The Cabinet meeting on 08 January 2026 provided updates on various council activities, including performance against key indicators, the corporate risk register, and financial matters. Key decisions included noting the provisional local government finance settlement and the quarterly performance report, and reviewing the corporate risk register.

Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement

The Cabinet noted the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026-27 to 2028-29. This settlement includes a substantial reform of the data and methodology used for funding allocations, with a full reset of the retained business rate baseline. The settlement is expected to provide Kent with faster-than-average growth in spending power. The council tax figures within the settlement are government assumptions, and the council's own decisions will be made during the budget process. The settlement is in place for three years and includes consolidated grants into four key areas: children's, families and youth; homelessness, rough sleeping and domestic abuse; and others. This multi-year settlement is seen as beneficial for medium-term financial planning, providing greater certainty.

Quarterly Performance Report, Quarter 2, 2025/26

The Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) for the second quarter of 2025/26, covering July to September 2025, was presented. Of the 39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), 20 were rated Green (achieved or exceeded target), 14 were Amber (met floor standard but not target), and five were Red (did not meet floor standard). The report highlighted positive trends in areas such as customer services, with call answering times and advisor ratings meeting targets. However, concerns were raised regarding the percentage of complaints responded to within timescale, which remained Red. Governance and Law also saw two Red KPIs for Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests completed within statutory timescales, despite an 80% success rate over four quarters and a 35-50% increase in received requests. Growth, Economic Development & Communities showed improvement in the No Use Empty programme, moving to Green, while Developer Contributions remained Amber. Environment and Transport reported three Green KPIs for Highways, but one Red for routine highway repairs not being completed within 28 days. Education and Skills reported mixed results, with Green ratings for Early Years Ofsted judgements and EHCP issuance timescales, but Amber for annual EHCP reviews waiting over 12 months and for pupils with EHCPs placed in independent or out-of-county special schools. Integrated Children's Services had two Green KPIs, but one Red for foster care placements being in-house or with relatives/friends, and one Amber for the number of foster households. Adult Social Care had four Green and three Amber KPIs, with no Red ratings. Public Health reported four Green and two Amber KPIs, with no Red ratings.

Corporate Risk Register

The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Risk Register, which identified 18 high-level risks and one draft risk. The number of High Risks had decreased from 13 to 12 since the previous report. Key changes included a reduction in the risk rating for Border fluidity, infrastructure and resilience from High to Medium due to the phased implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES). A new High Risk, ASCH Recommissioning Programme, was added due to concerns about delivering commissioning activity within expected timescales. The risk of Significant failure to bring forecast budget overspend under control remained High, with a revised target date for savings plans. Other High Risks included the Future financial and operating environment for Local Government, Asset Management and Degradation, and Sustainability of the Social Care Market. A draft risk for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was also noted. Mitigating actions for these risks are regularly reviewed and updated.

Cabinet Member Updates

Cabinet members provided updates on their respective portfolios:

• Adult Social Care and Public Health: Updates included the conclusion of the Public Health Transformation Programme, the first meeting of the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board, and the introduction of an integrated brokerage service within hospital discharge hubs. Safeguarding Awareness Week was also highlighted.
• Communities: Reports covered the Community Safety Team's domestic homicide learning event, the Water Smart Programme delivered by Dartford and Gresham Community Wardens, and active Trading Standards work including dismantling a counterfeiting operation and launching the Acid Aware campaign. Progress on library projects, including co-location of Family Hub services, was also detailed.
• Economic Development and Coastal Regeneration: Updates included progress on international rail services, the launch of the Kent Property Market Report, and the establishment of a new in-house visitor and inward investment service. The No Use Empty programme had returned 128 properties to use, and the Skills Bootcamp had seen nearly 200 learners enrolled.
• Environment: Achievements included Drapers Windmill achieving Grade II status, eight country parks retaining Green Flag Awards, and the success of the Solar Together Kent and Medway scheme. Proposals for a lorry levy on the Kent road network were also discussed.
• Education and Skills: Changes in the education landscape, including mainstream and special educational needs (SEND), were discussed. The high needs budget remained in overspend, with work underway to reduce this.
• Integrated Children's Services: Updates covered visits to the Kent County Council Youth Group, the Virtual School Under-16s Awards, and discussions regarding social worker retention. The Run film to promote fostering was launched, and plans for children's homes to return in-house were progressing.
• Highways and Transport: The Bus Service Improvement Plan had been rolled out, and a new online pothole reporting system was launched. Significant investment in road surfacing and pothole repair programmes was highlighted, alongside a new Highways Term Maintenance Contract with Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd.
• Finance and Cross-Cabinet Activity: The Department of Local Government Efficiency (DoLGE) was working to stabilise KCC's budget, and Kent's first commercial strategy had been produced. The rescinding of the Climate Emergency Declaration was mentioned to allow energy proposals to be considered on business case strength.
• Deputy Leader: The Deputy Leader reflected on progress made since May, highlighting improvements in the council's financial position, including a reduction in debt. Adult Social Care was identified as the greatest budgetary challenge.

The Cabinet also resolved to note the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2025-26, noting the significant £46.5m overspend, largely driven by Adult Social Care and Health. Actions to mitigate this overspend were agreed.

Finally, the Cabinet approved Kent County Council's Strategic Business Case for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway, proposing a single Kent and Medway Council with devolved area assemblies as the most viable option. This business case will be submitted to the Government.