This council: flagship · Adult Social Care · Asylum and Migration · Children's services and safeguarding · Climate · Council Spending and Efficiency · Devolution and local government reorganisation · Heritage · Housing, planning and local plans · Outsourcing of public services · Renaming and rebranding · Roads, highways and potholes · SEND and home-to-school transport · Support for (or hostility to) women · Waste, recycling and bins
Reform UK has led Kent County Council since May 2025 (source).
Kent County Council's Reform administration took office in May 2025 and created a Department of Local Government Efficiency, its own internal efficiency unit tasked with finding savings across the council.[1][2] On 18 September 2025 it voted to rescind its 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, carried 50 to 20 with 3 abstentions.[3] For 2026/27 it raised council tax by 3.99%, which the Leader characterised as the first reduction in Kent for over a decade.[4][5] In March 2026 it unanimously declared an 'Illegal Migration Emergency in Kent'.[6] Its 2026-27 budget was built around £61.7m of new savings.[7]
At Full Council on 18 September 2025, on a motion moved by Mr Hespe and seconded by Mr Chamberlain, the council resolved to rescind its 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, carried 50 votes to 20 with 3 abstentions.[3] The rescission removed net zero targets from KCC contracts.[8] Reporting to Cabinet on 25 September 2025, the Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency said the rescission enabled the removal of net zero targets from contracts, broadening supplier eligibility and reducing costs.[9] At Full Council on 21 May 2026 the Leader reported that removing the declaration had enabled the reallocation of about £39m of planned expenditure, with work begun on a new energy strategy.[10]
On 4 November 2025 the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee endorsed a new Energy Efficiency Plan to replace the council's existing Net Zero 2030 Plan, on a vote of 10 for, 1 against and 4 abstentions.[11] Opposition members said the decision represented an abandonment of previous net zero strategies, which Cabinet Member David Wimble denied, describing it as moving away from the constraints of the strategy toward best policy practice.[11]
The council developed a Solar Developments Position Statement opposing large-scale solar developments and battery energy storage systems on high-grade agricultural land, which the Scrutiny Committee endorsed by majority vote on 7 July 2026.[12] Cabinet Member David Wimble presented it as reflecting a manifesto commitment to protect the county's food economy.[12] On 21 May 2026 Full Council resolved, as part of a farming and rural-economy motion, that the Executive should continue resisting government plans to cover agricultural land with solar farms.[13] The substantive motion was carried 46 votes to 4 with 13 abstentions.[13]
The Reform administration created a Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) in May 2025 as its own internal efficiency unit to identify savings across the council.[1] The portfolio is led by a dedicated Cabinet Member supported by two Deputy Cabinet Members, and feeds proposals into the council's savings programme.[2] A July 2025 Scrutiny Committee distinguished DOLGE from Reform UK's national 'DOGE' project as separate initiatives, though members questioned how interlinked the two were.[14] DOLGE, led by Cabinet Member Matthew Fraser Moat, is mandated to challenge all council spend for value for money, but as of November 2025 the minutes recorded no specific headline savings figure and only around a quarter of a full-time post supporting it.[15] Cabinet formally approved and adopted the DOLGE Strategy (decision 26/00031), after the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee endorsed it by majority on 2 July 2026.[16] The strategy sets four strategic areas: efficiency and simplification, keeping spend and savings to budget, commercial and income generation, and resilience and local government reorganisation.[16] The committee chairman noted the report set out the framework rather than specific savings.[17]
On 18 September 2025 Full Council approved changes to the senior management structure, on a motion moved by Ms Kemkaran and seconded by Mr Collins.[18] The restructure deleted two senior posts, General Counsel and Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development, alongside reporting-line changes.[19]
The administration's draft 2026-27 budget carried £61.7m of new savings and £14.6m of income generation, offsetting £179.5m of core funded spending growth.[7] Full Council adopted the 2026-27 budget on 12 February 2026, setting a net revenue budget requirement of £1,648.1m.[20]
At its budget-setting Full Council on 12 February 2026, Kent resolved to raise council tax by 3.99% for 2026/27, below the 4.99% referendum threshold available to county councils with adult social care responsibility.[4] Reporting to Full Council on 21 May 2026, the Leader said the administration had not raised council tax to the maximum level, and told Council it had delivered the first reduction in council tax in Kent for over a decade.[5]
At Cabinet on 25 June 2026, considering the 2025-26 outturn, the Head of Finance Operations reported the fourth consecutive year of overspend, each requiring drawdown from reserves. Cabinet agreed to draw £22.7m from General Fund reserves to fund the 2025-26 overspend.
