Agenda and minutes

The following Councillors made declarations in respect of the agenda item relating to the Draft Housing Revenue Account Revenue and capital original budget 2024/25:

·       Councillors Cooper and Fuller both made Declarations of Pecuniary interest in that they were local authority housing tenants. They both indicated that they would leave the chamber during the consideration of this item.

·       Councillors Butcher, Wing, Lockwood and Goddard made voluntary declarations in respect of their roles as Directors of Oportunitas. All four Members had been granted dispensations by the Audit and Governance Committee.

The following Councillors made declarations in respect of the agenda item relating to the Revenue Budget, Capital Strategy, Capital Programme, Reserves and Balances, Treasury and Investment Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy and Council Tax for 2024/25:

·       Councillors Meade and Hills made voluntary declarations due to their role as Kent County Councillors.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the council held on 24 January 2024 and to authorise the Chair of the Council to sign them as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2024 were submitted, approved and signed by the Chair.

The Chair gave the following communications:

“Since my last communication I have been honoured to continue to act as an ambassador of the district within our towns and villages and across Kent. I take my role very seriously and try to say yes to every engagement because I relish any opportunity to tell people about this beautiful district that I love. But also I want to help to fundraise by way of my contributions to the many well-deserving charities that the mayors support.

Last month, I had been feeling rather off for a couple of days but I was loathe to renege on any promises that I had already made and therefore carried on my week as usual filling it with work, family life as a single mother, my roles as both a district and town councillor, my work as a charity owner and my engagements as chair of the district council and deputy mayor of Folkestone. It came to the end of the week and I was in attendance at an evening engagement in Faversham. I was feeling lethargic and had a persistent and pounding headache. I tried to carry on as usual but everyone kept on telling me, in of course, the kindest and most compassionate way they could, that I did not look good! In fact I looked unwell and should go home and rest. They were of course right! I went home early that night and then stayed in bed for two weeks recovering. Yes, it was that bad and yes, I was that ill. In that time I had to cancel several engagements and I also missed the last full council, Thank you to my vice-chair Cllr Jones for covering for me. I was told that you did exceptionally well and I am excited about what you will achieve next year in this role.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I may not be physically active but when it comes to mental agility and sheer volume of work including meetings and engagements I am at least the equivalent of an Olympic triple gold medalist. But as Audre Lorde said "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare."

I am the sum of all my thoughts deeds and actions but the physical manifestation of who I am exists within this body. Without this body I cease to exist so it is essential that I preserve and I indulge it in not only activities that help the world external to my body but also activities that help me as a individual, nurture me and my physical, mental and spiritual needs. Because without this body I would not be able to do any of the things listed above.

It is essential that we do not lose sight of our health in pursuit of action and fear of missing out. There will aways be another day, there will always be new things to do but there will never ever,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

There were no petitions.

1.       From Bryan Rylands to Councillor Shoob, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

Landlords who neglect to carry out an EICR (along with any suggested work) prior to the start of a new tenancy may face a fine of up to £30,000.  The enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities, as outlined in the Housing Act 2004.  How Many Landlords has the Council used the 2004 Housing ACT against for failure to carry out an EICR prior to rental or after rental?

The questions asked, including supplementary questions, and the answers given are set out in Schedule 1, appended to these minutes.

(Questions can be found on www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk from noon 2 days before the meeting, on Modern.gov, under the agenda for this meeting).

Up to 45 minutes is allowed for questions from councillors.

The questions asked, including supplementary questions, and the answers given are set out in Schedule 2, appended to these minutes.

The Leader gave the following announcements:

“I want to welcome the newly elected member for Romney Marsh to the Chamber. Tony Hills brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly in all matter pertaining to flooding in the district. I am always very grateful for Tony's advice.

1.       I joined the personnel committee for their final deliberations on this year's pay award. I then chaired the meeting with the union representatives and staff representatives to discuss. The negotiations were frank and fair, I was very impressed by the professional approach of all members of the negotiating teams and hope that the recommendation will be accepted.

