Agenda item

Capital Programme 2022-32 and Revenue Budget 2022-23 (including Council Tax Setting 2022/23)

Meeting of Budget Meeting, County Council, Thursday, 10th February, 2022 9.30 am (Item 46.)

Minutes:

1) The Chairman reminded all Members that any Member of a Local Authority who was liable to pay Council Tax, and who had any unpaid Council Tax amount overdue for at least two months, even if there was an arrangement to pay off the arrears, must declare the fact that they are in arrears and must not cast their vote on anything related to KCC’s Budget or Council Tax.

2) The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the Section 25 Assurance Statement, as considered under the previous item, reminding them of the agreement by Council to give it due regard while considering the Budget.

3) Mr Oakford proposed and Mr Gough Seconded the following motion:

County Council, having given due regard to the s25 Report (published for consideration and noting as agenda item 4 of this meeting), is asked to agree the draft budget, medium term plan and capital programme including:

2022-32 Capital Programme

(a) The 10-year Capital programme and investment proposals of £1,702.2m over the years from 2022-23 to 2031-32 together with the necessary funding and subject to approval to spend arrangements.

(b) The directorate capital programmes as set out in appendices A & B of the final draft budget report published on 2^nd February 2022.

2022-23 Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan

(d) The directorate revenue budget proposals for 2022-23 and the medium term financial plan as set out appendices D (high level 3 year plan), E (2022-23 key services), appendix F (variations for 2022-23) and G (variations for 2022-25) of the final draft budget report published on 2^nd February 2022.

2022-23 Council Tax

(e) To increase Council Tax band rates up to the maximum permitted without a referendum as set out in section 6.10 (table 4) in the final draft report published on 2nd February 2022.

(f) To levy the additional 1% social care precept (raising an additional £7.959m and taking the total social care precept to £97,589,100 out of the total precept set out in recommendation (3c) below).

(g) The total Council Tax requirement of £823,094,400 to be raised through precepts on districts as set out in section 6.9 (table 3) in the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022.

Kent Pay Scheme 2022-23

(h) The recommendations from Personnel Committee on the changes to Kent Pay Scheme as set out in section 7.7 of the final draft budget published on 2^nd February 2022

Key Strategies

(i) The Capital Strategy as set out in appendix L of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022 including the Prudential Indicators.

(j) The Treasury Management Strategy as set out in appendix M of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022

(k) The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement as set out in appendix O of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022.

(l) The Reserves Policy as set out in appendix I, including rollover procedures for 2021-22 outturn to improve financial resilience and treatment of general underspends

In addition:

(m) To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance (after consultation with the Leader, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate & Traded Services and the political Group Leaders) to resolve any minor technical issues for the final budget publication which do not materially alter the approved budget or change the net budget requirement and for any changes made to be reflected in the final version of the Budget Book (blue combed) due to be published in March 2022.

(n) To note the information on the impact of the County Council’s share of retained business rates and business rate collection fund balances on the revenue budget will be reported to Cabinet once it has all been received.

(o) To note the uncertain financial outlook for later years in the absence of a multi-year settlement from government and the risk/opportunities from updating and reforming business rate baselines and grant distribution following the recommencement of the government’s review of local authority funding.

(p) To note the development of a comprehensive Fees and Charges policy, including a review of all existing and planned Fees and Charges which will be presented as part of the 2023-24 budget report.

4) Following a General debate, the Chairman called for cross-directorate amendments.

5) Dr Sullivan proposed, and Mr Brady seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“To amend the budget proposed by the Administration in its entirety and for it to be substituted with the Labour Group’s alternative budget in line with section 8.12 of the Constitution.”

Proposed Amount:

“See attached revision to Appendices D, F and G.”

Proposed Funding Source:

“See attached revision to appendices D, F and G”

Post meeting note – Appendices were circulated at the meeting and are appended to these minutes.

6) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 5 above and the voting was as follows:

For (11)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mr Harman, Mr Hood, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Ms Meade, Dr Sullivan

Against (55)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mr Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Ms Wright

Abstain (5)

Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean, Mr Hook, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild

Amendment lost.

