire, Ken Pugh, David Simmons, Roger Truelove and Ghlin Whelan the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of the valuable service given to the Council by those Members as past Members of the Council"

The past Members will be called forward to be presented with their certificates.

Councillor Mike Baldock proposed and Councillor Monique Bonney seconded that the following past Members be awarded the title of Honorary Aldermen. In proposing and seconding, they gave a short speech in support:

Nicholas Hampshire, Ken Pugh, David Simmons, Roger Truelove and Ghlin Whelan.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the retiring Mayor presented each Honorary Alderman in attendance with a certificate to reflect this honour along with a past Member certificate.

Mr David Simmons

In paying tribute to Swale Borough Council (SBC) staff throughout his term as a Councillor, Mr Simmons said his time had been mostly enjoyable.

Mr Roger Truelove

Mr Truelove said those currently elected  should be proud to speak for the people of Swale and he hoped by the time of the next local elections in 2027, Local Government would have changed.  He spoke fondly of his 29 years as Councillor, three of which as Leader, and said it was all worth it.

Mr Ghlin Whelan

Mr Whelan said that of his 21 years as a Councillor, 17 had been in opposition but the last four years in administration had made up for it.

The Mayor will present past Members who have served at least one term of office, with their certificates.

The retiring Mayor presented past Member certificates to Simon Fowle, Denise Knights, Ken Rowles and Tim Valentine.

The retiring Mayor announced that past Member certificates would be posted out to those not in attendance.

To confirm the appointment of Councillor Sarah Stephen as Mayor for the civic year 2023/24.

The retiring Mayor advised that the decision to appoint a Mayor elect was taken at the Council meeting on 22 February 2023, where it was resolved that Councillor Sarah Stephen be elected Mayor for the civic year 2023 to 24.

Councillor Mike Baldock gave a speech to support the decision to elect Councillor Sarah Stephen as Mayor, and Councillor Monique Bonney spoke to endorse the decision.

The Mayor read and signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was presented with her badge of office and flowers. She announced that Councillor Paul Stephen would be her consort for her Mayoral year.

Resolved:

(1)  That the decision made at the Council meeting on 22 February 2023 to elect Councillor Sarah Stephen as Mayor for the Civic Year 2023 to 2024 be endorsed.

The new Mayor will outline the forthcoming Mayoral Year.

The Mayor invited Reverend Colin Brookes to read a prayer.

In thanking Members for her election, the Mayor set out her plans for her Mayoral year in which she aimed to continue to support charitable organisations and promote networking.  She said she wanted to be kept busy and encouraged invitations to attend events.  The Mayor said she would be supporting Kent Wildlife Rescue Services and Diversity House.

A vote of thanks will be given to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Simon Clark.

The retiring Mayor is invited to say a few words about their Mayoral Year.

Councillor Baldock proposed and Councillor Bonney seconded a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor.  Councillor Baldock said that the retiring Mayor had chaired meetings and carried out his civic duties with aplomb and was a credit to Swale.  Councillor Bonney thanked the retiring Mayor who she said had been thrilled to serve as Mayor of Swale.

In his response, the retiring Mayor said he had attended over 120 events and chaired nine Full Council and one Extraordinary Council meetings during his term.  He outlined the variety of visits he had carried out from opening school buildings, attending carnivals, afternoon teas, carol concerts and a hair and beauty show. He spoke of his sadness of attending funerals of past Mayors and of his honour of leading the proclamation of the new monarch, King Charles III.

In thanking everyone for their donations, the retiring Mayor said £1,442 had been raised for Porchlight and MenTalk. He said the founder of MenTalk was unable to be at the meeting but would be pleased to receive the donation.

The retiring Mayor gave thanks to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and thanked both previous and current serving Councillors, and SBC staff including the Chief Executive and the current and previous Monitoring Officers.  He gave particular thanks to the former relief Mayor’s Chauffeur Derek Johnson and the current Civic Attendant Chris Lovelock.

Finally, the retiring Mayor thanked his family who he said he hoped would have been proud of his achievements.

To elect a Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2023/2024.

The Mayor explained that the decision to appoint a Deputy Mayor elect was taken at the Council meeting on 22 February 2023 and whilst it was resolved that Councillor Tim Gibson be elected Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2023/24, Councillor Gibson had since withdrawn from the role.  The Mayor asked for nominations for the Deputy Mayor. 

In nominating Councillor Ben J Martin, Councillor Baldock referred to Councillor Martin’s excellent work in tackling homelessness in the borough, and for his involvement in Faversham Pools.  Councillor Baldock said Councillor Martin was a peer member of the Local Government Association.  Councillor Chris Williams seconded the nomination, saying he had worked with Councillor Martin at Faversham Town Council and he praised his work in the Faversham community. 

There were no other nominations.

On being put to the vote, Members voted in favour of the nomination of Councillor Ben J Martin as Deputy Mayor of Swale.

Councillor Martin read out and signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was presented with his chain of office.

Resolved:

(1)  That Councillor Ben J Martin be Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2023/24.

The meeting was adjourned at 7.57pm and reconvened at 8.27pm.

Councillor Baldock introduced the report which sought to approve the pay award for 2023/24.  He said it was largely agreed at the Full Council budget meeting in February 2023, and it was appropriate to reward staff.  This was seconded by Councillor Bonney.

The Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Gibson, offered his full support from the Labour Group.

The Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Lloyd Bowen, raised concern that funding was being agreed from a previously zero budget.  He said SBC needed to recognise the value of staff and he highlighted the good work they did, going beyond their roles.  Councillor Bowen said there must be a clear path for the coming years, and he said his group wanted to work with the administration on this.

The Leaders of the Liberal Democrat Group and the Green Group both spoke in support of the recommendations.

