The following motions have been placed on the agenda in the order received; up to 60 minutes shall be allowed for debates on motions on notice:
1. From Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee, Leader of the Conservative Group
The Council Notes:
Folkestone and Hythe District Council officially declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency on the 24th of July 2019 acknowledging, inter alia, a pressing need for investment in sustainable low-carbon electricity production so that the UK can meet its legally binding carbon emission reductions targets.
Dungeness has a proud heritage of nuclear energy generation, spanning six decades. Over their lifetime, Dungeness A and B Nuclear Power Stations provided our residents with 264 TWH of clean, safe, and reliable electricity whilst contributing significantly to our local economy and saving around 190 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Dungeness A is currently in the advanced stages of decommissioning. In 2021, Dungeness B moved into a de-fuelling phase, signalling an end to power production on the site. During the initial decommissioning stage, the nuclear industry will continue to be the largest employer in Romney Marsh, benefiting approximately one thousand local people in predominantly well-paid and highly skilled jobs.
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) are an advanced technology with a smaller footprint compared to traditional nuclear reactors and have financial, deployment-time, and safety advantages. This exciting technology continues to attract serious investment and has the potential to unlock a new nuclear future for Dungeness.
Dungeness is widely regarded by industry experts as an ideal location for one or more SMRs because it has, among other attributes, available brownfield land, underutilised grid connections, easy access to water, robust flood defences, an existing highly skilled workforce with a culture of nuclear safety, and overwhelming local support for the nuclear industry.
The Council Welcomes:
That the United Kingdom has decarbonised faster than any other G7 country with a 48 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 1990 and was the first major economy to legislate to achieve net zero by 2050.
The UK Government’s Energy Security Strategy and its planned acceleration of nuclear energy to meet up to 25 per cent of our projected energy demand by 2050 and deliver cleaner, cheaper energy and greater energy security.
The leadership of Kent County Council and the Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe, Damian Collins OBE MP, in championing a new nuclear future at Dungeness and for securing a site visit by Andrew Bowie MP, the Minister for Nuclear and Networks, in July of this year.
That conversations continue to take place between private companies, elected representatives, and local and national government officials to deliver one or more SMRs at Dungeness.
The Council Believes:
Romney Marsh is a unique and important part of our district and residents deserve the full backing of Folkestone and Hythe District Council in pursuit of a new nuclear future at Dungeness.
Nuclear energy is a safe, secure, and reliable source of electricity with the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint of any energy source. Therefore, it should be a fundamental component of the United Kingdom’s transition to net zero.
SMRs are a new technology with the potential to kick-start nuclear energy generation at Dungeness once again and deliver well-paid, high-skilled jobs, as well as wider socio-economic benefits to the local area.
The Council Resolves:
1. To confirm in writing our unequivocal support for a new era of nuclear energy production at Dungeness by writing a letter to:
· Andrew Bowie MP, Minister for Nuclear and Networks
· Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council
· Damian Collins OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe
2. That all members of the Cabinet, at every possible opportunity, actively promote Dungeness as a location for new nuclear power generation.
2. From Councillor Dr Stephen Scoffham, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity, on behalf of the Green Group
Council Notes
· The proposals for a UNESCO Global Cross Channel Geopark are now at an advanced stage
· The Geopark will cover a broad swathe of chalk downland from Dover to Bromley as well as Folkestone and other urban areas outside the district, along with a similar geological region in northern France
· The bid is being prepared jointly by the Kent Downs AONB and the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale who need to demonstrate the action that has already been taken by local Councils, land management organisations, businesses and local communities
· If successful the bid will celebrate the relationship between the underlying geology, people, and natural and cultural heritage: it will help to protect the chalk landscapes in both regions, promote sustainable tourism and bring communities closer together supporting pride of place.
Council believes
UNESCO designation will bring multiple benefits throughout the district, supports both our strategic objects and the adopted AONB Management Plan, and represents a timely response to the current climate change and ecological emergencies.
Council resolves
As far as existing resources allow:
· To support the Kent Downs AONB Unit in promoting the bid, working with other organisations and Local Authorities in Kent
· To raise public awareness about the bid and the benefits it will bring to the local community and natural environment
· To include reference to the Cross Channel Global Geopark in our communications and promotional activities
· To assist the Kent Downs AONB Unit in reaching out to school children, students, and young people to help shape the bid and, if successful, on any projects that follow
· To contribute towards identifyingin the Folkestone-Hythe district
· To further the development of the Cross Channel Global Geopark through the positive deployment of appropriate Council functions, resources, and responsibilities.
