To consider any questions submitted by Members.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm on the Monday the week before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

The Mayor advised that two questions had been received from Members.

Question 1 – Councillor Hannah Perkin

I have recently been helping a number of residents that are waiting an unacceptable time for their PIP reviews. One resident I have been supporting has already been waiting for 40 weeks and has been told that it will be a minimum of 55 weeks. Is there more that the council could be doing to support residents in a similar position? 

Response – Chair of Housing and Health

I am aware that there has been a backlog of PIP reviews for several years, I have asked Officers to contact the DWP to understand the latest position and what more can be done, I am still waiting for their response.  As a Council we will review any other benefits that a resident may be entitled to and signpost them to other avenues of support whilst they wait.  We have developed our support in partnership with the Voluntary and Community Sector to help people access support through our One Swale Roadshows, our targeted support through Household Support Fund and our continued financial support of Swale Citizens Advice Service.

Supplementary

Will there be any One Swale Roadshows online to cater for those with mobility issues?

Supplementary Response

Thank you for the suggestion, it is a good idea which I will take back.

Question 2 – Councillor Hannah Perkin

The centre of Faversham is increasingly full of cars parked along previous double yellow lines that are being left to fade and reportedly now unenforceable. The JTB will not open a discussion on reinstating the lines because senior members are looking at other ways of controlling parking. The pedestrianisation of the Town Centre was mentioned. Could I please have an update on the scheme and an expected timeline. 

Response – Chair of Community and Leisure

Members will be aware that the administration investigated support for town centre pedestrianisation schemes in the period following Covid-19-related town centre traffic closures. Following positive indications, we committed to exploring this further for Faversham, and dedicated town centre reserve funding to preparatory work.

As part of this, we undertook an Equalities Impact Assessment which was clear that the scheme would require exemption for blue badge holders in order not to have a negative impact for disabled residents / visitors.

Kent County Council would be responsible for enforcing violations of any ANPR-supported pedestrianisation scheme, and have advised

• they are working with their contracted camera provider to enable appropriate exemptions.
• All KCC schemes had been temporarily on hold as the Department for Transport changed vehicle owner access software. This hold was released to enable schemes to progress only in mid September.

We have been and continue to be, dependent on third party timescales.

Implementation will also require further formal engagement and consultation – from KCC on the use of their enforcement powers, and as part of the Traffic Regulation Order process via JTB.

Members may wish to note that KCC have very recently remarked the yellow lines on Preston Street, and the traffic order has been sealed, allowing enforcement action to be taken by SBC’s enforcement contractor.

Supplementary

As there was no timeline at the moment whilst waiting for KCC, will there be any discussion around replacing yellow lines in the interim period?

Supplementary Response

This should be raised with the Faversham ward KCC Councillor at the JTB meeting.