7) The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services introduced the budget for this Directorate prior to general debate and the taking of Directorate specific amendments.

8) Mr Brady proposed, and Mr Constantine seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“To reallocate £120,000 to support our young carers. We recognise that our young carers are often hidden and more work is necessary to support them in their role.”

Proposed Amount:

£120,000

Proposed Funding Source:

“Removal of consultant budget within Directorate Strategic Management - £120,000.”

9) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 8 above and the voting was as follows:

For (17)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Ms Grehan, Mr Harman, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Ms Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (55)

Abstain (0)

Amendment lost.

10) Mrs Dean proposed, and Mr Sole seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“Currently the standard cost of the Kent 16+ Travel Saver pass is £450 per year for those without concessions. The budget for 2022/23 is proposing to increase this to £500 per year, an increase of more than 10%. This comes at a time where household bills, such as gas and electricity, are skyrocketing. In previous years, the uplifts have been far lower than this and more closely tied to inflation.

We propose that the cost of the Kent 16+ Travel Saver pass should only be increased to £470 for 2022/23, rather than the proposed uplift to £500. The cost of funding this would be £350k.”

Proposed Amount:

£350,000

Proposed Funding Source:

“This would be funded by ringfencing £350k from the £4m estimated return from limited companies rather than allocating it to Strategic Priorities Reserve.”

11) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 10 above and the voting was as follows:

For (10)

Mr Baldock, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean, Mr Harman, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild

Against (51)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright

Abstain (11)

Mrs Binks, Mr Brady, Mr Carter, Ms Constantine, Mr Crow-Brown, Ms Dawkins, Ms Grehan, Mr Lewis, Ms Meade, Dr Sullivan, Ms Wright

Amendment lost.

Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate

12) The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, the Cabinet Member for Environment, the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and the Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services introduced the budget for this Directorate prior to general debate and the taking on directorate specific amendments.

13) Ms Dawkins proposed, and Mr Lewis seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“To freeze the cost of the Kent Travel Saver at the current price of £370. This will help to alleviate the financial burden placed on Kent families and will enable our young people to travel to school safely. We must ensure that the cost of the pass does not become a barrier to education.”

Proposed Amount:

£1,079,600

Proposed Funding Source:

“Review of divisional management and transformation - £600,600

Senior Management restructure - £479,000”

14) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 13 above and the voting was as follows:

For (11)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Ms Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Ms Meade, Dr Sullivan

Against (50)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Abstain (10)

Mrs Binks, Mr Carter, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean, Mr Hook, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Shonk, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Mr Webb

Amendment lost.

15) Mr Lehmann proposed, and Mr Campkin seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“The Kent Travel Saver pass is used by 19,800 Kent children to get to and from school and to enable them to socialise with friends and access extra-curricular activities. The proposal to increase the cost of the discounted pass by £30 will disproportionately affect those families on a lower income at a time when the cost of living is rising significantly.”

Proposed Amount:

“The proposed £30 uplift to the Kent Travel Saver pass for children on free school means will affect 1800 pass holders. We therefore propose to ringfence £54,000 per annum for 3 years to ensure that the cost of a Kent Travel Saver pass for children on free school meals does not rise above £120.”

Proposed Funding Source:

This would be funded via the base budget.

16) Following the debate and agreement by the proposer and seconder to revise the funding source, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 15 above and the voting was as follows:

For (70)

Mr Baker, Mr Baldock, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Brady, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Campkin, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mr Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Ms Constantine, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Grehan, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Ms Meade, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Ms Wright

Against (0)

Abstain (1) Mr Booth

Amendment carried.

17) Mr Sole proposed, and Mr Streatfeild seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“Currently the standard cost of the Kent Travel Saver pass is £370 per year for those without concessions. The budget for 2022/23 is proposing to increase this to £450 per year, an increase of more than 20%. This comes at a time where household bills, such as gas and electricity, are skyrocketing. In previous years, the uplifts have been far lower than this and more closely tied to inflation.

We propose that the cost of the Kent Travel Saver pass should only be increased to £390 for 2022/23, rather than the proposed uplift to £450. The cost of funding this would be £910k.”