3. From Councillor McConville, Leader of the Labour Group
Council Notes:
There are approximately 39 care leavers aged 16-21 and 95 care leavers (aged 16-25) overall, based in the Folkestone and Hythe District or with strong links to the area.
At present young people (aged 16-21) are accommodated by Kent County Council in serviced shared accommodation provided by ClearSprings Ready Homes. Six months prior to the Young Person’s 21st birthday, the Council works with KCC to support them into private sector or social housing.
Last Month month Kent County Council have decided to stop housing care leavers over the age of 19 (Decision notice 23-00083) from April 2024. Care Leavers already over the age of 19 will not be affected by these changes but all Care Leavers and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in the future will see their housing needs abandoned by KCC once they turn 19. KCC are making this decision purely to save money, believe this will save them £700,000 annually and will be included in their budget consultation for next year.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council has a duty to provide accommodation for all homeless young people under the age of 21. In future it will have to provide both temporary and permanent accommodation to all care leavers aged 19 until their 21st birthday when requested.
Council Believes:
Folkestone and Hythe District Council will have to house these individuals within un-serviced private sector tenancies, topping up their housing benefit by over £400 a month, based on monthly rent of £650 for shared housing in the district.
The if council had to immediately house all care leavers currently housed by ClearSprings Ready Homes (on behalf of KCC) it could cost our council in excess of £240,000 a year.
This motion believes that the proposed change represents an erosion of the safety net for our most vulnerable young people and turns the social care clock back by two decades. It calls on the Leader of the Council to write immediately to KCC Leader, Roger Gough asking him to reconsider this decision.
His letter should highlight the following:
· A significant disruption and distress which may be caused by having to house vulnerable care leavers in temporary accommodation outside of the district and where additional KCC floating support and access to education may not be accessible before a homeless decision can be made.
· Lack of high-quality supported housing available for this group via nomination agreements which will see us have to house our most vulnerable in un-serviced shared private accommodation not exclusively used by care leavers.
· The likelihood of tenancy breakdown is high, within this group of young people, with considerable impacts on them, our housing officers and the community.
· Substantial safeguarding risk which will be caused by placing this vulnerable group in the general housing stock. Risks include them being subject to financial cuckooing, County Lines, sexual exploitation and intimidation.
· Social cost of removing tenancy related support at 19 to the healthcare and justice system.
· The financial liability that this decision places on districts, far in excess of the amount saved
His letter could also highlight the lack of consultation given to local authorities by KCC about the change and request immediate data on the number of care leavers under 18 in this district and across the County, and turnover of tenancies held by 19-21 year old care leavers in order to predict and plan for the transition period.
Council resolves:
a) Ask the Leader of the Council to write to Kent County Council asking for an immediate suspension of Decision 23-00083.
b) Refer the item to the Overview and Scrutiny committee and cabinet to allow members, working with officers, to find a suitable path forward in service provision from April 2024.
4. From Councillor Davison, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group
This council notes:
The important and transformative work that has been done on Community Wealth Building by organisations such as the New Economics Foundation and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies.
That this work has been put into practice in authorities such as Preston where it has been extremely successful.
That a study in the Lancet (published April 1, 2023) that evaluated the impact of Community Wealth Building in Preston showed a reduction in the prescribing of antidepressants as well as in the prevalence of depression. The local population also experienced an improvement in life satisfaction (9%), as well as an increase in median wages (11%).
That the ‘Preston Model’ is often used to describe Community Wealth Building.
That Progressive Procurement is one of the keystones of Community Wealth Building.
That Procurement can range from the materials needed for new roads or buildings to a cleaning contract.
That as district authority we are bound by a set of rules to ensure that the procurement of goods and services is open, fair and transparent ensuring that the district gets good quality at a competitive price.
This council believes:
That we can make our procurement more progressive by looking at how the procurement process can be made simpler for potential suppliers to bid for opportunities and also how the procurement of goods and services can benefit local communities.
That we can encourage more businesses to engage with us in procurement by breaking bigger contracts down into smaller ones for example; or by making the process to bid for contracts as simple as we can (within the rules and regulations that we have to observe).
That when procuring goods and services it is also important to look at more than just the financial cost. We should also look at what additional value, or benefit, we can get from what we are buying.
For example, the construction of new buildings and developments can benefit local companies through them supplying materials and labour, and communities through employment opportunities either during construction or afterwards in the new businesses which move into these new developments.
This council resolves:
To refer to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the council’s procurement plan, with specific reference to section 5 in the action plan, Local Suppliers and SME participation, which is to be reviewed quarterly.
To explore further Progressive Procurement practises which are designed to encourage more local businesses to engage with our procurement process.
