Medway Council Budget Meeting Underway as Councillors Make Key Decisions for 2026/27

Medway Council’s Full Council meeting is currently underway this evening at St George’s Centre in Chatham Maritime, with all 59 councillors convening to discuss and approve the council’s policy framework and budget for the coming financial year. The meeting, which commenced at 7:00 PM, covers a substantial agenda of decisions affecting residents across the borough.

The council is deliberating on several significant financial matters, including the Capital and Revenue Budget for 2026/27, the Treasury Management Strategy, and proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. These decisions will shape the council’s spending priorities and financial management approach over the next twelve months. The Council Tax rate for 2026/27 also requires formal approval at this meeting.

Beyond financial matters, this evening’s session includes the nomination of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026/2027 municipal year. The Labour and Co-operative Group is nominating Douglas Hamandishe for the position of Mayor, with Sharon Jackson nominated as Deputy Mayor. This follows Medway’s points-based system for allocating the mayoralty, which has been in place since 2024 and allocates positions according to each political group’s representation on the council.

Additional business on the agenda includes approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, a refresh of key performance indicators for the One Medway Council Plan 2024-2028, and an information report regarding the disposal of the freehold of Rainham Shopping Centre—a property that was declared surplus by Cabinet in October 2024.

Members of the public have been invited to observe proceedings, though parking arrangements have been adapted for the evening. Members of the public are asked to utilise parking facilities at Canterbury Christ Church University, off North Road, whilst blue badge holders may continue to park on site.

Key Takeaways

• Medway Council is approving the 2026/27 Capital and Revenue Budget and setting the Council Tax rate this evening
• Treasury Management Strategy and Council Tax Reduction Scheme changes are under consideration
• Douglas Hamandishe and Sharon Jackson are nominated for Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively
• The council will also approve performance indicators for the One Medway Council Plan 2024-2028

What This Means for Kent Residents

The decisions made at this full council meeting will directly affect council tax bills, public services, and council spending priorities for the coming year. Residents interested in monitoring council decisions can track the outcomes of this meeting through Medway Council’s official democracy pages, which provide access to agendas, minutes, and video recordings of proceedings.