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Weekly updates

Kent Council: Budget Overspend, Tax, & Closed Door Meetings

This week in Kent:

Senior Management Restructure Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The Personnel Committee met to discuss the council's senior management structure [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88732]. However, the public and press were excluded from the majority of the meeting, citing the need to discuss confidential information about individuals and financial matters. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess how the council is managing its leadership and resources.

Why This Matters

The senior management structure has a direct impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of council services. Decisions about leadership roles, responsibilities, and salaries can affect everything from social care to waste management.

The Public's Right to Know

While some information may need to be kept confidential, excluding the public from the entire discussion raises concerns about accountability. Residents are left in the dark about how the council is organizing its leadership and ensuring value for money.

Financial Oversight: Audit Committee Examines Treasury Management, Customer Feedback, and Fraud Prevention

The Governance and Audit Committee convened to review the council's financial management, customer service, and efforts to combat fraud [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87130]. The meeting covered a range of important topics, including treasury management, customer feedback, counter fraud measures, and best value interventions.

Managing Public Money: Treasury Update

The committee received a Treasury Update Report, which detailed the council's borrowing and investment activities. The report noted that the council held £664.5m in loans and had investments in equity, multi-asset and property funds worth £184.1m.

  • The Stakes: Prudent treasury management is essential to ensure the council can meet its financial obligations and deliver services to residents.
  • The Challenge: Balancing low interest costs with cost certainty and flexibility in a volatile economic environment.

Listening to Residents: Customer Feedback

The committee reviewed the Customer Feedback Annual Report for 2024/25, which summarized compliments, comments, and complaints received by the council. The report revealed a 49% increase in stage two complaints, largely due to issues within Special Educational Needs (SEN).

  • The Impact: Understanding customer feedback is crucial for improving services and addressing residents' concerns.
  • The Challenge: Responding to complaints in a timely manner, with only 70% of complaints responded to within corporate timescales.

Fighting Fraud: Protecting Public Funds

The committee discussed the Counter Fraud Report 2025-26, which highlighted the work of the Kent Intelligence Network (KIN) in identifying £1,455,104 of savings. The report also noted an increase in irregularity referrals, attributed to increased awareness of the need to report irregularities.

  • The Stakes: Preventing and detecting fraud is essential to protect public funds and ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
  • The Challenge: Keeping pace with evolving fraud tactics and ensuring adequate resources for counter-fraud efforts.

Learning from Others: Best Value Duty

The committee received an update on best value interventions, as required by the Local Government Act 1999. The update listed the nine statutory interventions currently in place at other local authorities, highlighting the issues that led to intervention in each case.

  • The Stakes: The Local Government Act 1999 places a duty on local authorities to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • The Challenge: Ensuring continuous improvement and avoiding the pitfalls that have led to intervention in other councils.

Councillor Brady stated that he would like the committee to revisit the Ombudsman letter in six months' time to see what actions have been moved forward and how that has improved.

Pension Fund Performance and Governance Under Review

The Kent Pension Board met to discuss the administration and investment of the Kent Pension Fund [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87112]. The board reviewed the fund's investment performance, administration, and governance issues.

Investment Strategy and Performance

The board received an update on the fund's investment strategy, asset allocation, and performance. As of 30 September 2025, the fund's value was £9.1 billion, with investments returning 4.7% in the three months to 30 September 2025.

  • The Stakes: Ensuring the long-term financial security of the pension fund for its members.
  • The Challenge: Navigating volatile markets and making investment decisions that balance risk and return.

Pension Administration and Governance

The board also received updates on pension administration, including recruitment, dispute resolution, and engagement with members. The report pack stated that the Administration section of the Fund was carrying 12 full time equivalent (FTE) vacancies, and that a schedule to fill the remaining vacancies was in place for the remainder of 2025 and 2026.

  • The Stakes: Providing efficient and effective administration of pension benefits to members.
  • The Challenge: Addressing staffing shortages and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

Local Government Reorganisation

The board discussed the potential impacts of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the Kent Pension Fund. Current proposals indicated that Kent County Council and the District and Borough Councils in Kent would cease to exist in 2028 and be replaced by unitary authority(ies).

  • The Stakes: Ensuring a smooth transition of the pension fund in the event of local government reorganisation.
  • The Challenge: Addressing the complexities of merging pension schemes and ensuring the continued protection of members' benefits.

Scrutiny Committee Examines Budget Overspend, Council Tax, and SEND Services

The Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of critical issues facing the council, including a significant budget overspend, council tax collection, and the provision of services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87117].

