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

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Council Meetings held on 28 January 2026 ( Minute Nos. 657 - 673) and 18 February 2026 (Minute Nos. 726 - 740) ) as correct records.

The Minutes of the Council meetings held on 28 January 2026 (Minute Nos. 657 – 673) and 18 February 2026 (Minute Nos. 726 – 740) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Mayor as correct records.

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.

Councillor Monique Bonney declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 11 Local Plan Growth Strategy and sites for allocation as she chaired the Five Parishes Group.

Councillor Julien Speed declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 11 Local Plan Growth Strategy and sites for allocation as he was involved in the Teynham and Highsted Action Group.

Councillor Mike Baldock declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 11 Local Plan Growth Strategy and sites for allocation as he was involved in Communities Against Bobbing Expansion.

The Mayor announced that this meeting would be her last ordinary Full Council meeting as Mayor, because Mayor Making for the civic year 2026/27 was scheduled for May 2026.

The Mayor said she and the Deputy Mayor had attended 23 engagements since the last Full Council meeting held in February 2026 and these included:

·         Romanian Community Church Service;

·         Sittingbourne Carnival selection;

·         the Ukrainian fourth Birthday celebrations;

·         Taste of Ramadan;

·         International Womens’ Day;

·         visit to Fulston Manor School, Sittingbourne;

·         formal balls at Bromley and Faversham, and the President’s Ball at Minster Rotary Club;

·         opening of the Extension to the East Kent College;

·         interviewed by Radio Kent; and

·         meetings for Swale Pride and Next Youth.

The Mayor said earlier in the week she had joined the Mayor of Medway at the Wisdom Hospice and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jools Holland had opened the therapy centre and she praised the work of the Wisdom Hospice.

Looking forward, the Mayor said engagements included Elmley Prison, a Julian Smith concert, Menopause café, pie and mash with the Royal Society of St. George, Eastchurch Aviation Museum, a MenTalk fundraiser on the Isle of Sheppey and her Drag Bingo charity event on 18 April 2026.

Finally, the Mayor drew Members’ attention to her Tour of Kent charity bike ride from 8 to 10 May 2026, which eight members of staff were taking part in and totalled 170 miles. She encouraged Members to sponsor the event, the funds of which would be donated to her charities.

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

The Mayor advised that no questions had been received by members of the public.

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 Mike Whiting

Could the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee confirm the current implementation status of the new car parking charges agreed in November, including whether they have gone live as of this morning (1 April), and whether all associated payment machines, signage, and bay markings are fully installed and operational at the Library and Park Road car parks in Queenborough, and the Halfway and Little Oyster car parks on the Isle of Sheppey?

Could the Chair also set out the installation costs for these four car parks and advise whether any amendments have been made to enforcement officers’ rotas to ensure effective enforcement of the new charging arrangements?

Response – Chair of Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee

The parking operations team have surveyed each of the 6 sites since the committee decision and are undertaking the final preparations for the charges going live. At the time of drafting this response the intention was to go live throughout the day on the 1st April 2026, subject to any final equipment being delivered/installed on time.

The total estimated costs (subject to final invoices) for these 4 car parks will be £24,965.

Each car park required different elements which are summarised below;

As Members will be aware and as was stated in the January committee report, no additional enforcement hours have been added to the Civil enforcement contract. This remains at 15,000 deployed hours which will be spread across all of our on and off street locations. Rotas already change weekly depending on the time of the year and reacting to reported issues to amend inappropriate parking behaviour.

Supplementary Question:

There was no supplementary question.

Question 2 – Councillor Tom Nundy

Can the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee confirm how many PCNs have been issued at the Shingle Bank since parking charges were introduced, what actions are planned to address non‑paying caravans on the site, and how the enforcement workforce is being increased to manage the additional charged locations introduced this year?

Response – Chair of Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee

A total of 32 penalty charge notices have been issued at the Shingle bank since introduction of the charges in July 2025 which has largely regulated activity and generated some income for the Council from the overnight fees.

Council officers from a range of teams have engaged and supported individuals that were residing in caravans on the shingle bank. This number has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 861.