In March 2026 the council unanimously carried a motion declaring an 'Illegal Migration Emergency in Kent', on a recorded vote of 45 for, 0 against and 0 abstentions.[6] The motion calls on the Leader to press the Government to stop small-boat arrivals and to fully fund the council's costs of dealing with illegal migration.[6] On 18 September 2025 the Leader reported she had written to the Home Secretary asking to be consulted before any new migrant accommodation sites are identified in Kent, and had written to all 12 district and borough leaders for details of migrant accommodation in their areas.[21] In March 2026 the Leader cited children's services cost pressures, including support for former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, as grounds for demanding a fairer funding settlement from central government.[22]
On 7 May 2026 Kent's Selection and Member Services Committee resolved that a recital of the Lord's Prayer be introduced at the start of Council meetings and the national anthem sung at the end, both off-camera.[23] Full Council ratified the change on 21 May 2026, on a Constitution update moved by Mr Hespe and seconded by Mr Chamberlain, formally amending the Constitution to require every meeting to open with the Lord's Prayer, carried 48 to 15 with 6 abstentions, and to close with the national anthem.[24]
At the same 7 May 2026 committee meeting a proposal for the Monitoring Officer to develop a Council flag-flying protocol was voted on and not carried, so the committee resolved not to proceed with a flag policy at that time.[25] No restrictive flag-flying protocol was adopted, and no reference to removing or declining to fly the Pride flag was found in the corpus.[25]
For 2026/27, Kent proposed differentiated fee uplifts for adult social care providers rather than a single inflationary uplift.[26] This followed consultation in November 2025 in which providers said a CPI-level uplift was the minimum needed to stay financially sustainable.[26] The proposed uplifts gave no general uplift for Older Persons Residential and Nursing, 2% for Supported Living and Working Age Adults, 2% for Working Aged Adults and LDPDMH Residential, and no general uplift for EDLA services.[27] The Council recorded that full inflationary uplifts were unaffordable, and resolved to uplift only to the extent required by its Care Act market-sustainability duty.[28]
For 2026/27, Kent set its council tax 3.99% higher overall, and its minutes do not itemise a separate adult social care precept distinct from the core rate.[29] The fee-uplift report noted that the 2026/27 finance settlement folds the Social Care Grant and the Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund into the Revenue Support Grant, so additional government funding for adult social care can no longer be separately identified.[30]
Kent operated 53 family hubs as of January 2026, with their operation secured for three years.[31] In March 2026 officers confirmed there were no plans to close any family hubs.[31]
By September 2025 Kent's property disposal pipeline included a growing number of surplus children's centres, officers said, following decisions on service changes.[32]
On 15 July 2025 Kent's Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee endorsed a Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2026/27 under which families would receive a personal travel budget instead of council-arranged vehicles, with the saver pass costed at £630.[33] Officers cited a 75% increase in qualifying students over six years and annual spending of over £10 million as the reason.[33] Young learners and families would be compelled to engage with the Independent Travel Training Scheme from age 16.[33]
In March 2026 the committee heard that a further update, sent to families in October 2025, confirmed the changes applied only to future intakes.[34] Officers said an increase in appeals was anticipated.[34]
At the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 12 May 2026, officers reported that the number of Education, Health and Care Plan cases open longer than the statutory 20-week timescale had fallen to 51, down from over 250 in earlier periods.[35] Officers attributed the fall to improved system performance rather than reduced demand.[35] At the Corporate Parenting Panel on 21 April 2026, the Interim Corporate Director confirmed that in the most recent period over 90% of EHCPs had been completed within statutory timescales.[36]
In May 2026 Kent's Growth, Economic Development, Transport and Communities Cabinet Committee was told the total highway asset management backlog, across all highway assets, was now estimated at just over £1 billion, against a previously reported £770 million figure covering the highway network alone.[37] Officers said an indicative annual investment of approximately £150 million would be needed to address the backlog.[38] They also clarified the £1 billion figure had been rounded and was not a real improvement on a previously reported £1.3 billion total.[38]
Kent's Capital Highways Maintenance grant for 2026/27 was reported at £56 million, an increase of £2 million on the previous year, alongside a further £274 million pledged for highways and drainage over the following four years.[39] The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said the £56 million grant came on top of £30 million already invested in the road resurfacing programme.[40]
