Please make sure you have read through the guidance below before submitting your question.
A question can also be posted to: the Committee Services Manager, Council Offices, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent CT10 1XZ
Members of the press and residents of Thanet can ask questions at ordinary meetings of Council; the exceptions being the annual council meeting, the annual budget-setting meeting (usually at the beginning of February) and extraordinary meetings.
A question must be submitted by the person who will ask the question at the Council meeting and not someone else on the questioner’s behalf. You can submit a question by clicking on the date of the meeting in the table below.
The Committee Services Manager must receive your question at least five full working days before the date of the meeting. Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays do not count as ‘working days’.
| Date of ordinary meeting of council | Time by which your question should be received |
|---|---|
| Thursday 12th December 2024 | Wednesday 4th December 2024 |
During the last year, during waste collection services being carried out, have there been any fires caused, or believed to have been caused, by the disposal of domestic batteries in household waste?
If so, on how many occasions has this happened? Have our waste collection vehicles or other property suffered damage due to fire? What has been the overall cost in lost productivity due to vehicles and equipment being out of service? What has been the financial cost in replacement, repairs and maintenance necessitated following any such fire? And can you reassure us that there are adequate safety procedures in place to protect our staff in the event of such a fire.
The industry practice was that water within the pools was never completely drained and replaced due to complications that this could have caused around the integrity of the pool tiles and structure. However, fresh water was periodically added weekly through the ‘backwash’ process and topped up with fresh water where required.
The water quality management process at our pools were:
Councillor Crittenden asked a supplementary question, asking whether further education to the public could be provided in terms of promoting positive recycling habits of items with batteries within the council’s current doorstop collections.
Councillor Albon responded that it was a good idea to look into promoting positive recycling habits of vapes and items with batteries within the council’s current doorstop collections.
Thanet has the lowest tree canopy of any district in the UK with just 4.4% with some suggesting our coastal environment plays a significant role in this shockingly low statistic. However, the beauty of Mockketts, Dane Valley, Minster and Montifiore Woods, Ellington and Tivoli Parks for example, indicate significant improvements are possible and has begun with tree planting being undertaken. Mature trees create essential benefits; improving air quality, reducing the impact of flooding, ground stabilisation, wildlife habitat provision, reducing the impact of hot periods, improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities for example. Many residents in Thanet not only want to see more trees but also want to see less trees removed. Why is it that planning applications for tree work and tree removal cannot be ‘called-in’ to the planning committee for greater scrutiny, as other applications can be?
The council did not have responsibility for the maintenance of the building, all maintenance responsibilities sit with the building owner. It was clear from the sale documentation that the building owner must maintain the building, which includes the boundary walls.
The sale documents included provisions to the benefit of TDC, which include the requirement for the owner to maintain the building and also to provide access to the council and the public over the promenade to at least a width of 5m. These provisions can potentially be enforced through court action, however the available remedy is compensation for any losses incurred as a result of the breach of the covenants. It would not require the owner to undertake any work.
The council had enforcement powers that are potentially available to the council in respect of dangerous structures which are exercised through its Building Control service. If the building is a dangerous structure, the council was able to serve notice requiring works and can undertake works in default if necessary. This only applies where the structure is assessed as being dangerous and we would only consider these powers where it is reasonable to do so and in the public interest. To start this process our Building Control Service has inspected the building. They did not find anything that would indicate that the building is currently a dangerous structure.
Building Control have also met with the current owner to discuss the building. The current owner advised that he is currently looking to sell the property. Since the visit, Building Control have written to the owners under the Building Act 1984, Section 77, Dangerous Structures, which instructs the owner to monitor the condition of the property and seek guidance from a competent builder or surveyor who can outline any steps necessary to prevent any deterioration or to execute the repairs.
The planning enforcement team are also able to consider whether any planning enforcement action, eg a section 215 notice process, would be appropriate. Section 215 primarily deals with the appearance of a building and its impact on the amenity of the local area, and may not be the most effective powers to deal with any structural issues.
