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11 January 2010

Attendees and declared interests
Y - attended; A - apologies

Council Meeting 10 January 2011

Public Questions

(a) Kent County Council - (i) Ofsted Report - Cllr Brazier said the council had received a rating of "inadequate" from Ofsted for children safeguarding.  He said the numbers of referrals had increased by 20% and they have a shortage of children's social workers.  They will try and recruit more but adverse media means that few people want such a career.  (ii) Manorbrook Care Home Dartford - there have been "very extensive and articulate" objections, but the council has voted to close it.  (iii) Roads - once again they plan to get firms to identify and fix potholes after the winter weather.  He said the roads in New Ash Green were worsening by the day.

(b) Sevenoaks Council - Cllr Ramsay said the budget had been passed and 30 posts will be lost.  He said they collect £20 million in business rates and get £5 million back.  Cllr Sewell said businesses get very little for this and even have to pay to remove their rubbish.

Finance and General Purposes

This committee met on 22 December and discussed the following:

(a) WI Hall - The Women's Institute plan to vote on the transfer to the council on 2 February.  The committee recommended the council take on all likely repairs listed in a report made in 2007.  These include reroofing the rear roof within the next 5 years, asbestos removal in the garage, repairs to windows and possible future underpinning of the building.  The total cost could be in the region of £20,000 - £30,000.  They also recommend the council waive a fire risk assessment, as they will do this later.  This was approved 11 votes to 0 by the council.  There was discussion about the WI's request that the current trustees be indemnified from liabilities that arose during their tenure.  The council refused to agree to this and several councillors spoke against the WI's proposal, Cllr Gaywood said they had to draw the line somewhere and that if it can't be sorted out the council will withdraw.  Cllr Ramsay said it was unreasonable and unnecessary and this is the council's full and final offer.  He said no-one connected with the WI he's spoken to can understand why this is being asked for.  They asked the council to take it over.  Cllr Alford said the council weren't going into this with their eyes closed, they know exactly what the situation is.

(b) Youth Club - attendances were 12 (November) and 15 (December).  Scouts have donated table tennis table and air football table.

(c) Longfield Delivery Office - Royal Mail have written to assure they are still committed to providing efficient deliveries 6 days a week and to provide convenient facilities for customers wishing to collect undelivered mail In Longfield.

(d) Salt - the committee recommended that Hartley does not accept an offer of 1 tonne of salt from KCC.  The local farmer had offered to store the salt for free, and only charge if the council wished them to spread the salt too.  Cllr Ramsay said it wouldn't go very far.  Cllr Abraham said they might be overwhelmed with requests, which they can't handle.  Cllr Minns said it was a dangerous precedent.  Cllr Burns spoke in favour and said they should at least defer until they can make an informed decision, this was agreed with 7 votes in favour, a vote against was not taken.

Planning

See Planning List.

Northfield

The committee met on 15 December and discussed the following:

(a) Hay and grass cutting - quotation for hay cutting from Mr Hawkins and quotation for grass cutting from Westcut Mowing accepted.  Concerns raised about the amount of ragwort in the meadow.

(b) Insurance claim - has been received from someone slipping and cutting their finger.  Insurers do not believe council is liable.

Payments

Payments of £6,600 for January were agreed.

Meeting closed at 8.35 pm