Proposed Amount:

£910,000

Proposed Funding Source:

“This would be funded by ringfencing £910k from the £4m estimated return from limited companies rather than allocating it to Strategic Priorities Reserve.”

18) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 17 above and the voting was as follows:

For (9)

Mr Baldock, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild

Against (49)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Wright

Abstain (13)

Mrs Binks, Mr Brady, Mr Carter, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Ms Grehan, Mr Lewis, Mr Marsh, Ms Meade, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Dr Sullivan, Mr Webb, Ms Wright

Amendment lost.

19) Mr Chittenden proposed, and Mr Streatfeild seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose

“The administration is proposing that Kent no longer issues disabled companion passes, nor accepts those issued by other local authorities within the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). This will result in those accompanying a disabled pass holder being required to pay full fare for their journey. This will make it harder for disabled people who are unable or not confident enough to travel alone to continue using public transport.

We propose to remove the £300k part-year saving and continue to issue the disabled companion pass for 2022/23, while also continuing to accept those passes issued by other local authorities.”

Proposed Amount

£300,000

Proposed Funding Source

This would be funded via the base budget.

20) Following the debate and agreement by the proposer and seconder to revising the funding source,the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 19 above and the voting was as follows:

For (70)

Mr Baker, Mr Baldock, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brady, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Campkin, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Ms Constantine, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Mrs Grehan, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mrs Meade, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Amendment carried.

21) Mr Baldock proposed, and Mr Lehmann seconded the following amendment:

Proposed purpose

“The Community Wardens provide an invaluable service to local communities and have been instrumental in the response to Covid-19. Community Wardens not only help create safer communities, but they are also involved in providing preventative social care services such as social prescribing and befriending to those residents in need.”

Proposed Amount

“We propose recruiting 5 additional community warden posts for three years at a total cost of £525,000.”

Proposed Funding Source

“This would be funded from the Strategic Priorities reserve whilst a sustainable funding alternative is identified.”

22) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 21 above and the voting was as follows:

For (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (55)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Amendment lost.

23) Mr Sole proposed, and Mr Streatfeild seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose

“The past two years have placed huge restrictions on the residents of Kent. During that time, the one consistent activity allowed and recommended for mental and physical health was walking.

As a result, there has been up to a 300% increase in the use of our public rights of way resulting in deterioration and damage to the paths and infrastructure. Areas along many paths, especially as styles and gates are becoming slippery, and uneven and in cases impassable and dangerous. Kent’s PROW backlog has now reached circa £5m, so it's clear that urgent additional funding is needed without further delay.

The PROW service regularly reports that the shortfall on recommended Asset Management spend is increasing due to the extent of current usage. We propose a one-off investment of £600k to deal with the most urgent safety issues including major remediation to pathways and urgent increasing of safeguarding repairs to styles, kissing gates and other footpath related items. This would match the additional sum provided by the Covid Recovery Fund in 2021/22.”

Proposed Amount

£600,000

Proposed Funding Source

“This would be funded by ringfencing £600k from the £4m estimated return from limited companies rather than allocating it to Strategic Priorities Reserve.”

24) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 23 above and the voting was as follows:

For (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (55)

Amendment lost.

25) Mrs Grehan proposed, and Ms Constantine seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose

“To increase the Schools’ Services budget line by £225,000 so that additional school crossing patrols are provided. We oppose the administration’s proposal to cut this by £100,000, which could potentially result in fewer patrols outside of schools.”

Proposed Amount

£225,000

Proposed Funding Source

“Removal of the growth in the Analytics Team - £225,000”

26) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 25 above and the voting was as follows:

For (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (55)

Amendment lost.

27) Mr Hood proposed, and Mr Baldock seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose

“KCC has been allocated £9.5m under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme to deliver zero emission buses and the infrastructure needed to support them. Increasing the number of electric minibuses will ensure that residents have access to more sustainable transport and these buses will also support communities with connections to mainline bus and rail services. This will help combat rural isolation and enable children and young people to access youth provision.”

Proposed Amount

“We propose a one-off investment of £950,000 to set up a match-funded program to deliver electric minibuses to local communities.”

Proposed Funding Source

“This would be funded by ringfencing £950,000 from the Economic Development reserve.”

28) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 27 above and the voting was as follows:

For (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (53)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Amendment lost.

29) Mr Chittenden proposed, and Mr Hook seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose

“At present, holders of the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass in Kent are restricted to being able to travel between 9:30am and 11:00pm on weekdays (off-peak). In July 2019, KCC Members unanimously voted in favour of a Lib Dem motion to remove the peak time restrictions applicable to both the Disabled Person's Bus Pass and Disabled Person + Companion Pass, which would have come into effect from April 2020.

During the pandemic, these restrictions were temporarily removed on two separate occasions, but have since been quietly reinstated. By removing the current peak time restrictions within Kent, it would make it more affordable for people with disabilities to travel for work or medical appointments, while promoting use of public transport.

Increase the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) revenue budget by £600k in 2022/23 to remove peak time restrictions on users of the Disabled Person's Bus Pass and Disabled Person + Companion Pass.”

Proposed Amount

£600,000

Proposed Funding Source

“This would be funded by ringfencing £600k from the £4m estimated return from limited companies rather than allocating it to Strategic Priorities Reserve.”

30) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 29 above and the voting was as follows:

For (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan

Against (54)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Abstain (1)

Mrs Bruneau

Amendment lost.

31) Mr Hood proposed, and Mr Baldock seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“Many Kent residents rely on their local bus services to ensure they can access services and maintain social connections. Cutting funding at this point could lead to the loss of whole services while the Council is anticipating Government funding from the Bus Back Better campaign. Any cuts will inevitably lead to an increase in other vehicles on our roads which is contrary to our climate change targets and will contribute to increasing isolation for the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Proposed Amount:

“We propose that £2.21m is put back into the budget to ensure that no subsidised bus contracts are terminated during 2022-23. This will ensure that KCC can spend the next year consulting with bus companies and communities about how to support bus services into the future.”

Proposed Funding Source:

“The would be funded from the New Homes Bonus Grant”

32) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 31 above and the voting was as follows:

For (14)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan.

Against (56)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Lewis, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mrs Meade, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Ms Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simpkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Ms Wright.

Abstain (1)

Sir Paul Carter

Amendment Lost.

The Chairman proposed and Mr Gough seconded the motion that, under s14.48 of the Constitution, Council resolve to extend the meeting beyond 5.00pm.

RESOLVED that the County Council agree to continue the meeting beyond 5.00pm.

Adult Social Care and Health Directorate

33) The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health introduced the budget for this Directorate prior to general debate and the taking of any directorate specific amendments.

34) Mrs Meade proposed, and Mrs Grehan seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“We propose to reallocate £500,000 so that we can support our carers and protect their mental wellbeing. We must acknowledge that our carers need to be supported to assist them in their role.”

Proposed Amount:

“£500,000”

Proposed Funding Source:

“Through the abolition of market premia to the sum of £250,000. Savings made from reviewing and insourcing services from Cantium Business Solutions – £250,000”

35) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 34 above and the voting was as follows:

For (10)

Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Dr Sullivan.

Against (55)

Abstain (6)

Mr Baldock, Mrs Dean, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild.

Amendment Lost.

36) Mr Streatfeild proposed, and Mr Hook seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“The Kent Homeless Connect contract provides a vital lifeline for homeless people across the county. The administration is proposing allowing the existing contract to expire at the end of September 2022, with district councils being expected to pick up the slack, despite being given very limited notice. This comes at a time when there has been a sharp increase in demand to the service, highlighting just how important it is.

Extending the contract by 6 months until the end of the 2022/23 financial year would allow district councils more time to prepare and identify suitable funding streams, whilst providing an opportunity to review any transitional arrangements in greater detail. This will ensure that any negative impacts of the existing contract ending can be more effectively mitigated.

We propose that the Kent Homeless Connect contract is extended by 6 months from October 2022 to March 2022, at a cost of £2.3m.”

Proposed Amount:

“£2.300.000”

Proposed Funding Source:

“This would be funded by ringfencing £2.3m from the £4m estimated return from limited companies rather than allocating it to Strategic Priorities Reserve.”

37) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 36 above and the voting was as follows:

For (17)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Sir Paul Carter, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan.