Financial Crisis: £46.5 Million Overspend

The committee discussed the Revenue and Capital Budget Forecast Outturn Report – Quarter 2, which revealed a forecast revenue overspend of £46.5m. The most significant overspend is in Adult Social Care & Health (ASCH), totalling £50.9m.

  • The Impact: This overspend could lead to cuts in essential services and increased financial pressure on residents.
  • The Response: The council is implementing urgent actions to mitigate the overspend, including a hiring freeze and a review of all spending.

Council Tax Collection: Subsidies and Incentives

The committee discussed the decision to cease financial support and incentive payments towards the cost of setting up and administering local Council Tax Reduction Schemes (CTRS).

  • The Stakes: Ensuring fair and effective council tax collection to fund essential services.
  • The Challenge: Balancing the need to raise revenue with the need to support low-income households.

SEND Services: Addressing High Demand and Rising Costs

The committee discussed a report on SEND services, which revealed that Kent continues to issue Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) at a rate significantly above national and regional comparators.

  • The Impact: High demand for EHCPs is putting a strain on resources and leading to more children attending special schools.
  • The Response: The council is developing a Kent Continuum of Need and Provision to provide a framework for supporting children with SEND in mainstream settings.

Local Government Reorganisation

The committee discussed KCC's Strategic Business Case for Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway, ahead of its final submission to the government.

  • The Stakes: The decisions made during this reorganisation process will have a profound impact on the future of local government in Kent and Medway, affecting everything from council tax rates to the delivery of essential services.

Transport Appeals: Decisions Made Behind Closed Doors

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to discuss transport-related appeals [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87138] [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87122]. As has become common, the press and public were excluded from the meeting, citing the need to protect the identity of individuals involved. This lack of transparency continues to raise concerns about public access to information regarding decisions that affect local transport policies.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a quick look at the meetings scheduled for next week:

Kent Council: Single Authority Push, £46M Overspend, Library Futures

This week in Kent:

Council Pushes for Single Authority Amid Financial Storm and Public Skepticism

Kent County Council's Cabinet has approved its strategic business case for local government reorganisation (LGR), doubling down on its vision for a single unitary authority across Kent and Medway [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86433]. This move comes as the council grapples with a £46.5 million budget overspend and faces criticism over transparency and local representation.

The Stakes: Financial Stability vs. Local Control

KCC argues that a single unitary authority is the most financially viable option, citing potential savings of £457.4 million over 10 years. However, critics fear a loss of local control and responsiveness, with some residents expressing a preference for smaller councils.

  • KCC's Argument: The rationale for this position is based on financial viability, managing disaggregation risks, Kent's unique geography, disparities in deprivation, legacy debt, and preserving local identity.
  • The Counterpoint: Concerns remain about the impact on areas of deprivation and the potential for a mega council that is too remote from local communities.
  • The Climate Emergency: The Cabinet also noted that a motion to rescind the climate emergency was passed at Full Council on 18 September 2025, and that this will enable the removal of net zero targets from KCC contracts, broadening supplier eligibility and reducing costs.

The decision now rests with the government, which will consider KCC's proposal alongside other options from district councils in Kent and Medway.

Financial Crisis Deepens: £46.5 Million Overspend Threatens Services

The Cabinet also received a stark warning about the council's financial position, with a forecast overspend of £46.5 million, representing 3% of the overall budget [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86433]. The most significant pressure is in Adult Social Care & Health, with a £50.9 million overspend.

  • The Impact: This could mean longer waits for social care support, cuts to other services, and increased pressure on council tax payers.
  • The Response: The Cabinet noted the implementation of actions to mitigate the revenue overspend, including a hiring freeze and a review of all spending.
  • The Blame Game: Deputy Leader Brian Collins criticised the previous administration for leaving the council with £732 million of debt, while also calling on the opposition to join forces in demanding more funding from central government for adult social care.

Library Futures in the Balance: Closures Denied Amidst Review

Amidst concerns about potential library closures, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services Paul Webb has denied reports that the council is planning to close libraries [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86433]. This comes as the council reviews proposals for the future of Folkestone Library and undertakes building projects at Temple Hill, Cranbrook, and Sittingbourne Libraries.

  • The Promise: We're not closing any that I know of, said Councillor Webb, reassuring residents that library services will continue.
  • The Reality: The council is exploring co-location of library and family hub services, which could lead to the disposal of some buildings.
  • The Future: The council is expected to announce its decision on the Folkestone Library proposals in early 2026.

Community Safety Partnership Tackles Substance Misuse, Road Safety, and More

The Kent Community Safety Partnership met to discuss a range of issues affecting community safety, including substance misuse, road safety, and domestic abuse [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86436].