2.       The leaders of the four political groups and Independent Councillor Paul Thomas have been meeting regularly as we move towards a committee system.

3.       I have attended many meetings regarding Otterpool Park with government agencies, and developers, these discussions continue.

4.       I attended a meeting with many other Council representatives in my role as Armed Forces Champion.

5.       I have been visiting businesses in the District as usual, hotels, hospitality and Chartered Surveyors. Business holds some very interesting perspectives on the future of the District. This Council is a friend to good business.

6.       Princes Parade hoarding: I am delighted to announce that the hoarding surrounding the Princes Parade site will shortly be dismantled. I am also delighted to announce that the hoardings and the concrete blocks that support it will be recycled to Otterpool, where they will be stored and used as required. Once the site is refenced we will be consulting next year to ask local people for their views on the future of Prince's Parade.

7.       My regular contact with Stagecoach continues, this month we will begin the work on our joint "use it or lose it" campaign to encourage people to use the bus service.

8.       Councillor Scoffham and I attended a presentation by Southern Water regarding the declining bathing water quality around our coast. I have been in regular contact with Southern Water and held meetings with them, mainly because of the sewage on the Copperfield's Estate in Lydd, the flooding on Udan Rd in Dymchurch and the failure of the pumps at the Range Road pumping station in Hythe. I have a further meetings with Southern Water, the Environment Agency and KCC Councillors this month.

9.       Along with many coastal District Councils I continue to attend a monthly meeting organised by the Environment Agency to collectively express our shared concern about Southern Water's consistent failure to meet the needs of their customers.

10.      I have attended the Kent Leaders Forum to discuss the issues which affect the Council's in Kent. I have also attended meetings of the East Kent Leaders forum which has a more focused view of the issues affecting the East Kent Districts.

11.      I spent a morning with the team responsible for our sheltered housing and was so very impressed with the dedication and commitment of the Council's staff.

12.      I accompanied our excellent Homes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

The Portfolio Holder reports had been circulated within the agenda pack and noted by Members.

The Labour Group has raised the following matter:

Council Notes:

This council continuously engages with local cultural organisations to provide opportunity and promote the local district.

The Council continuously supports local projects of a cultural nature through a wide variety of channels.

Council Believes:

The council produced a Heritage Strategy in 2019, however it was largely to support the local planning process and not to outline a comprehensive plan to support Heritage assets within the local area.

A co-ordinated strategy that brings together all aspects of the district’s Cultural, Heritage and Tourism based assets will only benefit the district.

Council Resolves:

As part of the Corporate Plan refresh being undertaken, to begin work to produce a Culture, Heritage and Tourism Strategy.

To seek members’ input, through either formal Committee or working group as to the preferred method to produce the Culture, Heritage and Tourism Strategy.

Should a Culture, Heritage and Tourism Strategy be drafted, it be adopted by full council as the overarching authorising body of this council.

Debates on opposition business shall be limited to 30 minutes.  If the time limit is reached or the debate concludes earlier, the leader of the group raising the item shall have a right of reply.

The Council shall:

a)         Note the issue raised and take no further action;

b)         Refer the issue to the cabinet or relevant overview and scrutiny committee, as the case may be for their observations before deciding whether to make a decision on the issue;

c)         Agree to examine the matter as part of a future scrutiny programme;

d)         Adopt the issue raised by opposition business provided that the decision so made is within the policy framework and budget.

Councillor McConville advised that due to the earlier disturbance at the meeting creating a delay in proceedings, he wished to defer his opposition business to the next meeting of the Council.

There are no motions on notice.

There were no motions on notice.

This report sets out the Housing Revenue Account (‘HRA’) Revenue and Capital Budget for 2024/25 for approval and proposes an increase in weekly rents and an increase in service charges for 2024/25 both for approval.

The report set out the Housing Revenue Account (‘HRA’) Revenue and Capital Budget for 2024/25 for approval and proposes an increase in weekly rents and an increase in service charges for 2024/25 both for approval.

