Agenda and draft minutes

Members of the Council should declare any interests which fall under the following categories:

a)   disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)   other significant interests (OSI);

c)   voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations of interest at the meeting.

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2024 were submitted, approved, and signed by the Leader.

This report presents two policies in relation to health and safety compliance for the Council’s housing landlord service. These are, specifically:

1.    Housing Compliance (Asbestos) Policy

2.    Housing Compliance (Electric Safety) Policy

The report presented two policies in relation to health and safety compliance for the Council’s housing landlord service. These are, specifically the Housing Compliance (Asbestos) Policy and the Housing Compliance (Electric Safety) Policy.

Proposed by Councillor Shoob,

Seconded by Councillor J Martin; and

RESOLVED:

1.         That report C/23/89 be received and noted.

2.         That the proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Compliance (Asbestos and Electric Safety) Policies outlined in the report and in the appended track-changed documents be approved.

(Voting figures: 7 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

(Councillors Holgate and Fuller were not present at the meeting for consideration of this item).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations because: -

a.    There have been changes in legislation and best practice since the policies were introduced in 2021. Cabinet needs to be made aware of these changes and the policies updated.

b.    The policies will expire in April 2024 and therefore require updating/renewing to ensure the Council is fully compliant with health and safety legislation.

This report presents the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Budget 2024/25.

The report presented the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Budget 2024/25.

Councillor Prater advised on an amendment to the recommendations, that a fifth recommendation be added as per the addendum which had been circulated at the meeting (appended to these minutes).

Proposed by Councillor Prater,

Seconded by Councillor J Martin; and

RESOLVED:

1.       That report C/23/90 be received and noted.

2.       To recommend to Full Council that the proposed Revenue Budget 2024/25 be approved, and a Council Tax rate of £280.08 be set at Band D, representing an increase of £8.01 on the current charge.

3.       That the Council Tax Resolution at Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

4.       That it be noted, with thanks, the voluntary reduction in Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) from the Leader (£13,740) and Deputy Leader (£1,145) to enable the Ward Grants budget to remain at £90,000 in the 2024/25 budget.

5.       That the budget be amended, in respect of the Members allowances, as per the addendum which is appended to these minutes.

(Voting figures: 8 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

(Councillor Fuller did not take part in the vote, as he arrived towards the end of the debate on this item).

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations because the District Council’s Revenue Budget and Council Tax rate for 2024/25 needs to be set in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992.