Additionally, the building does potentially impact the adjacent highway. We will be raising this further with Kent County Council.
Councillor Wing followed up by asking a supplementary question regarding including tree applications in the councillor weekly lists, to provide knowledge to ward councillors and thus residents.
Councillor Everitt responded that he would bring this up with the planning department, it was a good idea for the planning department to including tree applications in councillor weekly lists.
With Labour’s notable interest in the amount of land dedicated to golf courses in the country can I please have assurance for myself and the local community that North Foreland Golf course (which TDC owns the freehold of) will not be sold off to Developers for housing?
The council’s Housing Options Service provided support for people in housing need in the district. This includes help and advice with homelessness and homelessness prevention, rough sleeping services and advice about finding a new home. The team manage statutory homelessness applications, manage temporary accommodation and manage the Thanet Housing Register.
The Housing Register is the main way in which people can apply for a permanent council or housing association home. Council and housing association homes are increasingly the only affordable option for households on low, or below average incomes, and applicants face a long wait for a new permanent council and housing association. Currently there were 1,500 live applications on the register and a further 1,800 applications waiting to be processed. The team were assessing applications in date order, as the Housing register prioritises applicants in date order within four priority bands, although we are able to process applicants from households living in temporary accommodation more quickly.
The number of new applications has been increasing. The current economic circumstances and the pressures on the local private rented sector are contributory factors in this increase. We received 160 applications May 2023. By May 2024 this had risen to 219 applications, representing an increase of 37%. Each application needs detailed assessment. Officers also need to check all identity documents and supporting evidence and contact applicants to request any missing documentation.
During this time we have also had to direct some staff time towards the implementation of the council’s new, Kent wide, housing register computer systems and have had periods of staff shortages. The system implementation is now complete and the roll out of new chromebooks to the team has improved processing times. In addition, the team is currently fully resources. The new system allows applicants to upload their own applications and supporting information.
The team had also reviewed arrangements for telephone cover to allow more dedicated time for the processing of applications. Telephone cover, other than for emergencies, is in place from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. The council would keep this under review but these arrangements had so far worked well.
Councillor Bambridge did not have a supplementary question.
During the summer a large rave was held on the Beach at Foreness point; even larger and noisier than last year. No action was taken last year or this year to remove them from the beach. Botany and Joss bay had a steady stream of campers, caravans and motorhomes on the green areas and the beaches with no enforcement to remove or dissuade them.
One encampment at the base of the stacks at botany bay was there for several days creating a no go area for visitors with rubbish and human faeces. Again enforcement officers took no action
Year on year these same problems are increasing, with the associated amount of rubbish and human excrement left behind because of no facilities. Discarded bbqs, human faeces and litter are ubiquitous and undermine Thanet’s tourism industry. Is there any point in having a beach and coastal PSPO if its not being enforced?
Response:
As has been widely communicated, a new parking strategy is being developed for Thanet. The vision for this strategy is to ensure there is high quality and appropriately located parking that supports economic development and regeneration, prioritises active & sustainable transport, and provides a positive parking experience for residents, businesses and visitors. Consultation with a wide range of stakeholders has already taken place earlier this year along with survey work and analysis of parking data. A draft strategy has been produced following that consultation and a second round of consultation involving district councillors, town & parish councillors, stakeholder groups and members of the public is due to commence very shortly with more details on that to be shared very soon.
When completed, the strategy will set the high level direction for parking in Thanet and a range of plans and projects will be proposed from this for the benefit of Thanet’s residents and visitors.
There have been continuous efforts to recruit staff to vacant Civil Enforcement Officer posts. It remains the case that this role is extremely difficult to recruit to and this is a problem faced by local authorities across the country with a number of Kent authorities currently running recruitment campaigns. We have successfully recruited a number of employees over the last 2 years but retention is also an issue with some staff deciding the role is not for them early in their employment.