A backbench amendment to the 2026/27 budget proposing an extra £180,000 for the Highways Asset Maintenance Fund for pothole repairs, funded by cutting Political Assistant posts and Member Allowances, was defeated at the February 2026 budget-setting County Council, 29 for to 48 against with 1 abstention.[41]
In July 2025 Kent County Council, as waste disposal authority, approved a five-year countywide organic waste contract for receiving and processing food and green waste, timed to start on 1 April 2026 alongside new district-level Simpler Recycling food-waste collections.[42] As of a November 2025 briefing, two of Kent's boroughs, Dartford and Sevenoaks, had not yet started collecting food waste, with officers estimating an £820,000 saving once they began.[43] National legislation required all boroughs to collect food waste from residents from 31 March.[43] On 10 March 2026, weeks before the statutory deadline, the Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee adopted the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy 2026-2031, and noted that financial arrangements to incentivise districts' recycling capture under the new Simpler Recycling requirements were still to be brought back to committee.[44]
Kent County Council's published Cabinet and Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee minutes since May 2025 record no decision by Kent to introduce, increase or retain a garden-waste collection charge.[45] Garden waste is collected by Kent's district and borough councils rather than by the county council.[45]
Kent County Council took no decision to postpone or cancel elections pending local government reorganisation.[46] At its meeting on 23 March 2026 the Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee reviewed potential scenarios should the Government amend key reorganisation milestones, and members recorded concern about the democratic implications if elections were delayed.[46] The committee resolved only to note and comment on the update.[46]
At Full Council on 21 May 2026 the Leader reported that KCC's reorganisation submission aimed to minimise cost and disruption while maintaining effective service delivery.[47] The Leader of the Conservative Group noted that the administration had supported a single unitary authority for Kent, while saying it had not clearly set out its position on alternative proposals.[47]
No motion or committee response objecting to the government's mandatory standard-method housing targets appears in Kent County Council's published minutes.[48] As an upper-tier county authority, KCC's own planning role on housing is limited to acting as a statutory consultee to the district and borough councils, which hold housing targets and Local Plans as the Local Planning Authorities.[48] No formal council motion or vote to protect green belt land or resist green belt release appears in the published minutes; the only related record is a response speech by the Green Group leader at County Council on 18 December 2025, which was not put to a vote.[49] Kent's own Local Plan, the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039, was adopted before Reform took control, and no evidence in the published minutes shows it being paused, withdrawn or delayed since.[50] KCC does not itself hold a housing Local Plan, since that function sits with Kent's district and borough councils.[50]
On 17 July 2025 Kent's Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee approved the procurement and contract award of new zero-value Local Highways Maintenance Support Contracts, commissioning a framework of local contractors for pothole repairs, patching and resurfacing, replacing contracts that were expiring.[51] Kent's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport signed a new Highways Term Maintenance Contract with Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd, confirmed to Cabinet on 19 November 2025 and due to commence on 1 May 2026, replacing the previous term contract, and described as a long-term competitive re-procurement.[52] By March 2026 that contract ran alongside a separate Local Highways Maintenance Contract with four newly appointed local contractors.[52]
After Visit Kent and Locate in Kent, the organisations that had delivered Kent's destination-management and inward-investment services, ceased trading in September 2025, the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Coastal Regeneration took an urgent decision on 24 October 2025 to reinstate the service through a new delivery model built around a single in-house team.[53] By January 2026 a small in-house team had been recruited into KCC, branded 'Brand Kent', to deliver the visitor economy and inward investment function.[53]
On 10 July 2025 Kent County Council debated a motion calling on the Executive to develop a broader VAWG strategy with public awareness campaigns, bystander training and a Women's Night-Time Safety Charter; the substantive motion was put to a vote and lost, 22 for to 41 against with 3 abstentions.[54] The same defeated motion had also proposed the council agree an ongoing commitment to be a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation and promote White Ribbon Champions among Members.[55]