Amendment added 30 March 2026

The Mayor advised that an amendment to the motion on Supported Bus Services had been received, circulated to Members and published on the Council’s website, and following discussions with the Member who had proposed the amendment, the proposer and seconder of the original motion had agreed to alter point three of the motion as tabled.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Dolley Wooster explained that the Labour Government had given Kent County Council over £78million in funding for bus services and extended bus fare cap - £78.2million to overhaul the local bus services, to increase the reliability of the service, reduce fares and upgrade vehicles.  She explained that the motion was self‑explanatory and anticipated cross‑party support to address residents’ concerns about maintaining sustainable services in the borough. Councillor Wooster said that Swale Borough Councillors who had attended the bus partnership meetings with KCC officers and bus operators shared residents’ concerns and she was critical that follow up meetings did not occur and there was very little information to report back to Area Committees. She said that investment in bus shelters was welcomed but residents needed regular, reliable bus services including at weekends so that it could support tourism. Councillor Wooster commended the bus operators who had continued bus services without disruption, despite the large increase in fuel bills.

Finally, Councillor Wooster encouraged all groups to support the motion to lobby KCC for action in protecting existing bus services in Swale from further reduction, to work with bus operators to improve reliability, frequency and coverage of services across the borough, prioritisng connections between neighbourhoods, rail connections and communities with no public transport and to request that the Leader of SBC and relevant committee chairs wrote formally to KCC with their concerns and to take part in meaningful and long-term engagement.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Ashley Wise reserved his right to speak.

Members were invited to debate the motion and made points including:

·         Welcomed the motion but said there was no duty on KCC to subsidise buses or provide services, and routes were organised, planned and controlled by private companies;

·         highlighted KCC’s only legal obligations on children’s school bus journeys and the old persons bus pass;

·         there was a national shortage of qualified bus drivers and engineers;

·         running rural bus services was unviable;

·         it was Central Government who could reduce the tax and regulatory burden that had put bus companies out of business or change the law that compelled local authorities to subsise loss-making routes;

·         compared the higher grants per head of population to run public transport in London than Kent;

·         the partnership meetings already gave direct access to lobby Government and suggested KCC Members and the MP should be doing more;

·         suggested inviting the relevant people from KCC and from Government to the next Swale Joint Transportation Board meeting;

·         had raised previously at the bus partnership meetings that several bus routes from Sittingbourne to rural areas ceased at 6pm, which did not encourage the nighttime economy;

·         needed Sunday services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 862.

In proposing the motion as set out in the Agenda, Councillor Lloyd Bowen said something as basic and non-negotiable as water could no longer be taken for granted and he referred to the recent separate incidents in Kent when thousands of homes had been left without water, some for several weeks.  Drawing attention to an incident in January 2026 which caused disruption to many residents, including those in Swale, he said incidents were becoming more regular and some of the failures were foreseeable and preventable. Councillor Bowen said Ofwat had fined water companies millions of pounds, and had cited poor maintenance, weak planning and a slow, disorganised response, which impacted thousands of customers. Reflecting on the evidence, he said families had been left unable to bathe children, care settings struggled to maintain basic hygiene, there had been disruption to schools and a reliance on bottled water.

Councillor Bowen said providing clean water was not a luxury but a fundamental public service and the failure by the water companies to deliver was unacceptable. He said SBC needed to formally state its dissatisfaction with the performance of South East Water and Southern Water because apologies were not enough and residents deserved accountability, transparency, and confidence that disruption to water would not continue.  Councillor Bowen said explanations on what went wrong, why the contingency plans were insufficient and what the resilience will be going forward were needed. He said where standards were not met there should be consequences and senior executives from the water authorities should be held publicly to account to explain the failures and how they intend to supply current and future residents in new developments planned for Swale by 2042.

Finally, Councillor Bowen said the motion sought to send a clear message to water authorities that enough was enough, while also making it clear to residents that access to a fundamental service – being able to turn on a tap and expect clean, reliable water – should no longer be a matter of uncertainty.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Julien Speed reserved his right to speak.