Proposed by Councillor Shoob,

Seconded by Councillor J Martin; and

RESOLVED:

1.      That Report A/23/25 be received and noted.

2.      That the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 be approved. (Refer to paragraph 2.1 and Appendix 1)

3.      That the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme budget 2024/25 be approved. (Refer to paragraph 4.1 and Appendix 2)

4.      That the increase in rents of dwellings within the HRA on average by £7.37 per week, representing a 7.7% increase with effect from 1 April 2024 be approved (Refer to paragraph 3.2)

5.      That the increase in rents of shared ownership dwellings within the HRA by 9.4% (RPI 8.9% + 0.5%), with effect from 1 April 2024, be approved (Refer to paragraph 3.2)

6.      That the increase in service charges be approved. (Refer to section 3.5)

7.      That the Housing Revenue Account 30-year Business Plan 2023/24-2033/34 be approved (refer to section 5 and Appendix 3).

In accordance with the council procedure rule 17.5, five members present demanded a recorded vote.

FOR: Councillors M Blakemore, P Blakemore, Butcher, Holgate, Jones, E Martin, J Martin, Prater, Scoffham, Shoob, Speakman, and Wing (12).

AGAINST: None (0).

ABSTENTIONS: Councillors Akuffo-Kelly, Davison, Goddard, Mrs Hollingsbee, Hills, Keen, Lockwood, A Martin, McConville, McShane, Meade, Thomas, Walker and Wimble (14).

(Voting figures: 12 for, 0 against, 14 abstentions).

(Councillors Fuller and Cooper had declared an interest in this matter at the beginning of the meeting, and left the council chamber during the debate, and vote).

Following consideration by Cabinet at their meeting of the 28^th February this report concludes the budget setting process for 2024/25 and is submitted to Council with the proposed 2024/25 Revenue Budget, Capital Strategy, Capital Programme, Reserves and Balances, Treasury and Investment Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy. 

It sets out recommendations for setting the council tax after taking into account the district’s council tax requirement (including town and parish council requirements and special expenses in respect of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity), the precepts of Kent County Council, the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Following consideration by Cabinet at their meeting of the 28^th February the report concluded the budget setting process for 2024/25 and was submitted to Council with the proposed 2024/25 Revenue Budget, Capital Strategy, Capital Programme, Reserves and Balances, Treasury and Investment Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy.  It set out recommendations for setting the Council Tax after taking into account the district’s Council Tax requirement (including town and parish council requirements and special expenses in respect of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity), the precepts of Kent County Council, the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance advised that Cabinet, during their meeting earlier in the evening, had made an additional recommendation related to Members Allowances, details of which are appended to this minutes.

Proposed by Councillor Prater,

Seconded by Councillor J Martin; and

RESOLVED:

1.         That report A/23/24 be received and noted.

2.         That the District Council’s Revenue Budget, Capital Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement, Capital Programme, Investment Strategy, Annual Treasury Management for 2024/25 as presented in Appendices 1,4,5,7, & 8 to this report be approved.

3.         That a Council Tax rate of £280.08 at Band D be set, representing an increase of £8.01 on the current charge.

4.         That the Council Tax Resolution at Appendix 2 of the report be approved.

5.         That the additional recommendation from Cabinet relating to the uprating of Member Allowances, as appended to the minutes, be agreed.

The motion was put to a recorded vote in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 as set out below:

FOR: Councillors M Blakemore, P Blakemore, Butcher, Fuller, Holgate, Jones, E Martin, J Martin, Prater, Scoffham, Shoob, Speakman and Wing (13).

AGAINST: Councillors Goddard, Mrs Hollingsbee, Hills, A Martin and Wimble (5).

ABSTENTIONS: Councillors Akuffo-Kelly, Cooper, Davison, Keen, Lockwood, McConville, McShane, Meade, Thomas and Walker (10).

(Voting figures: 13 for, 5 against, 10 abstentions).