A proposed Leader's Executive Key Decision (26/00039) records approval to extend the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service, the county's community-based referral, assessment and triage service for domestic-abuse survivors, to 31 January 2028, while commissioners progress recommissioning into a single Kent Integrated Family Domestic Abuse Service.[56] The same decision approved extending the Safe Accommodation Support Service contract to 31 January 2028, citing the need to comply with Domestic Abuse Act 2021 grant conditions and to support the Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2029.[57]
At the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee on 6 May 2026, Members suggested extending initiatives such as the White Ribbon campaign; officers agreed to explore them further through existing partnership groups, rather than the council recording a decision to renew or extend accreditation.[58]
Kent County Council's published Cabinet minutes record a majority-male Cabinet, 6 of 10 members, throughout the Reform administration, from the 22 July 2025 meeting through to 26 March 2026.[59]
Kent's postural stability and falls prevention service was redesigned following consultation and relaunched as 'Forever Active', an evidence-based programme for Kent residents aged over 50 delivered through Active Kent and Medway.[60] The Director of Public Health reported the change to the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board on 4 March 2026 and to the Adult Social Care and Public Health Cabinet Committee on 11 March 2026.[60]
“Kent County Council’s Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) was established by the Leader in May 2025.” Decisions, 13 November 2025 ↗
“3. Background 3.1 KCC’s Department of Local Government Efficiency was formed as a new portfolio when the new Administration was appointed in May 2025. A Cabinet Member is in place who is supported by two Deputy Cabinet Members (Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance & Cross-Cabinet Activity and Deputy Cabinet Member for Corporate and Traded Services) to deliver the required activity.” Decisions, 13 November 2025 ↗
“DOLGE will have an initial specific focus on the delivery of 2025/26 in-year savings but also, the medium-term savings for 2026/27 and beyond to ensure a planned and sustainable approach.” Decisions, 13 November 2025 ↗
“Motion carried.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“1) Mr Hespe proposed, and Mr Chamberlain seconded the motion that” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“(e) rescind the prior declaration of a Climate Emergency.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“(e) To increase Council Tax band rates by 3.99% as set out in section 5 and appendix H of the final draft report published on 4th February 2026.” Minutes, 19 March 2026 ↗
“the Leader highlighted that her Administration delivered the first reduction in Council Tax in Kent for over a decade.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“the Administration had not increased council tax to the maximum level, instead had identified in-year savings while maintaining investment in frontline services.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“Mr Wimble proposed and Mr Eustace seconded the motion that: “Kent County Council declares an Illegal Migration Emergency in Kent.” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“Therefore, the Council calls on the Leader of the Council to: a) Demand the Government stops the arrival of migrants by small boats immediately b) Seek to ensure that the Government provides full funding to cover the costs to the County Council and partner public agencies in dealing with the consequences of illegal migration” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“For (45) Mr J Baker, Mr M Brown, Mr C Burwash, Mr A Cecil, Mr P Chamberlain” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“Against (0) Abstain (0) Motion carried.” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED to note the Administration’s draft capital and revenue budget proposals.” Minutes, 11 March 2026 ↗
“He explained that the draft budget included £179.5m of core funded spending growth and reversals of £28m of previous savings. These spending pressures were offset by £14.7m of net reserve movements, £61.7m of new or full year savings, and £14.6m of income generation, resulting in a net change of £116.5m in revenue spending.” Minutes, 11 March 2026 ↗
“Full Council agreed to rescind the 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration at its meeting on 18th September 2025.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“Full Council agreed to rescind the 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration at its meeting on 18th September 2025. While this decision carried political implications, it enabled the removal of net zero targets from KCC contracts, broadening supplier eligibility and reducing costs.” Minutes, 25 September 2025 ↗
“The Leader reported that KCC’s Climate Emergency Declaration had been removed, enabling the reallocation of approximately £39 million of planned expenditure.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“4 abstained, 1 against and 10 for. (of the 15 Members present)” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“KCC plans to shift away from its Net Zero Plan to a more pragmatic approach focusing on financial returns, new revenue streams and continued emissions reductions where possible” Decisions, 4 November 2025 ↗
