Resolved: That the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 February 2022, be approved and signed as a correct record, subject to the word ‘exasperated’ being changed to ‘exacerbated’ on page 4 of the minutes, fifth paragraph.

No additional declarations of interest were made.

The Vice Chairman announced that Members would have noticed that the Chairman of the Council had been unable to make the Council meeting,due to having caught Covid-19. The Chairman was joining on Zoom and had an announcement to make. Before handing over to Cllr Esler, Cllr Hunter advised that she had attended the Hosting Ukrainian Refugees event at the Stag Theatre on 20 April 2022, which was organised by Sevenoaks Welcome Refugees and supported by the Council. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme was launched by Government and as a District, there had been an overwhelming and extraordinary generosity by the residents who had offered their home or property as a safe place for a Ukrainian person or family.  Like millions around the world, she was sure residents in the Sevenoaks District had watched on in horror at the escalating situation in Ukraine.

Her thoughts were with the people of Ukraine, who had shown great strength and character in response to this horrific attack.

Many would want to know how best to help Ukraine at this immensely troubling time. Thousands have fled the country while those that remain were not only suffering the effects of a military assault, but also from the dire consequences that accompany such a situation as resources like food, water and fuel become scarce.

The Vice Chairman also announced that on 9 March 2022, the Council won a bronze Community Focus award for the work with Eliza Ecclesstone, who took home the prestigious Chairman’s Award for initiating ‘Care for our Community’ at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards and congratulated all.

The Vice Chairman, welcomed the Chairman, Cllr Esler to the meeting via zoom, who addressed the Council.

“Over the course of my year as Chairman, I have been made grateful for so many things. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to support such an important local charity, DAVSS - the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services. DAVSS is a charity not only close to my heart but also to the Council – Merle Bigden, one of its founding members, was an Officer of the Council before her retirement in 2003. I know the District Council supported them during the difficulties of the pandemic, so I was happy that I could support them further in my capacity as Chairman. Their work is fundamental to so many people in the local area, and we have been so thankful for the opportunity to help raise their profile at our events. It has been a privilege to fundraise for an organisation where you know that the money you raise will help so many with such serious issues as abuse and violence at home.

I am also grateful for the experiences I have had. We enjoyed a touching Civic service at St. Luke’s Church, on the 17^th July 2021. I would like to thank the Rev. Ann Bourne for the beautiful service, and Cllr Thornton and Cllr Maskell for their brilliant readings. I read the poem “Footprints”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

No questions were received.

No petitions had been received.

a)             Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy 2022 – 2025

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dyball seconded the recommendation from Cabinet which sought the adoption of the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults policy.

Resolved: That the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy be adopted.

b)         Air Quality Action Plan

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded the recommendation from Cabinet which sought the adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan.

In response to questions Members were advised that an Air Quality Officer had been appointed and would be assisting with campaigns looking at alternative ways to get children to school, as the shortest journeys were often the ones which caused the most pollution. Members were also reassured that any major changes to the policy, such as fines would require Full Council’s approval. The delivery of the actions would be as soon as possible to continue the year on year improvements. It was noted that there was a transport issue and it was hoped by Cabinet agreeing Kent’s first movement strategy this would help.

Resolved: That

a)      the results of the statutory consultation, be noted;

b)     the proposed changes made to the draft Air Quality Action Plan following consultation, be noted;

c)      that the adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan and its publication be supported; and

d)     delegated authority be given to the Environmental Health Manager to agree future amendments and changes to the Air Quality Action Plan following consultation with the Portfolio Holder to ensure it remains relevant and effective for its stated duration.

c)         Environmental Health Enforcement Policy

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded the recommendation from Cabinet which sought the adoption of the Environmental Health Enforcement Policy. The policy outlined the statutory and non-statutory duties of the Environmental Health Team and how they would be carried out. The updated policy also reflected various changes to legislation and incorporated the return of environmental health to Sevenoaks as an ‘in house’ service.

Resolved: That the Environmental Health Enforcement Policy contents be noted, and be adopted.

a)         Electric Vehicle Mileage

Cllr Eyre moved and Cllr Nelson seconded the recommendation from Governance Committee which recommended the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend the Members’ Allowance Scheme to reflect the rates for mileage for electric vehicles.

Resolved: That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend the Members’ Allowance Scheme, so as to reflect the HMRC rates for mileage payments in respect of electric vehicles.

b)             Electronic Summons

Cllr Eyre moved and Cllr Nelson seconded the recommendation from the Governance Committee for the legal service of meeting documents by email. The proposed an alteration to Part two of the Constitution would allow formal summons to meetings to be provided electronically by email.

Resolved: That

a)    the revisions to Part 2 of the Constitution as set out in the report, be approved.

b)    pursuant to the Council’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, Members agree to accept formal legal service of meeting documents by email; and

c)    paper copies of meeting agendas and report will continue to be available in advance of meetings notwithstanding electronic service, be noted.

c)         Monitoring Officer Annual Report

Cllr Ball moved and Cllr Raikes seconded the recommendation from the Standards Committee to note the Monitoring Officer’s annual report.

Resolved: That the Monitoring Officer’s annual report be noted.

a)    Returning Officer Report

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded the report which provided the result of the by-election held for the Brasted, Chevening and Sundridge seat.

Resolved: That the Returning Officer’s report be noted.

b)    LGA Peer Review

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded the motion. The report set out the results of the recent peer review and the nine recommendations made by the Peer Review Team. Cllr Fleming spoke to the motion also thanking Members who took the time to be involved in the meetings. He highlighted that some of the recommendations were already in action, others were being looked at for how to implement and others would take longer.

Resolved: that

a)      Members thanks to the LGA Peer Challenge Team for giving their time and expertise in undertaking the peer review of the Council be noted; and

b)     the findings of the Peer Challenge and the nine recommendations set out in this report, be noted.  

No questions had been received.

No motions had been received.

The Leader of the Council reported on the work that he and the Cabinet had undertaken in the period from 5 February to

a)             Annual report from the Audit Committee Chairman

Members noted the report presented by the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Cllr McGarvey.

b)             Annual report from the Scrutiny Committee Chairman

Members noted the annual report presented by the Chairman of The Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Brown.