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.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 20 January 2026  (Minute Nos. 615 – 629)  and the Extraordinary Meering held on 25 February 2026 (Minute Nos 630- 634) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the:

• Meeting held on 20 January 2026 (Minute Nos. 615–629); and
• Extraordinary Meeting held on 25 February 2026 (Minute Nos. 630–634)

were approved as a correct record.

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 disclosable pecuniary or non‑pecuniary interests were declared.

Update from the Chair on any matters from the previous meeting or upcoming agenda items relating to this committee.

There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.

The Chair paid tribute to two young people who had recently died during a meningitis outbreak, extending the Committee’s condolences to their families, friends, and the affected school and university communities. Condolences were also expressed following the death of a Kent Police officer in the line of duty.

The Chair updated Members on discussions with the Integrated Care Board regarding potential changes to GP provision at the Beachfields site, confirming that no decision had been made and that the Council would remain engaged to ensure appropriate healthcare provision, particularly for the Isle of Sheppey.

Updates were also provided on recent engagement with the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board, attendance at a Local Government Association event, and ongoing work with Rainbow Homes.

The forward decision plan was noted.

The Committee received a progress update on delivery of the Empowering You in Swale Community Development Strategy 2024–27.

Members welcomed progress in partnership working and cross‑service collaboration, highlighted the importance of volunteering and the need to demystify DBS checks, and praised initiatives including Youth Democracy events, homelessness prevention activity, and health and wellbeing projects. Concerns were raised regarding future funding uncertainty.

Officers responded by outlining ongoing work with voluntary sector infrastructure partners, confirmed that DBS processes could be clarified with delivery organisations, and acknowledged funding pressures while highlighting efforts to maximise impact through partnership working and external funding opportunities.

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.

The Committee considered an update on the operation of the Swale Community Lottery, including the balance of the Central Fund.

Members discussed the level of funds accumulated to date, administration costs associated with distribution, and potential options for allocation. Concerns were raised regarding proportionality of administration costs and the original intent of the Central Fund.

Officers clarified that the scheme was self‑funding, outlined how the Central Fund differed from individual Good Cause pots, and confirmed the range of options available within the contractual arrangements. Comparator examples from other councils were also referenced during discussion.

Following debate, Councillor Ben Martin proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Cavanaugh and agreed by the committee.

Resolved:

1. That the proposal to delay distribution of the Central Fund for a further year be rejected.
2. That the balance of the Swale Community Lottery Central Fund be allocated to the Mayor’s Charity, with distribution managed through the Mayor’s Charity arrangements.

The Committee considered the adoption of revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalties Policies aligned with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the ACEHO national enforcement model.

Members welcomed the strengthened enforcement powers and greater national consistency, and emphasised the importance of communication and publicity to deter non‑compliance.

Officers responded by outlining the new statutory duties placed on the Council, the resourcing implications, and the intention to publicise enforcement action where appropriate as a deterrent. Clarification was also provided on how the policy would protect vulnerable tenants, including families with children.

Resolved:

1. That the revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy be adopted.
2. That the revised Civil Penalties Policy be adopted.

The Committee reviewed the Temporary Accommodation performance update.

Members discussed reduced overall spend compared with the previous year, length of stay in temporary accommodation, barriers to move‑on, and challenges securing Registered Provider involvement for affordable housing delivery.

Officers responded by explaining national and regional pressures, limitations within the private rented and social housing sectors, and work underway to review allocations, improve move‑on pathways, and engage further with Registered Providers and Homes England.

Resolved:

1. That the report be noted.
2. That Registered Providers be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss affordable housing delivery and pipeline issues.

Published on 20 March 2026

The Committee received an update on the Cockleshell Walk project and considered future governance arrangements.

Members welcomed progress and reflected on the long‑term work undertaken to bring the project forward.

Resolved:

1. That the update be noted.
2. That it be recommended to the Policy and Resources Committee that Swale Rainbow Homes Local Housing Company be dissolved.
3. That a sub‑committee of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee be established to oversee and scrutinise the project, with authority to establish time‑limited task and finish groups as required.