Members were invited to debate the motion and made points including:

·         It was an important issue for everyone;

·         the outages were increasing;

·         it was a long term issue that could be traced back to privatisation and water companies had prioritised their shareholders above investment into infrastructure;

·         there was a lack of investment and planning in reservoirs;

·         water companies needed to be taken back into public ownership;

·         regular update meetings between the Chief Executive and Chief Executives of the water companies were previously agreed and should be resurrected if they had stopped;

·         regular liaison meetings with senior officers and representatives from the water companies would build up good relationships and should be encouraged;

·         the Environment Agency should also be held accountable;

·         water companies should be statutory consultees on planning applications;

·         the business plans of water companies needed to include significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate new development;

·         there was a resource impact on SBC’s officers, exampled  ...  view the full minutes text for item 863.

Urgent motion added 1.4.26 – The Mayor has agreed that the motion may be considered despite being submitted after the deadline, due to the time-sensitive nature of the issue

The Mayor said she would use her discretion and bring forward Item 15, an urgent motion.  She said that the urgent motion on UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) had been received outside of the deadline, and due to the time-sensitive nature of the issue, she had allowed the motion to be included for debate.

In proposing the motion as set out on the Agenda, Councillor Hannah Perkin said it had been extensively debated at the last Housing, Health and Communities Committee meeting in March 2026.

In seconding the motion Councillor Wise said that there had been several years of UKSPF allocated to Swale and the final year had been a significant increase on the previous in-year allocations, and he stressed the importance of a replacement funding in the coastal and industrial area that Swale was as it faced very specific challenges. He said that whilst it was positive that other one-off funding had been allocated by Government for other projects, it was vital that there was long term replacement funding.

In accordance with procedure rule 3.1.15, Members moved straight to the vote.

Resolved:

(1)  That Council asks the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express its deep concern at the lack of replacement revenue funding from 2026/27 onwards after the cessation of the UKSPF fund and the impact that could have on Swale.

(2)  That the wording of the letter be delegated to the Head of Housing & Community Services, in collaboration with the Chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee.

The Leader said:

“I begin this evening on a very sombre note as my thoughts are with the family and friends of Juliette Kenny, a sixth form pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham. The family so tragically lost their daughter as a result of the recent meningitis outbreak. No words can truly ease such a loss, but I want to place on record this Council’s deepest condolences. As a community, we stand with them in their grief and I would like to thank our health partners, schools, local services and our own staff for their swift response in what was an incredibly difficult, challenging and distressing time. As a council we will continue to support all efforts to safeguard public health and provide reassurance to our residents. Moments like this remind us of the importance of community, of looking out for one another, and of the vital role that our public services play every single day.

Turning to more positive matters, I was delighted to attend the official opening of the extension at EKC Sheppey College. This investment represents a significant step forward for education and skills on the Island. It is not just a building, it is an opportunity. An opportunity for young people and adult learners alike to access high-quality education, develop new skills, and build brighter futures. As a Council we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen pathways into employment and help our local economy to grow.

Whilst on the Isle of Sheppey I would like to commend the recent Royal Ballet and Opera, Sheppey Sings project, which brought young people from across the island’s junior schools together through music in a truly uplifting way. It was an absolute privilege to attend and witness the project in action as the young people performed excerpts from Humperdink’s opera Hansel and Gretel. Initiatives like this demonstrate the power of creativity and community spirit, they remind us that Swale is indeed rich in talent and can provide opportunities for youngsters to grow in confidence and ability.

I also wanted to briefly update Members on the £20 million Sheppey East, Government’s Pride in Place programme aimed at improving both physical infrastructure and wider social outcomes for the community. We are currently recruiting an independent chair to lead a new neighbourhood board, which will be responsible for shaping how this funding is used and ensuring that it delivers real, lasting benefits for local people. The chair will work with a diverse group of community representatives to develop and deliver a long-term plan focused on priorities such as transport, health, education, safety, and economic opportunity. This is a genuinely community-led initiative, designed to empower residents to shape the future of their area and it is great to see those closest to the coal face getting involved and in particular the enthusiasm and commitment from Ward councillors Lee-Anne Moore and Tara Noe. It is an exciting opportunity to bring forward fresh ideas, attract further investment, and deliver transformational change in Sheppey  ...  view the full minutes text for item 865.

