In accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman had agreed to accept an urgent matter which had missed the statutory publication deadline.

The matter was urgent as it was reasonable to believe that a delay in bringing the item to Members would prejudice the public interest.

The urgent matter was listed as Agenda Item 12 on the supplementary agenda.

With Members agreement, the Chairman brought forward consideration of agenda item 12 (Minute 1).

In accordance with Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman of the Council has agreed to accept the urgent matter for consideration.

Reason for Urgency: Following the resignation of the Leader, the matter is urgent as delay would prejudice the public interest.

Cllr. Horwood proposed, and it was duly seconded, that Cllr. Hogarth be elected as Leader of the Council for the next three years.

Resolved: That Cllr. Hogarth be elected Leader of the Council for the next three years. 

Cllr. Hogarth proposed and Cllr. Perry Cole seconded that Cllr. Ball be elected Chairman of the Council for the next municipal year.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That Cllr. Ball be elected Chairman of the Council for the municipal year, 2024/25.

Cllr. Ball made the declaration of acceptance of office and took the chair. The new Chairman thanked the Council for his election and expressed his appreciation for the many good wishes he had received. 

Councillors expressed their sincere thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Cllr. Alan Layland, for his service to the Council and to the District and to Mrs. Lyn Layland, in her role as Chairman’s consort. Members expressed their appreciation. The new Chairman presented a gift and the past Chairman’s badge and shield to Cllr. Layland, and a gift to Mrs. Layland.

In response to the thanks expressed, Cllr. Layland thanked Cllr. Ball for his support as his Vice Chairman, and offered particular thanks to his wife.

Cllr. Ball announced that his Consort for the year would be his friend, Cllr. Chrissy Hudson, and presented her with the badge of office and flowers. He announced that Reverend Dorothy McGarvey, Parish of St. Peter and St. Paul Church, would be his Chaplain and invested her with the Chaplain’s cross.

Cllr. Ball in the Chair.

Cllr Hogarth proposed and Cllr Perry Cole seconded that Cllr Lynda Harrison be elected Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Resolved: That Cllr Harrison be appointed Vice Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2024/25.

Cllr Harrison made the declaration of acceptance of office and expressed her thanks to the Council for her appointment. Cllr. Harrison announced that her Consort for the year would be her daughter, Cllr. Emily Bulford. Cllr. Harrison was presented with the badge of office.

The Chairman moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 23 April 2024, be approved and signed as a correct record.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 23 April 2024, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were none.

The Chairman announced that he had chosen to support the Swanley Therapy Centre (SUMS) as his charity for the year. The organisation was close to his heart, as he had the opportunity to see the charity’s fantastic work first hand, when it was believed that he was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

The Chairman notified members of his upcoming events. His civic service would be held at 3pm on 23 June 2024, at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Farningham. He would also be hosting a fundraising event for SUMS on the following day, 24 June 2024, at The Tamarind Indian Restaurant, Kemsing.

a)             To agree the scheme of delegations to Committees (as set out in Parts 3 - 12) of the Constitution) and to confirm/approve delegations to Officers (as set out in Part 13 of the Constitution)

Cllr. Hogarth proposed, and Cllr. Perry Cole seconded, that the delegations to Committees and Officers be agreed.

Members debated the motion, with specific attention to the chairmanship of Scrutiny Committee. It was suggested that the role should be filled by a member of a non-majority party, to better facilitate effective scrutiny. It was noted that the chairman of Scrutiny in other councils in Kent was of the majority party, except for councils that were under no overall control. Members discussed opportunities for cross-party working across committees.

Resolved: that

a)      The scheme of delegations to Committees (as set out in Parts 3 – 12 of the Constitution), be agreed; and

b)      The delegations to Officers (as set out in Part 13 of the Constitution), be approved.

b)             To note the delegations of Executive Functions and appointments to Cabinet made by the Leader

Resolved: That the delegations of executive functions and appointments to the Cabinet made by the Leader, be noted.

Resolved: That the Council’s Policy Framework, be noted.

Cllr. Hogarth proposed, and Cllr. Perry Cole seconded, that the appointments of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and membership of Committees for 2024/25, attached as set out in the supplementary agenda, be approved.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That the appointments of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and membership of Committees for 2024/25, as attached, be approved.

Cllr. Hogarth proposed, and Cllr. Perry Cole seconded, the Calendar of ordinary meetings, as set out in the supplementary agenda, for the municipal year 2024/25 be confirmed.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That the Calendar of ordinary meetings for the municipal year 2024/25, as set out in the supplementary agenda, be confirmed.

Cllr. Hogarth proposed, and Cllr Perry Cole seconded, that the attached Appendix setting out appointments to other organisations for the municipal year 2024/25 be confirmed.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That the attached Appendix setting out appointments to other organisations for the municipal year 2024/25 be confirmed.

The report was noted.