Substance Misuse Strategy: Addressing Emerging Threats

The partnership received an update on the Kent Drug and Alcohol Strategy, which aims to reduce drug-related deaths and improve access to treatment. Key priorities include preventing inter-generational alcohol misuse, tackling high rates of suicide associated with substance misuse, and disrupting the supply of illegal drugs.

  • The Challenge: Synthetic opiates and adulterated drugs are becoming more common, straining resources and requiring increased partnership working.
  • The Goal: To normalise the use of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses1.

Vision Zero: Striving for Safer Roads

The partnership also discussed the Vision Zero Strategy, which aims to eliminate road fatalities and life-changing injuries by 2050. The strategy focuses on designing safer roads, enforcing appropriate speed limits, and promoting safe behaviour.

Children's Services Face Challenges: School Expansions, Funding Pressures, and Safeguarding Concerns

The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee addressed a range of issues, including expansions to special schools, funding arrangements, and safeguarding [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86426].

Special School Expansions: Meeting Growing Demand

The committee considered proposals to expand Parkwood Hall School and Broomhill Bank North School, both special schools for students with learning difficulties and communication challenges. These expansions aim to address the increasing demand for special school places in Kent and reduce the need for students to travel long distances.

Funding Pressures: Balancing Needs and Resources

The committee discussed various funding arrangements related to education and children's services, including school and early years funding for 2026-27 and reforms to adult education funding. These discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing the needs of children and young people with limited resources.

Safeguarding: Protecting Vulnerable Children

The committee discussed the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP) Annual Report, which provides an overview of safeguarding efforts across different agencies in Kent. This report underscores the importance of collaboration and vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from harm.

Transport Appeals: Decisions Made Behind Closed Doors

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to discuss transport-related appeals [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86421]. As has become common, the press and public were excluded from the meeting, citing the need to protect the identity of individuals involved. This lack of transparency continues to raise concerns about public access to information regarding decisions that affect local transport policies.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a quick look at the meetings scheduled for next week:

  1. Naloxone is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose. ↩

Kent Council: Adult Services Director Appointed in Secret? + Bus Debate

This week in Kent:

Director of Adult Services to be Appointed Behind Closed Doors

The Personnel Committee - Member Appointment Panel met this week to interview candidates for the crucial role of Director Adults and Integrated Commissioning [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86028]. However, in a move that raises questions about transparency, the press and public were excluded from the entire meeting.

Why the Secrecy?

The council cited Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, arguing that the discussion involved exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act. This typically refers to information relating to individuals, their financial affairs, or commercially sensitive data.

What's at Stake?

The Director Adults and Integrated Commissioning plays a vital role in shaping the provision of social care services for vulnerable adults in Kent. This includes overseeing:

  • Care for the elderly
  • Support for people with disabilities
  • Mental health services
  • Commissioning of integrated health and social care

Given the significant challenges facing adult social care, including rising demand and budget pressures, the appointment of a capable and experienced director is crucial.

The Public's Right to Know

While protecting individual privacy is important, excluding the public from the entire appointment process raises concerns about accountability. Residents are left in the dark about:

  • The criteria used to assess candidates
  • The questions asked during interviews
  • The reasons for selecting the successful candidate

This lack of transparency can erode public trust in the council's decision-making.

Hazardous Route Appeal Heard in Private

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) convened to consider a hazardous route appeal concerning Pearmain Way, Great Chart, Ashford TN23 [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85371]. As with other recent meetings of this panel, the press and public were excluded, citing the need to protect the identity of individuals involved.

Protecting Privacy vs. Public Scrutiny

While safeguarding personal information is essential, the repeated use of closed sessions for transport appeals raises questions about the balance between privacy and the public's right to understand how decisions are made regarding local transport safety.

Electric Bus Chargers Spark Debate Over Heritage and Safety

The Planning Applications Committee was scheduled to discuss a proposal to install electric bus charging infrastructure at Acacia Hall Car Park in Dartford [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85362]. The meeting transcript reveals a debate over the project's impact on heritage, visual amenity, and road safety.

Balancing Green Goals with Local Concerns

The application, submitted by the Kent County Council Major Capital Programme Team, is part of a wider effort to electrify the Fastrack Kent Thameside network, supported by a £9.525 million ZEBRA1 grant from the Department for Transport (DfT).