Amendment 1 added 30 March 2026

Amendment 2 and appendix 1 and 2 added 30 March 2026

Amendment 3 added 30 March 2026

In proposing the recommendations, Councillor Charles Gibson, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Policy Working Group (PTPWG) praised the work of officers and recognised the considerable time and effort Members had invested in debate to advance the Local Plan to its current position. He acknowledged the Local Plan was not perfect, but said it was fair, equal, and served the borough for the future as well as it was hoped. Councillor Gibson drew attention to how central government policy constrained Councils in delivering high housing numbers. He acknowledged that the working group had not always agreed and Members views’ had changed as the plan evolved but, including an amendment which he would later be proposing, it delivered a local plan that served the whole community.  Councillor Gibson said agreeing the Local Plan with the proposed amendment made clear the Council’s commitment to plan-led development, and that the Council stood in opposition to rogue and mercenary developers concreting over green belt and flood plains but was in support of development that served residents.  He added that agreeing the proposed amendment also showed the Council’s commitment to fighting the Highsted Park, Sittingbourne development as it was unsuitable for the community.

The Vice-Chair of the PTPWG, Councillor Hayden Brawn, seconded the recommendations and reserved his right to speak.

The Mayor confirmed all Members had seen the briefing note that had been circulated and tabled. She then advised that three amendments had been received, circulated to Members and published on the Council’s website. She invited Councillor Mike Baldock to propose the first amendment.

Councillor Baldock proposed:

“That this Council adopts Growth Option 6 as the Council’s agreed Strategic Settlement Strategy for the next Local Plan and Regulation 19 consultation, in line with the Planning and Transportation Policy Working Group’s well-considered recommendation to Policy & Resources, as set out in the officer’s report of 11 March 2026.”

He said the PTPWG selected Option 6 after going through extensively all the different development proposals and sites, and this was then overturned at the Policy and Resources Committee “on the hoof.” Councillor Baldock said Members should listen to what the PTPWG said and Option 6 was chosen on viability. He said that if SBC wanted the high levels of environmental protections that its own policies sought, they were more deliverable in the east of the borough as there was higher levels of affordable housing and environmental protection.

Councillor Baldock said Option 6 included a strategy for buses and the alternative in Bobbing Garden Village was entirely car dependent. He added that SBC’s policies were boosted by choosing option 6 and development in the east of the borough. Councillor Baldock said by building in the east of the borough, the Council could be reasonably sure it would meet its targets, and building in the west of the Borough had issues such as the impact development would have on traffic, particularly around the A249 and the Eurolink Industrial Estate, and a lack of school places. He also warned that if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 866.

The Chair of the Community Governance Review (CGR) Working Group thanked the Chief Executive, Policy and Communities Manager, the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Project Officer and the members of the working group. He said that LGR would impact local residents’ decision making and Town and Parish Councils could help fill the democratic deficit which was why they were being consulted on the creation of new Town and Parish Councils in those areas currently unparished. The Chair of the CGR Working Group said it was important that non-parished areas had the opportunity to become parishes and the first consultation received a good response. He proposed the recommendations.

In seconding the recommendations, the Leader reserved his right to speak.

Members were invited to make comments which included:

·         Had reservations around some of the boundary changes but would support the recommendations so that residents could respond;

·         urged Members to encourage their residents to respond to the consultation;

·         it was the opportunity for areas to benefit similarly to the good work carried out by Faversham Town Council; and

·         reminded Members the consultation was about what residents wanted, not Members, and residents should be clear of the financial costs.

The Leader encouraged the community to get engaged in the process.

The Chair of the CGR working group confirmed the costs would be made clear.

