In Council December '23

Committee meetings in December were quiet affairs with end of quarter reports being noted and fees and charges being reviewed for the next financial year.  Whilst many fees were held at their current level some had to increase to counter in part the projected shortfall for 24/25.

Communities, Leisure, and Arts 5^th December

Fees and charges made up most of the business at the CLA PAC, most charges being held at their existing amounts.  The quarter financial update and performance monitoring report also highlighted the increased footfall at Maidstone Museum and the increased ticket sales at the Hazlitt theatre.

Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Development 7^th December

The town centre strategy came back to the PIED PAC, unfortunately not for release and public consumption, but to be delayed whilst further research is carried out.  The delay is frustrating, but we appreciate the need to ensure that the official strategy is correct.  To help progress the strategy we have created our own vision of how we see the future of Maidstone town centre.

Housing, Health, and the Environment 12^th December

Discussion in the HHE PAC primarily revolved around the response to the governments cap on safe and legal routes and what provision is available in Maidstone.  With between 700 and 900 people on the housing list and 300 in temporary accommodation it was the position of the administration that a response of zero capacity be returned.  The committee felt that this was primarily a political exercise that MBC should not be drawn into, and a blank response be returned.

Corporate Services 13^th December

Fees and charges for corporate services were the primary business with charges being increased by approximately 5% to counter the part of the shortfall for the next financial year.