“ADOPT the Energy Efficiency Plan for KCC’s estate and operations to support our environmental goals (and replace the existing Net Zero 2030 Plan)” Decisions, 4 November 2025 ↗
“KCC was not abandoning its climate strategy or denying climate change. The decision was made to move away from the constraints of the strategy to allow best policy practice.” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“the decision represented an abandonment of previous Net Zero strategies” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“A position statement had been developed opposing large-scale solar developments and battery energy storage systems on high-grade agricultural land (Grades A1–A3).” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED by majority vote, that the proposed Cabinet Member decision, set out below, be endorsed: a) ADOPT the Solar Developments Position Statement.” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“the proposal had been brought forward in line with a policy commitment on which Members had been elected” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“continue resisting government plans to cover agricultural land with solar farms” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“Mr Watts, General Counsel updated Members on the legal advice given in relation to DOLGE and DOGE.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“Concerns were raised of the 12 unanswered questions on DOGE within the report and how interlinked DOGE and DOLGE public output was.” Minutes, 16 July 2025 ↗
“DOLGE will challenge all budgetary spend to ensure expenditure is necessary and provides value for money for Kent’s residents.” Decisions, 13 November 2025 ↗
“Mr Fraser Moat confirmed that approximately a quarter of a full-time equivalent (FTE) officer post provided secretarial support.” Minutes, 14 January 2026 ↗
“APPROVE and ADOPT the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy” Decisions, 22 July 2026 ↗
“The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee considered the proposed decision to adopt the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy at its meeting on 2 July 2026 and, following discussion, endorsed the proposed decision by majority.” Decisions, 22 July 2026 ↗
“The Chairman emphasised that the report set out the framework rather than specific savings” Minutes, 13 November 2025 ↗
“Cabinet agrees to: (a) APPROVE and ADOPT the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“the draft strategy presents a number of ‘core principles’ for implementation across the authority and used to challenge all spend” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“3) RESOLVED that Council: 1. Agrees the proposed changes to the senior management structure.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“18. Senior Management Structure (Item 9) 1) Ms Kemkaran proposed, and Mr Collins seconded the motion that:” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“2. Agree the deletion of the General Counsel and Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development posts.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“Mr Collins proposed, and Ms Kemkaran seconded the following motion: “County Council, having given due regard to the s25 Report (published for consideration and noting as agenda item 5 of this meeting), is asked to agree the following:” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“(c) The net revenue budget requirement of £1,648.1m for 2026- 27.” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“To note the ongoing and escalating cost pressures on the Council’s budget alongside insufficient funding in the multi- year local government finance settlement and knock on requirement for savings and income in the final draft 2026-27 budget and 2026-29 medium term financial plan.” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“Known accommodation sites in Kent included Dover, Manston, and Napier Barracks, and there may be other unknown hotels and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“The Leader had written to the Home Secretary requesting early consultation and transparency in identifying new sites in Kent but had not yet received a response.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“Letters were also sent to all 12 Kent council leaders requesting information on migrant accommodation in their districts and boroughs.” Minutes, 18 September 2025 ↗
