Medway Council Continues Budget and Pay Policy Discussions at Full Council Meeting

Medway Council’s Full Council meeting continued its agenda on 25 February 2026, with Item 9 — the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 — under discussion at St George’s Centre in Chatham Maritime. The meeting, which began at 7pm, covered several significant matters affecting the authority’s finances and operations for the forthcoming financial year.

The Pay Policy Statement is a formal requirement under the Localism Act 2011, which mandates that local councils publish details of their pay policies annually. This document outlines how the council determines pay levels for senior staff and provides transparency regarding remuneration across the authority.

As part of the February meeting agenda, councillors also considered the Capital and Revenue Budget for 2026/27, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, and the Treasury Management Strategy. These discussions form part of the council’s statutory budget-setting process, which must be completed before the start of the new financial year in April.

Members of the public were able to observe the meeting in real time through the council’s live streaming service, with proceedings available online for those unable to attend in person. The council typically allocates 40 minutes for public questions at Full Council meetings, allowing residents to submit queries to Cabinet members and committee chairs on matters within the council’s remit.

Full Council meetings are held approximately six times annually, bringing together all 59 councillors to discuss and decide on the authority’s policy framework, budget, and constitutional matters. The Mayor presides over proceedings to ensure business is conducted properly.

For residents wishing to submit questions at future Full Council meetings, the council requires submissions at least 24 hours in advance through its online form or by post to Democratic Services at Medway Council. Questions must relate to matters within the council’s responsibility and cannot be asked at annual council or special meetings.

The council’s next Full Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 23 April 2026, also at 7pm at St George’s Centre. Meeting agendas and minutes are published on the council’s democracy portal, enabling residents to track council decisions and stay informed about local governance.

Key Takeaways

• Full Council meetings bring together all 59 Medway councillors to decide on policy, budgets, and constitution matters
• The Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 is a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011
• Council meetings are live-streamed online and open to the public, with 40 minutes allocated for public questions
• The next Full Council meeting will take place on 23 April 2026

What This Means for Kent Residents

Medway residents can engage directly with their elected representatives by submitting questions to Full Council meetings. Questions must be submitted by midday 24 hours before the meeting and should relate to matters under council responsibility. Those unable to attend in person can watch proceedings live online through the council’s streaming service, ensuring transparency and accessibility in local governance.