Against (53)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Crow-Brown, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright, Ms Wright.

Amendment Lost.

38) Ms Constantine proposed, and Dr Sullivan seconded the following amendment:

Proposed Purpose:

“The Labour Group proposes the reallocation of £1.8 million instead of cancelling the entire contract as proposed by the administration. Savings of £500,000 have been identified within existing Governmental grants to tackle rough sleeping; the remaining £1.8m will safeguard essential supported living arrangements and will work to prevent people becoming homeless again.”

Proposed Amount:

“£1.8 million”

Proposed Funding Source:

“Removal of Deputy Cabinet Members - £167,200

Removal of x2 GET Cabinet Members and redeployment of corresponding support staff - £115,800

Centralisation of consultations - £300,000

Removal of external consultations - £120,000

Review of ASCH contracts to bring in-house and reduce duplication - £729,300

Saving from operation of waste facilities over and above what the administration is proposing - £250k

Restructure and transfer of commissioning standard to internal audit - £63,000

Taking a proportion of the savings made from the abolition of market premia for KR13 and above - £54,700”

39) Following the debate, the Chairman put to the vote the amendment set out in paragraph 38 above and the voting was as follows:

For (10)

Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Dr Sullivan.

Against (51)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Webb, Mr Wright.

Abstain (6)

Mr Baldock, Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean, Mr Hook, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild.

Amendment Lost.

Strategic and Corporate Services Directorate

40) The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services and the Cabinet Member for People and Communications introduced the budget for this Directorate prior to general debate. No amendments were proposed.

41) Mr Gough and Mr Oakford summarised the debate. As all the amendments had either been determined or withdrawn, the Chairman put to the vote the substantive motion as set out in paragraph 3 above, including amendments to the proposed budget agreed during the meeting, as set out in paragraphs 15 and 19 above, and the voting was as follows:

For (47)

Mr Baker, Mr Barrington-King, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mr Beart, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Bond, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Miss Carey, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mrs Cole, Mr Cole, Mr Cooper, Mr Dance, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Ms Hamilton, Mr Hill, Mr Hills, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mrs Hudson, Mr Jeffery, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite, Mr Love, Mr Marsh, Mr McInroy, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Mr Ozog, Mrs Prendergast, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu, Mr Shonk, Mr Simkins, Mr Sweetland, Mr Thomas, Mr Weatherhead, Mr Wright.

Against (16)

Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Campkin, Mr Chittenden, Ms Constantine, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean, Mrs Grehan, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mrs Meade, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild, Dr Sullivan.

Abstain (4)

Mr Cannon, Sir Paul Carter, Mrs Parfitt-Reid, Mr Webb.

Substantive Motion Carried.

RESOLVED that;

2022-32 Capital Programme

(a) The 10-year Capital programme and investment proposals of £1,702.2m over the years from 2022-23 to 2031-32 together with the necessary funding and subject to approval to spend arrangements.

(b) The directorate capital programmes as set out in appendices A & B of the final draft budget report published on 2^nd February 2022.

2022-23 Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan

2022-23 Council Tax

(e) To increase Council Tax band rates up to the maximum permitted without a referendum as set out in section 6.10 (table 4) in the final draft report published on 2nd February 2022.

(g) The total Council Tax requirement of £823,094,400 to be raised through precepts on districts as set out in section 6.9 (table 3) in the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022.

Kent Pay Scheme 2022-23

(h) The recommendations from Personnel Committee on the changes to Kent Pay Scheme as set out in section 7.7 of the final draft budget published on 2^nd February 2022

Key Strategies

(i) The Capital Strategy as set out in appendix L of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022 including the Prudential Indicators.

(j) The Treasury Management Strategy as set out in appendix M of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022

(k) The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement as set out in appendix O of the final draft report published on 2^nd February 2022.

(l) The Reserves Policy as set out in appendix I, including rollover procedures for 2021-22 outturn to improve financial resilience and treatment of general underspends

In addition:

(p) To note the development of a comprehensive Fees and Charges policy, including a review of all existing and planned Fees and Charges which will be presented as part of the 2023-24 budget report.

Supporting documents: