Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions at the Dover Council Cabinet meeting on 6 October 2025. The Cabinet was expected to discuss a range of issues, including housing, transport, planning, finance, and leisure. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to housing matters, with discussions planned around Housing Revenue Account compliance, the purchase of new affordable housing, and the awarding and extension of contracts related to council-owned properties. The Cabinet was also scheduled to discuss planning matters, including the adoption of a conservation area character appraisal and management plan, and a draft archaeology supplementary planning document.

Housing Revenue Account Compliance Policies

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report from the Head of Property Assets regarding Housing Revenue Account¹ (HRA) compliance policies. The Housing Revenue Account is a ring-fenced account that local authorities use to manage the income and expenditure related to their social housing stock. The report was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Pamela Brivio, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education.

Purchase of New Affordable Housing

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the potential purchase of new affordable housing at three locations:

• Richmond Park, Archers Court Road, Whitfield
• Greenways, Colliers Way, Betteshanger
• Sholden Meadows (Phase 2A), Sandwich Road, Sholden

All three reports were scheduled to be presented by the Head of Housing, and the relevant Portfolio Holder was scheduled to be Councillor Pamela Brivio.

Review of the 'Demand Responsive' Bus Service in Aylesham

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the 'Demand Responsive'[ref]Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is a type of public transport that is flexible and adapts to the needs of passengers, often using technology to optimise routes and schedules based on real-time demand.[/ref] bus service in Aylesham. The report from the Head of Planning and Development included a restricted appendix, which was scheduled to be discussed in private due to Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972². Councillor Edward Biggs, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment, was scheduled to present the report.

Statement of Community Involvement 2025

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2025. The SCI is a document that sets out how the council will involve the community in the planning process. The report from the Head of Planning and Environment was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Edward Biggs.

Draft Archaeology of Dover Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the Draft Archaeology of Dover Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Supplementary Planning Documents provide further guidance on the implementation of policies in the Local Plan³. The report from the Head of Planning and Development was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Edward Biggs.

Adoption of Great Mongeham Church Area and Mongeham Road Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan and Amendment of Boundaries

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the adoption of the Great Mongeham Church Area and Mongeham Road Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan, including proposed amendments to the boundaries of the conservation area. The report from the Principal Heritage Officer was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Edward Biggs.

Treasury Management Year-End Report 2024/25

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the Treasury Management Year-End Report for 2024/25. The report from the Head of Finance and Investment was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Michael Nee, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Climate Change and Environment.

Changing the Council Tax Support Scheme for Working-Age Customers - Permission to Consult

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a report regarding changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for working-age customers, and whether to permit a consultation on the changes. The report from the Director of Housing, Finance and Assets was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Michael Nee.

Tides Leisure Centre

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a report from the Head of Place and Growth regarding Tides Leisure Centre. The relevant Portfolio Holder was scheduled to be Councillor Lynne Wright, Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property.

Award of Contract for Water Safety in Council-Owned Properties

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report from the Head of Property Assets regarding the award of a contract for water safety in council-owned properties. The report was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Pamela Brivio.

Extension of Contract for Cleaning Communal Areas in Council Housing Blocks

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report from the Head of Property Assets regarding the extension of a contract for cleaning communal areas in council housing blocks. The report was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Pamela Brivio.