Maidstone Borough Council 5 News in brief Maidstone’s cabinet 2014-15
Maidstone’s Cabinet provides leadership at the top level of the council and decides the council's priorities. It is responsible for the overall business of the council and makes most decisions. All decisions must be in line with the overall policy and budget frameworks set by the council and its decisions are subject to scrutiny by a different group of councillors.
Annabelle Blackmore (Conservative) is the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council.
Tackling Domestic Abuse We worked with partners this summer to provide a one stop shop for domestic abuse victims in Shepway. Statistics show a big rise in domestic abuse during the World Cup, so this clinic was set up in addition to the regular Maidstone Gateway clinic, to give people another option if they needed help. The clinic in Maidstone Gateway takes place on Tuesday mornings from 10am-12pm.
Love Maidstone? We’re now on Instagram (@maidstonebc) so that we can highlight the best of the borough and share the council’s work with you. Tag us in your favourite pictures of the borough and we’ll share the best ones! You can also get involved on Twitter - @maidstonebc - or Facebook - maidstoneboroughcouncil.
On your bike! Join an organised cycle ride to see some of the borough and enjoy the fresh air – rides are available for people of all levels of fitness. Visit
www.goskyride.com.
Getting Maidstone Working Maidstone council received the “Community Support” (large employer) award at the Kent Employer Partnership Awards in April. The award recognised the council’s efforts to help people find jobs, including jobs fairs with Jobcentre Plus and Golding Homes, and a highly successful work experience and mentoring scheme for young people.
Big Maidstone Switch Many people could save money on their energy bills by switching tariffs or suppliers. Join the Big Maidstone Switch from 5 August and our partner, iChoosr, will do all the hard work for you! Your last annual gas and electricity statements will have all the information you need to sign up at
maidstone.gov.uk/bigmaidstoneswitch.
Following last month’s elections the political make-up of the council is - Conservative 24 seats, Liberal Democrat 19, Independent 5, UKIP 4 and Labour 2, with 1 vacancy. Mrs Blackmore leads a minority conservative administration and she acknowledges that she will have to
appeal to like-minded councillors on other groups when it comes to the important issues in the year ahead: “Last month’s elections were dominated by the local plan. We will be taking a close look at the results of the consultation to see where changes can be made to meet the wishes of our residents, the councillors from all groups who represent them, parish councils and statutory partners. We will also be consulting residents on the council’s strategic plan to make sure it continues to meet the needs of the borough.” Fran Wilson (Liberal Democrat) is the Leader of the Opposition. The leaders of the other groups on Maidstone Borough Council are - Cllr Fay Gooch, Independent; Cllr Eddie Powell, UKIP; and Cllr Malcolm McKay, Labour. As the Leader of the Council, Annabelle Blackmore is responsible for the sustainable community strategy, strategic plan and medium term financial strategy. She is an ambassador for the council and represents it on national and regional bodies such as the Kent forum. Her cabinet is:
Cllr Malcolm Greer (Conservative) – Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development (Deputy Leader)
Responsible for economic development, the visitor economy, Hazlitt Arts Centre, Maidstone museums, regeneration, commercial services, sustainable construction and Maidstone market.
Steve McLoughlin, (Conservative) – Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Responsible for people strategy, customer service, corporate finance, legal advice, information technology, property and procurement, council tax and housing benefit, and democratic services.
Cllr Marion Ring (Conservative) – Cabinet Member for the Environment and Housing
Responsible for waste and recycling, air quality management, climate change and carbon management, cleansing services, environmental health, licensing, Maidstone crematorium and cemetery, local biodiversity action planning, strategic housing management and Cobtree Golf Course.
Cllr John Perry (Conservative) – Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services
Responsible for community safety, community development, parks, open spaces and allotments, leisure activities, community engagement and allocation and monitoring of grants.
David Burton (Conservative) – Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development
Responsible for the Local Development Framework, Development Plan Documents, Development Management policies and development briefs, Integrated Transport Strategy, Infrastructure Delivery Plan, planning enforcement, land charges, building control, parking, park and ride, and public transport initiatives.
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