“The Leader highlighted the need for a fairer long-term funding settlement for Kent from Central Government. Pressures within children’s services were outlined, including support for former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and the number of looked-after children placed in Kent by other authorities.” Minutes, 21 May 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED that a recital of the Lord’s Prayer be introduced at the start of Council Meetings.” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED that the National Anthem be sung at the conclusion of Council meetings.” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“Mr Hespe proposed and Mr Chamberlain seconded the motion that” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“Motion carried.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“c) Add a new section between the current 14.11 and 14.12 and read: “Prior to all other items, each County Council meeting shall start with a recital of the Lord’s Prayer.” d) Add a new section between the current 14.11 and 14.12 and read: “As the concluding item, each County Council meeting shall end with the singing of the national anthem.”” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“F. RESOLVED that the proposal to develop a Council flag policy be not agreed at this time.” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“Recommendation F: Request that the Monitoring Officer lead on the development of a council flag policy/protocol for discussion at a future meeting a) The Committee considered a proposal for the Monitoring Officer to develop a Council flag-flying protocol. An amendment was proposed to place responsibility for flag-flying with the Chairman of the Council.” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“c) The Committee therefore voted on the original proposal, which was not carried. RESOLVED that the proposal to develop a Council flag policy be not agreed at this time.” Minutes, 7 May 2026 ↗
“Providers have indicated that Consumer Price Index (CPI) level uplift would represent a minimum position to maintain financial sustainability, with higher uplifts required in some service areas. The proposed approached for 2026/2027 is to apply differentiated uplifts” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
“section 4.2.2 of the report set out each of the different contract proposed uplifts, for each of the 4 contracts as follows: I. Older Persons Residential and Nursing proposed no general uplift II. Supported Living and Working Age Adults, there was a 2% proposed uplift III. Working Aged Adults and LDPDMH Residential, a proposed 2% uplift IV. EDLA (Everyday Services for Working Age Adults) no general uplift was proposed.” Minutes, 21 January 2026 ↗
“The proposals set out are subject to approval of the budget by the County Council on 12 February 2026.” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
“Providers have been clear that full inflationary uplifts would be their preferred position. However, it is not affordable for the Council to make additional investment in the sector beyond compliance with its statutory duties without materially undermining its ability to meet its wider statutory duties as a Council and manage demand across the wider system.” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
“2026-27 Council Tax (e) To increase Council Tax band rates by 3.99% as set out in section 5 and appendix H of the final draft report published on 4th February 2026. (f) The total Council Tax requirement of £1,041,352,757 to be raised through precepts on districts as set out in section 5 and a” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“These changes mean it will in future be no longer possible to separately identify the additional government funding for adult social care, although a ”notional adult social allocation” will be published (to date this has not yet been provided for 2026/27) which should be used as a reference point for budget setting alongside local priorities” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
“Ms Crisan, Director for Operational Integrated Children's Services, added that KCC operated 53 family hubs and that funding from Central Government for the Best Start in Life Programme along with the Public Health Grant had secured their operation for the next three years.” Minutes, 20 January 2026 ↗
“Ms Crisan, Director for Operational Integrated Children's Services, confirmed that there were no plans to close any family hubs.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“Recent changes were also outlined to explain higher numbers of properties in the pipeline for disposal including an increased number of surplus children’s centres following decisions for service changes.” Minutes, 17 September 2025 ↗
“This was due to a 75% increase in qualifying students in the past six years and a 40% increase in transport costs per pupil which had pushed annual spending over £10 million” Minutes, 15 July 2025 ↗
“The service was to start compelling young learners and families to engage with the Independent Travel Training Scheme from age 16” Minutes, 15 July 2025 ↗
“the annual increase in cost of the saver pass had occurred, so the correct costing of that was £630” Minutes, 15 July 2025 ↗
“Following the July 2025 decision, a further update was sent in October to confirm that the changes applied only to future intakes” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“It was explained that an increase in appeals was anticipated, and work was underway to develop further Member training and guidance” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“Ms Atkinson clarified that the reported reduction to 51 cases related specifically to Education, Health and Care Plan cases open for longer than 20 weeks. She explained that this represented a significant reduction compared to previous periods, when figures had exceeded 250 cases, and reflected improved system performance rather than a reduction in overall demand.” Minutes, 14 July 2026 ↗
