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Swale council new administration reveals new special projects fund and priorities

A council is drawing up plans to put aside £1 million a year for the next four years to invest in projects.

The fund from Swale Borough Council will be put together with cash that was earmarked for reserves and was discussed in the first cabinet meeting since the local elections on Wednesday, June 12.

The projects will need to make a difference in the borough.

Swale council plans to invest millions in special projects. Stock picture
Swale council plans to invest millions in special projects. Stock picture

The meeting also heard about progress of the new coalition administration's plans for the next four years.

It wants to create a new housing strategy with an increased focus on affordable housing, more money to prevent homelessness and stop using bed and breakfast for temporary accommodation by the end of the year.

Swale council leader Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab) said: "We are sitting on huge levels of reserves that are more than double what we realistically need to have set aside.

"This is local people’s money, so it’s only right we use it to improve services around the borough.

"Of course, this has to be done responsibly as the funds are not unlimited, so we are working on setting up a special projects fund of £1million per year.

Swale council leader Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab). Picture: Andy Payton
Swale council leader Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab). Picture: Andy Payton

"Any projects that are funded will need to demonstrate its value and be in addition to what our services are already providing.

"This will give us the chance to fund specific initiatives that can make a real difference to people’s lives, which would previously have been seen as too costly, even if they would save money in the longer term."

Other priorities for the new administration include making sure contractors are paid the real living wage, reviewing the approach to the next local plan to ensure developments are suitable and come with infrastructure.

Swale council's HQ in East Street, Sittingbourne
Swale council's HQ in East Street, Sittingbourne

It will also review the constitution to give residents more opportunities to participate in decision-making and recruit a health and wellbeing officer to coordinate council work in areas affecting health.

The council is also going to declare a climate emergency which will see plans drawn up to make Swale carbon neutral by 2030.

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