That a reviewed policy should highlight not only the financial cost of projects, but also the economic benefits of localised procurement and investing capital within our own district. As well as ensuring value for money, not only for our community but also in partnership with them.
That any revised policy be decided by committee after May 2024.
Minutes:
1. From Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee, Leader of the Conservative Group
Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee presented her motion which sought support for nuclear energy production at Dungeness.
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee,
Seconded by Councillor Wimble;
· Andrew Bowie MP, Minister for Nuclear and Networks
· Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council
· Damian Collins OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe
It was then proposed by Councillor J Martin,
Seconded by Councillor Scoffham;
That the motion be amended as follows:
· In the sentence “To confirm in writing our unequivocal support for a new era of nuclear energy production at Dungeness by writing a letter to:”
· In place of the word “nuclear”, add “clean” - in place of the words “at Dungeness”, add the words “in the district” So the sentence reads: “To confirm in writing our unequivocal support for a new era of clean energy production in the district by writing a letter to:”
· In the list of letter recipients: - In place of the words “Andrew Bowie MP, Minister for Nuclear and Networks”, add “Minister of State (Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero)”
· In the sentence “That all members of the Cabinet, at every possible opportunity, actively promote Dungeness as a location for new nuclear power generation.”
· In place of the words “all members of the cabinet”, add the words “this council”
· In place of the words “promote Dungeness as a location for new nuclear power generation.”, add the words “promotes the district as a location for clean energy generation.” So the sentence reads: “That this council, at every possible opportunity, actively promotes the district as a location for clean energy generation.”
(Voting figures: 21 for, 6 against, 0 abstentions).
The amendment was therefore won and became the substantive motion.
During the consideration of the amendment, the meeting was adjourned for a five minute period.
Proposed by Councillor J Martin,
Seconded by Councillor Scoffham; and
RESOLVED:
1. To confirm in writing our unequivocal support for a new era of clean energy
production in the district by writing a letter to:
a. The Minister of State (Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero)
b. Roger Gough, Leader Kent County Council
c. Damian Collins OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe
2. That this council, at every possible opportunity, actively promotes the district as a location for clean energy generation.
(Voting figures: 21 for, 6 against, 0 abstentions).
2. From Councillor Dr Stephen Scoffham, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity, on behalf of the Green Group
Councillor Scoffham introduced his motion which sought support for the Kent AONB unit in promoting its bid for a UNESCO Global Cross Channel Geopark.
Proposed by Councillor Scoffham,
Seconded by Councillor M Blakemore; and
RESOLVED:
That, as far as existing resources allow:
· To support the Kent Downs AONB Unit in promoting the bid, working with other organisations and Local Authorities in Kent
· To raise public awareness about the bid and the benefits it will bring to the local community and natural environment
· To include reference to the Cross Channel Global Geopark in our communications and promotional activities
· To assist the Kent Downs AONB Unit in reaching out to school children, students, and young people to help shape the bid and, if successful, on any projects that follow
· To contribute towards identifying Geosites in the Folkestone-Hythe district
· To further the development of the Cross Channel Global Geopark through the positive deployment of appropriate Council functions, resources, and responsibilities.
(Voting figures: 27 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).
3. From Councillor McConville, Leader of the Labour Group
Councillor McConville introduced his motion which raised concerns around KCC’s decision to stop providing accommodation for care leavers over the age of 19.
During the consideration of this item, Councillor Keen made a declaration of interest as she worked for Kent County Council. She left the Chamber while the matter was debated, and returned after the vote had taken place.
Proposed by Councillor McConville,
Seconded by Councillor M Blakemore; and
RESOLVED:
a) That the Leader of the Council write to Kent County Council asking for an immediate suspension of Decision 23-00083.
b) That this item be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet to allow members, working with officers, to find a suitable path forward in service provision from April 2024.
(Voting figures: 27 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).
4. From Councillor Davison, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group
Councillor Davison outlined her motion which sought a review of the council’s procurement plan, to make it more progressive.
Proposed by Councillor Davison,
Seconded by Councillor Speakman; and
RESOLVED:
· To refer to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the council’s procurement plan, with specific reference to section 5 in the action plan, Local Suppliers and SME participation, which is to be reviewed quarterly.
· To explore further Progressive Procurement practises which are designed to encourage more local businesses to engage with our procurement process.
· That a reviewed policy should highlight not only the financial cost of projects, but also the economic benefits of localised procurement and investing capital within our own district. As well as ensuring value for money, not only for our community but also in partnership with them.
· That any revised policy be decided by committee after May 2024.
(Voting figure: 26 for, 0 against, 1 abstentions).