Resolved:

(1)  That Council approve the following proposals to be included within the second stage CGR consultation:

a)    To change the name of Warden Parish Council to Warden Bay Parish Council

b)   To create a Halfway Parish Council for the currently unparished area of Halfway (Map 1 in appendix 2) with transfer of identified land with Minster-On Sea Parish Council (Map 2 and 3), Queenborough Town Council (Map 3 and 5) and Sheerness Town Council (Map 4)

c)    To expand the boundary of Queenborough Town Council to include the currently unparished area of Halfway (Map 6) with transfer of identified land with Minster on Sea Parish Council and Sheerness Town Council.

d)   To move Lucas Close from Sheerness Town Council area to Queenborough Town Council (Map 7).

e)    To increase the number of councillors representing Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council Ward) from 4 to 6 (3 per ward if split occurs)

f)     To increase the number of councillors representing Priory Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) from 2 to 3.

g)   To split the existing Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) into two (Map 8)

h)   To extend the Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) to encompass Perry Court (Faversham Town Council owned land) from Ospringe Parish Council (Map 9).

i)     To extend Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) to cover area shown in Map 10 currently within Ospringe Parish area.

j)     To extend the boundary of Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) to cover land within Boughton Under Blean Parish Council and Selling Parish Council (Map 11)

k)    To transfer land from Faversham Town Council to Sheldwich Parish Council (Map 12)

l)     To extend Watling Ward (Faversham Town Council ward) to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 867.

The Leader introduced the report which sought Members’ views on the Members’ Allowance Scheme recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel. He proposed that Members’ accepted the scheme as set out by the panel.

The Leader of the Conservative Group seconded the recommendation, including the proposal to accept the scheme, and reserved his right to speak.

In the absence of the Leader of the SIA Group, Councillor Jayes condemned the proposed rise in allowances comparing the removal of free parking in six car parks in the borough introduced that day. He questioned whether the £30k impact had been budgeted for in the annual budget. In response, the Section 151 Officer confirmed that provision had been made within the overall salary and Members’ allowances budget for uplift, together with an allowance for Members’ participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, which should be sufficient depending on the decision taken that evening.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group drew attention to the table in the report which set out that carers’ allowance was capped at £9.40. She said that if a carer was supporting someone with complex high needs or special educational needs, the cap would impact more than on somebody who did not have those needs and she suggested that the Constitution Working Group (CWG) considered amending the allowance to a more equitable carers’ allowance.  The chair of the CWG agreed to raise at the next meeting.

The Leader of the Reform UK Group agreed that the 8.1% increase should not be accepted in the current climate and would not be popular with the public. He proposed that the increase be shared amongst Members’ grants in order to benefit local residents. However, as no Member wished to second the proposal, it was not debated or voted on.

The Leader of the Green Group agreed that the increase was uncomfortably high in the current climate.

Members were invited to speak and made comments including:

·         Reminded Members that it was an Independent Panel that made the recommendations;

·         highlighted that it was the first increase in four years so the increase appeared more than it was;

·         it was important to encourage Councillors to stand, and the remuneration had to cover the time spent;

·         if the increase was not supported, the allowance would have stayed static throughout the entire four year term;

·         for the average hours committed to Council work, the allowance paid less than half the minimum wage;

·         if remuneration was set too low, it could deter the right number and calibre of people to the role;

·         Members should accept the panel’s recommendations;

·         8.1% increase was steep, and few people in Swale would receive a pay rise that high this year;

·         many other workers had not received a pay rise over the past four years;

·         it was morally wrong to accept the increase;

·         Member allowances were a contribution to time spent, not a reimbursement;

·         some working Members were not paid well in their day jobs and might have to take time off unpaid to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 868.

The Leader introduced the report and proposed the recommendations.

The Leader of the Conservative Group seconded the recommendations.

As it was the Mayor’s last ordinary Council meeting, Councillor Whiting thanked and praised the Mayor for the exemplary way she had chaired Council meetings. Members applauded in agreement.

Resolved:

(1)  That Council agreed the Political balance calculation as set out in Appendix II.

(2)  That Council allocated seats to the Committees and to agree the appointment of Members to those Committees, in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders, as set out in Appendix III.

There were adjournments from 8.30pm until 8.40pm and from 10.45pm until 10.55pm.

The Mayor extended Standing Orders from 10pm, 10.30pm and 11pm in order that Council could complete its business.