Since April this year we have seen an increase in the number of staff in the team with 5 posts currently filled. Following recruitment there is a period of training and shadowing with experienced members of the team so it does take some time before new staff are able to perform the full functions of the role. We continue to advertise for the role and have an objective of reaching a total of 9 full time equivalent posts filled by the end of the calendar year. We offer a shift allowance and a market supplement (which was increased in value in April 2024) to enhance the attractiveness of the role to potential candidates.
Outsourcing of parking enforcement has been considered previously and outsourced enforcement in some areas such as littering has been trialled before. Parking enforcement is highly regulated and outsourcing of this service would make no difference to the legal responsibilities and requirements upon the council as a local authority. Ensuring compliance and maintaining control would be more challenging. The council does not undertake enforcement activity for the purposes of generating revenue, the primary purpose and intention is always to influence and encourage behaviour changes to the benefit of our communities and neighbourhoods.
When enforcement services like this are outsourced to the private sector the overarching objectives can be distorted and operative actions may be driven by profit generating motives. In such cases this can lead to a range of unintended negative consequences. For example, some members of the public being targeted for relatively minor offences that result in a higher revenue return, whilst those more troublesome and complex issues that we know are important matters and concerns for our residents may not be prioritised by a private operator because they are too hard to generate a revenue stream from.
There are currently no plans to explore outsourcing in this area.
The subject of recruitment to enforcement roles and the development of the parking strategy have been well communicated for some time. The recruitment issue has also been the subject of previous questions to council recently. There are no plans and no need to bring a report to the council on this matter. We look forward to the completion of the parking strategy work and the plans and improvement projects that will be proposed as a result of that important work.
Councillor Munns followed up his question with a supplementary question asking whether the council should supplement the enforcement team with more resource moving forward.
Councillor Albon responded that whilst this possibility would be looked into, it would come at an additional cost. Additionally, private officers did not have the right of arrest and instead the beach and coastal teams should work more closely with the police.
There is uncontrolled motorhome parking at Joss Bay and Walpole Bay council car parks, Palm Bay and Western undercliff Ramsgate promenades, and probably other places along our Thanet coastline. One motorhome parked in Walpole Bay car park even advertised on Booking.com as an Air B and B. There are no adequate toilet facilities at most of these locations, and beaches and greens are being used as toilets. Could TDC initiate a charge for motorhomes and allocate designated parking bays in areas of car parks and esplanades that wouldn’t interfere with other users? It would collect revenue for the council and discourage camping and overnight sleeping.
Response:
This summer has seen a significant increase in camper van parking across the district. There are some restricted areas such as western undercliff where the signage has been removed which limits our ability to enforce the parking restrictions and require frequent replacement.
The area being used as a car park at Walpole Bay is not a formal car park and is considered to be a promenade. The coastal enforcement team did take action against the vehicle advertising overnight stays and the vehicle was moved on from its location.
The Overview and Scrutiny Working Party investigating the impact of tourism looked at the overnight camping provision within the district and have made/are in the process of making recommendations to Cabinet which we will be taking on board.
Councillor Rogers followed up her question by asking whether the council would commit to a beach and social parking review to alleviate all issues associated with parking and motorhomes.
Councillor K.Bright responded that the parking strategy would be coming to full council either in late 2024, or early 2025.
Question from Cllr Manners to Cllr Yates
“Events like the Broadstairs Food Festival and OhSoRetro provide a valuable boost to our visitor economy – this is multiplied where the events are held over several days.
Does the Council publish and promote a list of its own venues with clear terms of business for their hire? Do we have a clear calendar of availability, and what support is in place to encourage and support potential festival organisers in navigating TDC’s inevitable strictures and regulations.
In short, is Thanet as business friendly as we should all like to see and can we have a review to ensure that is the case?”