“over 90% of Education, Health and Care Plans had been completed within statutory timescales” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“compared to a previous figure of £770 million, which related solely to the highway network rather than all associated assets.” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“the total backlog for all highway assets was currently estimated at just over £1 billion.” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“an indicative annual investment of approximately £150 million would be required to address the backlog.” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“it was clarified that the £1 billion figure had been rounded for simplicity and did not indicate a significant improvement from the previously reported total of £1.3 billion.” Minutes, 7 July 2026 ↗
“a Capital Highways Maintenance grant of £56 million, representing an additional £2 million compared to the previous year.” Minutes, 8 January 2026 ↗
“A total of £274 million was due to be invested in highways and drainage over the next four years.” Minutes, 8 January 2026 ↗
“£30 million had been invested in the road resurfacing programme, and a capital highway’s maintenance grant of £56 million was being received this year (2026-27).” Minutes, 13 January 2026 ↗
“This amendment proposes an increase to the Highways Asset Maintenance Fund, with the additional £180k specifically allocated for pothole repairs across the county.” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“Abstain (1) Mrs M Fothergill. Amendment lost.” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
“Mr Wimble presented the proposed procurement for the receipt and processing of organic waste across the entire county. The decision represented a significant step in ensuring that the council continued to meet statutory obligations as a waste disposal authority, while also supporting broader environmental objectives.” Minutes, 17 July 2025 ↗
“The new contract was scheduled to commence in April 2026 and would consolidate existing arrangements into a county-wide solution and was expected to deliver opportunities for innovation, improved efficiency, and greater value for money.” Minutes, 17 July 2025 ↗
“Highlighted the legislation changes on the 31 st of March that Boroughs would collect recyclable materials from all residents within their areas.” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“Estimates suggested that a saving of £820,000 could be achieved once Dartford and Sevenoaks Borough Councils began collecting food waste.” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“Collections would encompass food waste, paper, card plastic, metal, glass and garden waste.” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“Questioned the differences in collection systems and performance between districts and the impact of new national “simpler recycling” requirements.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“New national requirements for the collection of additional materials and food waste were addressed by officers. The new requirements had created opportunities for step changes in performance and proposals for future financial arrangements with districts to incentivise higher capture of recyclables would be brought to the Committee in due course.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision, namely: The Cabinet Member for Coastal Regeneration, Environment & Special Projects agrees to: 19 (a) Adopt the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy 2026 – 2031 as KCC’s formal commitment to the partnership approach, subject to formal endorsement by all other partner authorities through their governance processes” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Collections would encompass food waste, paper, card plastic, metal, glass and garden waste.” Minutes, 4 November 2025 ↗
“There was concern regarding the negative democratic implications that would be generated if elections were delayed.” Minutes, 23 March 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED that the Committee noted and commented on the update on local government re organisation.” Minutes, 23 March 2026 ↗
“He stated that while the Administration had supported a single unitary authority, it had not clearly set out its position on alternative proposals or addressed concerns about the viability of the current plans.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“with the Leader explaining that the KCC’s submission intended to minimise cost and disruption whilst maintaining effective service delivery.” Minutes, 16 July 2026 ↗
“The advice given is as a consultee to the Local Planning Authority (the district and borough councils across Kent), who ultimately decide on whether to grant consent or not” Document, 17 July 2025 ↗
“officers (planning in this example) were bound to follow the National Planning Policy Framework. Officers would provide as a statutory consultee advice to the local planning authority to aid if a plan were acceptable or had notable concerns.” Minutes, 10 March 2026 ↗
“Mr Hood emphasised that a successor to ‘Produced in Kent’ should continue supporting farmers and highlighted potential issues regarding the impact of Labour grey belt and housing policies on countryside spaces. He cited risks of further land being sold for development and the war in Ukraine and called for a greater focus on the green belt and food security.” Minutes, 18 December 2025 ↗