A Member spoke in support, saying that everyone deserved a pay rise whilst another expressed his concern that SBC could be bankrupt by 2025 and something needed to be done.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3.1.19(2), a recorded vote was taken, and voting was as follows:

For:  Councillors Baldock, Bonney, Brawn, Carnell, Cavanagh, Cheesman, S Clark, Gibson, Golding, Gould, Hall, Harrison, Jayes, Last, Lehmann, B J Martin, C Martin, Miller, Nundy, C Palmer, R Palmer, Perkin, Shiel, P Stephen, S Stephen, Thompson, Valls, Watson, White, Williams, Winckless and Wise. Total equals 32.

Against:  Councillors Booth, Bowen, R Clark, Hunt, Ingleton, Marchington, Moore, Neal, Noe, Speed, Tucker and Whiting. Total equals 12.

Abstain:  Total equals none

Resolved:

(1)  That the pay award set out in paragraph 2.7 in the report be approved.

(2)  That an amount of £100,000 be taken from the budget contingency reserve to cover the shortfall from the budgeted amount.

The Mayor explained the process for the election of Leader.

Councillor Baldock proposed Councillor Gibson as Leader of SBC.  This was seconded by Councillor Angela Harrison.

There were no other nominations.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 3.1.19 a recorded vote was taken and  voting was as follows:

For:  Councillors Baldock, Bonney, Booth, Bowen, Brawn, Carnell, Cavanagh, Cheesman, R Clark, S Clark, Gibson, Golding, Gould, Hall, Harrison, Hunt, Ingleton, Jayes, Last, Lehmann, Marchington, B J Martin, C Martin, Miller, Moore, Neal, Noe, Nundy, C Palmer, R Palmer, Perkin, Shiel, Speed, P Stephen, S Stephen, Thompson, Tucker, Valls, Watson, White, Whiting, Williams, Winckless and Wise.  Total equals 44.

Against:  Total equals none.

Abstain:  Total equals none.

Following his election as Leader, Councillor Gibson said it was an honour and a privilege.  He stressed the importance of effective debate and said that petty politics sometimes got in the way.

He said the previous two Leaders before him had strived to make Swale a better place for all and he remained committed to positive change.  The Leader said there should be openness and transparency and SBC needed to find ways to support residents who needed Councillors more than ever. 

The Leader said that SBC needed to continue to deliver affordable homes and tackle homelessness and provide support to tackle health and inequalities, GP provision and for businesses.  He referred to the unique diversity of residents in Swale.

The Leader announced that Councillor Mike Baldock would be Deputy Leader.

The Deputy Leader highlighted the dignity and courtesy that the Leader showed in his time as Chair of the Planning Committee.  He referred to the low turn-out of voters in the borough elections and said that trust needed to be  re-built.  Finally, the Deputy Leader said he looked forward to working with the new Leader.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group congratulated the new Leader and Deputy Leader and expressed her sadness at the low turn-out of voters. She said the Liberal Democrat Group would support the administration when it agreed with them and she looked forward to working in partnership with them.

The Leader of the Green Group offered his support.

Resolved:

(1)  That Councillor Gibson be elected as Leader of Swale Borough Council.

To agree the Council’s Committees and their terms of reference.

Appendix II – Committee Membership added 15.05.2023.

The Leader introduced the report which sought to establish the Committees of the Council for the municipal year 2023/24 and agree their terms of reference.

The Leader proposed the recommendation which was seconded by the Deputy Leader and on being put to the vote, Members agreed the recommendation.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Committees of the Council and Terms of Reference, as set out in Appendix I to the report be agreed for the 2023/24 municipal year.

Appendix I – Political Balance added 15.05.2023

Appendix II – Committee Membership added 15.05.2023.

Appendix III - added 15.05.2023.

The Leader introduced the report and proposed the recommendations which were seconded by the Deputy Leader.

On being put to the vote, Members agreed the recommendations.

Resolved:

(1)  That the political balance calculation as set out in Appendix I be agreed.

(2) That the allocation of seats to Committees, in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders, as set out in Appendix I to these minutes, be agreed. 

(3) That Group’s nominations for Swale’s membership of the Joint Transportation Board as set out in Appendix II to these minutes be agreed.

To confirm Borough Council’s nominations to outside bodes and trusts administered by Swale Borough Council and statutory bodies.

Outside bodies nominations from Group Leaders added 17.05.2023

The Mayor explained the voting procedure in respect of those outside bodies that had more nominations than seats:

·         Citizens Advice Services, Swale;

·         Faversham Pools;

·         Kent Down AONB Joint Advisory Committee;

·         Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board (LMIDB);

·         Optivo; and

·         Sheppey Matters.

The Leader introduced the report which set out the nominations received to Outside Bodies and Trusts administered by SBC and statutory bodies.  He proposed the recommendations which were seconded by the Deputy Leader. 

During the discussion, Councillor Perkin withdrew from being nominated on Citizens Advice Services Swale, Councillor Lehmann withdrew from being nominated on Faversham Pools, Councillors Bonney and Williams withdrew from being nominated on Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee, Councillor Bonney withdrew from being nominated on LMIDB and Councillor Whiting withdrew from being nominated on Sheppey Matters.

Upon being put to the vote, the Mayor announced the results.  The complete list of outside body appointments are attached as Appendix III to these Minutes.

Resolved:

(1)      That the Borough Council representation on outside bodies, trusts administered by SBC and statutory bodies be as set out in Appendix III to these minutes.

To agree the timetable of meetings for the municipal year 2023/24.

The Leader introduced the report and proposed the recommendation which was seconded by the Deputy Leader.

Resolved:

(1) That the timetable of meetings for the 2023/24 municipal year be noted