Minutes:
Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Supporting Independence
(1) Mr Gough advised that Mr A Wilkinson, Managing Director, had sent his apologies for not being able to attend the meeting as he was on holiday.
Secondary Homes
(2) Mr Gough advised that there were 380 secondary homes identified. The target was 500 which was well in advance of that target in four East Kent districts; Shepway, Dover, Thanet and Swale. This was now a countywide scheme.
London Array
(3) Mr Gough advised that Shell Oil Company would be pulling out of the consortium; Kent County Council (KCC), South East Development Agency (SEEDA) and Thanet District Council would remain. There was uncertainty as to whether Don Energy Eon would buy out Shell or whether a new partner would come in at this point in time.
(4) In answer to a question, Mr Gough explained that the London Array Project had significant prospects of going ahead. The government had signed up to a target on a series of renewables, not just electricity, by 2015. If the overall target was not achieved there would be fines incurred.
Post Offices
(5) Mr Gough explained that there had been a Community Summit held in March 2008 at which discussions took place on practical measures, rural access to closures, business links looking at closures, community shop models. The summit was keen to establish the impact of the Post Office closures but this information was not forthcoming despite going through Access to Information. The Members noted that this was just the first round of Post Office closures. There needed to be further lobbying.
Sub National Review
(6) Mr Gough advised that a consultation was being held and would run until 20 June. He agreed, following a request, to provide the paper due to be considered at the 16 June Cabinet meeting, to Members of the POC. Members were advised that the full consultation was detailed on the BERR website. Concern was expressed that there was no Member representation on the Kent Economic Board and whether the Fire and Police services would be represented. Mr Gough explained that the Fire and Police services did not form part of the Kent Economic Board. He said that he would have discussions with the District Council regarding the Police and Fire Authorities input. The Member representation will be the appropriate Cabinet Member.
(7) There was a suggestion that there should be a paper submitted on the Sub Regional Review to a future County Council meeting.
(8) In response to a question, Mr Gough advised that there was no right of veto. He explained that if there was a dispute this would be sent to the Secretary of State to decide. He advised that the representation on SEEDA would be 50% Members.
(9) In response to a request, Mr Gough agreed to hold a one off meeting of the POC to discuss the Sub Regional Review.
Portfolio for Environment, Highways and Waste
Increase in the cost of fuel
(1) Mr Ferrin stated that there was a major issue with the increased cost on all fuels. He had requested data using current fuel prices to evaluate the cost implications within his portfolio.
(2) There may be a requirement to make a reduction in works undertaken if the cost of fuel remained as it was. Mr Ferrin agreed to advise Members of the POC once the information had been quantified.
Potholes
(3) Mr Ferrin advised that the recent purge on filling potholes around Kent had been a success and cost £½ m. This undertaking had meant a delay in a variety of other tasks, which were now back on track.
Grass cutting
(4) Mr Ferrin advised that there had been numerous complaints from four district council areas; Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks regarding grass areas not being cut. There were problems for a variety of reasons but this was an issue for the District Councils.
Lower Thames Crossing
(5) Mr Ferrin advised that Parkers Brinker Hoff had been contracted to carry out the Essex County Council feasibility study to be completed by the end of September 2008. Kent County Council and Essex County Council had identified the same sites for the proposed crossing. The outcome of the study would be recommended to the government.
Allington Incinerator
(6) The Committee were advised that Allington Incinerator continued to be out of commission and it was uncertain when it would be back on stream. The savings to KCC were £¼ m to date.
Environment
(7) Mr Ferrin gave details of the A2 Linear Park Project. There was a proposal for a cycling lane/bridle path at an estimated cost of £7-8 m and would be funded through grants from organisations such as Sport England. The Cabinet had agreed to fund the development of the project this year.
Increase in the cost of fuel
(8) In response to a question, Mr Ferrin advised that he had spoken with Mr N Chard, Cabinet Member for Finance on the necessity for an evaluation on the impact of the increases in fuel costs across the whole council.
Potholes
(9) In response to a question on potholes Mr Ferrin said that they would be revisited at a later date.
Lorry Parks
(10) A Member of the Committee had concerns that little information had been shared regarding the proposed sites for the lorry parks during Operation Stack. Mr Ferrin explained that a consultation that included the Highways Agency, Borough and District Councils and Police and Fire services had been completed. There had been no intention to take the consultation further. The final design of Operation Stack had been agreed. The “window” to go for an environment assessment this year had been missed as it needed to include the month of March. This would be completed next year.
(11) Members raised concerns regarding the South East Rail Domestic that had taken off a number of services. Mr Gough agreed to send Mr Parker the study.
(12) RESOLVED that the responses to Members questions and the report be noted.