“Adoption of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 (Item 9)” Minutes, 22 July 2025 ↗
“Ms Thompson added that the current local plan was adopted in 2016 with a limited review in 2020 and no longer reflected up to date planning policy and guidance in a number of areas.” Minutes, 22 July 2025 ↗
“Mr Osborne presented the item that sought approval for the commissioning of a new zero-based contract framework to support pothole repairs, patching, and resurfacing works at a local level, ensuring continuity of service as current contracts expired.” Minutes, 17 July 2025 ↗
“RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision, namely: That the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport agree to: (i) APPROVE the procurement and contract award of zero value Local Highways Maintenance Support Contracts.” Minutes, 17 July 2025 ↗
“The Local Highways Maintenance Support Contracts augments delivery of highway maintenance” Decisions, 17 July 2025 ↗
“highways maintenance was delivered through two complementary contractual arrangements: the main Highways Term Maintenance Contract with Ringway, and a Local Highways Maintenance Contract. He advised that four new local contractors had been appointed under the latter” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“the Highways Term Maintenance Contract with Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd was signed, commencing 1 May 2026. This long-term competitive contract was key to delivering highway improvements.” Minutes, 19 November 2025 ↗
“Visit Kent and Locate in Kent ceased trading in September 2025. Kent County Council (KCC) & Medway Council proposed a new delivery model consisting of a single in-house team supported by commissioned activities where required to deliver critical services to support the local visitor economy and attract inward investment to the county.” Decisions, 16 July 2026 ↗
“a small in-house team had been recruited to KCC to drive forward the county's visitor economy and attract inward investment.” Minutes, 13 January 2026 ↗
“Motion Lost.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Following the debate, the Vice-Chairman put the substantive motion (as amended) in paragraph 3 to the vote and the voting was as follows.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Mr Hood proposed, and Mr Jeffery seconded the motion that:” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Call on the Executive to develop a broader and comprehensive VAWG Strategy which should include the introduction of public awareness campaigns and bystander training to challenge problematic behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Following the debate, the Vice-Chairman put the substantive motion (as amended) in paragraph 3 to the vote and the voting was as follows.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Motion Lost.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Agree an ongoing commitment to be a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation and agree to promote the opportunities for any Members to serve as a White Ribbon Champion.” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“Mr Hood proposed, and Mr Jeffery seconded the motion that:” Minutes, 10 July 2025 ↗
“APPROVE the extension of Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS) including Referral, Assessment and Triage service and services delivered under contract SS 16041 up until 31 January 2028 (10 months).” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“Commissioners are progressing the recommissioning of domestic abuse support services and the proposed development of the new Kent Integrated Family Domestic Abuse Service (KIFDAS)” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“3. APPROVE the extension of Safe Accommodation Support Service (SASS) contract SC 220255 up until 31 January 2028 (10 months).” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“Ensure continued compliance with the Grant conditions and statutory duties under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021,” Decisions, 2 July 2026 ↗
“Suggestions included further development of active bystander training and extending initiatives such as the White Ribbon campaign.” Minutes, 6 May 2026 ↗
“Officers acknowledged these suggestions and agreed to explore them further through existing partnership groups.” Minutes, 6 May 2026 ↗
“PRESENT: Mr B Collins, Mrs B Fordham, Ms L Kemkaran, Mr P King, Miss D Morton, Mrs C Palmer, Mr P Webb, Mr D Wimble, Mr P Osborne and Mr C Hespe” Minutes, 26 March 2026 ↗
“PRESENT: Mr B Collins, Mrs B Fordham, Mr M Fraser Moat, Ms L Kemkaran, Mr P King, Miss D Morton, Mrs C Palmer, Mr P Webb, Mr D Wimble and Mr P Osborne” Minutes, 22 July 2025 ↗
“Dr Ghosh announced the launch of the “Forever Active” programme, an evolution of the Postural Stability and Falls Prevention Service delivered through Active Kent and Medway.” Minutes, 11 March 2026 ↗
“Dr Ghosh reported that the former postural stability and falls prevention service had been subject to extensive consultation and redesign. The re-imagined service, now known as Forever Active, was an evidence-based programme supporting Kent residents aged over 50 to remain active, mobile, strong and independent, and was showing early signs of success.” Minutes, 4 March 2026 ↗