Response:
Thanet has a vibrant events economy with a considerable number of well established large events as well as new and emerging ones. Our website has dedicated pages which provide detailed information about what is involved in putting on an event and how to apply for use of Thanet District Council owned land which also includes the agreement that event organisers sign up to.
There is also a section which highlights the areas which are suitable to be hired, including for what type of events. We also provide specific information on request and assist with finding suitable spaces if the original chosen isn’t suitable or has been outgrown.
We don’t currently provide a list of availability but this is something that could be looked into.
All events are also subject to the advice of the safety advisory group which is a multi agency partnership providing specific advice on individual event plans.
Councillor Manners asked a follow up question, asking whether the council would hold a minuted stakeholder meeting for all those residents with businesses.
Councillor Duckworth responded that the council regularly had engagement with residents. However, in the future there could be a higher focus on residents who run businesses in the district.
Question from Cllr J. Bright to Cllr Keen
Youth Services in Thanet are under attack by Kent County Council. Earlier this year, KCC withdrew funding from The Pavilion Youth Cafe in Broadstairs and Pie Factory in Ramsgate. Now KCC is planning to close the Millmead Children’s Centre which is home to a much-needed youth group, and also plans to sell Pie Factory’s building.
At a time when young people are increasingly facing mental health issues brought on by the cost of living crisis, social media and the lasting effects of the pandemic, youth services are more needed than ever.
How is TDC working with partners to ensure young people thrive in Thanet and do not suffer as a result of the lack of opportunity and support outside of school?
Response:
Unfortunately Thanet District Council isn’t able to fund the gap left by the withdrawal of KCC funding for direct youth services however we do procure a number of local providers for specific interventions.
TDC commissions services to support young people in both the community and within schools. Working with sport providers to provide intervention activities, i.e. Thanet Games, this included commissioned services and local sports groups to provide education around sport/wellbeing, social inclusion and improving access to resources.
From Thanet Games youth volunteers, some have continued onto the Activator training course to become sports coaches.
Thanet Games young people were given the opportunity to access clubs such as football, skateboarding, gymnastics, athletics (and many more).
Educational input is also given within Primary, secondary schools and pupil referral units, around mental wellbeing, social inclusion as well as ‘keeping safe’ in the district (including in the digital world), and criminal behaviour i.e.knife crime.
All of this allows us to hear the ‘voice of the child’, along with the youth council.
TDC works with agencies to provide business as usual projects and bespoke projects/interventions to support young people achieve the best outcomes. Signposting and safeguarding where needed.
Councillor J.Bright followed up her question by asking whether the council could work more closely with parish and town councils to make a list accessible and available to residents to view.
Councillor Keen responded that the council was committed to working with parish and town councils. However, an up to date list would be difficult to keep up to date due to the changing nature of activities.
Question from Cllr Davis to Cllr Everitt
Having previously expressed in-principle support in this Chamber for the 2026 Tall Ships Maritime Festival at the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate, what is the Leader and Cabinet’s current position regarding formal ongoing support from this Council for this most relevant and important event?
Response:
The Cabinet remains supportive in principle of a Tall Ships Regatta being hosted at Ramsgate Royal Harbour subject to further development of a detailed event plan and budget. However it has been confirmed to the proposer of the event that without this the council cannot consider any financial contribution or resourcing commitment.
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| Date of past ordinary meeting of council | Questions asked at council meeting |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 10 December 2020 | |
| Thursday, 25 February 2021 | |
| Thursday, 25 March 2021 | |
| Thursday, 3 June 2021 | |
| Thursday, 15 July 2021 | |
| Thursday, 9 September 2021 | |
| Thursday, 14 October 2021 | |
| Wednesday, 12 January 2022 | |
| Thursday, 24 February 2022 | |
| Thursday, 31 March 2022 | |
| Thursday, 14 July 2022 | |
| Thursday, 8 September and Thursday 13 October 2022 | |
| Thursday, 8 December 2022 | |
| Thursday, 23 February 2023 |
Questions from earlier Council meetings can be found in our archive.
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