However, the proposal has faced objections, including from the Diocese of Rochester, which owns the vicarage immediately west of the site. Concerns were raised about:

  • Heritage and Visual Amenity: The proximity to the Dartford Town Centre Conservation Area and listed buildings like Holy Trinity Church and Acacia Hall.
  • Environmental Impact: Insufficient evidence on noise, lighting, and ecological implications.
  • Parking and Pedestrian Access: The loss of parking spaces and changes to pedestrian connections.

Safety Concerns and Design Debates

The committee also discussed concerns about HGVs accidentally driving into the charging stations. Some members proposed specific design solutions, such as goalpost gates, to prevent such incidents. However, other members cautioned against second-guessing the experts and getting involved in detailed design decisions.

The Outcome

The committee ultimately voted to approve the application, subject to conditions.

New Commercial Strategy Aims for Value and Transparency

The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee considered the adoption of the Kent County Council Commercial Strategy for 2026-2028 [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85369]. The strategy sets out a framework for delivering value for money through procurement and contract management, aligned with the council's strategic priorities and financial plans.

Four Key Priorities

The strategy outlines four strategic priorities:

  • Delivering Financial Benefits and Return on Investment
  • Strengthening Supplier Management and Partnerships
  • Supporting Local Economic Growth and Wider Public Value
  • Ensuring Compliance and Transparency

Aims to Support Local Businesses

The strategy also aims to increase spending with Kent-based suppliers. In Quarter 1, 61% of KCC spend was with Kent-based suppliers, with a total of £25 million more spent compared to the same quarter last year.

Budget Gap Looms as Spending Pressures Mount

The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee also discussed budget planning for 2026-27, revealing a significant financial challenge [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85369]. The indicative plan included an unresolved gap of £20.1 million, which has since increased to an estimated £60 million.

Key Drivers of Spending Growth

The report pack outlined the main drivers of spending growth, including:

  • Price uplifts
  • Demand drivers
  • Cost drivers
  • Pay
  • Service strategies

Balancing the Budget

The proposed strategy to balance the budget includes:

  • Resisting spending growth
  • Maintaining adult social care net growth within an affordable level
  • Identifying further savings/income
  • Reviewing contributions to reserves
  • The outcome of Fair Funding 2.0 reforms

Other Matters

  • The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee discussed the Regional Energy Strategic Plan, the Kent and Medway Economic Framework, and decisions taken between cabinet committee meetings [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85359].
  • The Adult Social Care Cabinet Committee discussed Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services, the Adult Social Care Operational Pressures Escalation Plan, and an Accommodation Market Position Statement [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85365].

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a quick look at the meetings scheduled for next week:

  • A meeting with an unknown name will be held on Tuesday 25 November 2025 here.
  • The Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 here.
  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 here.
  • The Governance and Audit Committee will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 here.
  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025 here.

  1. Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas - a scheme introduced by the Department for Transport (DfT) to encourage local authorities to work in conjunction with local transport partners, and apply for additional support funding to accelerate the introduction of fully electric public transport in towns and cities across the UK. ↩

Kent Council: Single Authority Plan, Southern Water Grilled

This week in Kent:

Council Eyes Single Authority: Is Kent About to Become One Giant Council?

Kent County Council (KCC) is pushing forward with its plan for a single unitary authority across Kent and Medway, sparking debate about local control and financial risks. Meanwhile, the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee considered an Energy Efficiency Plan, and Southern Water faced tough questions about its performance.

Single Unitary Authority: Power Grab or Financial Lifeline?

The County Council met this week to discuss KCC's draft strategic business case for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway. The proposal? A single unitary authority with three area assemblies.

  • The Rationale: KCC argues a single unitary is the most financially sustainable option, protecting essential services and managing legacy debt. They point to financial modelling by KPMG that shows lower transition costs and greater savings.
  • The Concerns: Some councillors fear a mega council that's too large and remote, undermining local voices and hindering devolution. They worry about KCC taking on all legacy debt and the impact on areas of deprivation.
  • The Debate: Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, criticised the strategy as being too political. Councillor Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, defended the strategy, arguing that it provided a clear direction for the council.
  • The Vote: No vote was taken on the strategic business case, leaving the future of LGR in Kent and Medway uncertain.

Councillor Linden Kemkaran stated that the council would be developing its own business case for its preferred option namely a single Kent and Medway unitary authority with three area assemblies.

Read the full meeting summary.

Reforming Kent: A Partisan Strategy?

The council approved its strategic statement, Reforming Kent 2025-2028, a plan setting out the council's aims and objectives for the next three years.

  • The Focus: Putting Kent residents first, reforming KCC, supporting residents who need help, and building better communities.
  • The Criticism: Some councillors slammed the strategy as too political and partisan.
  • The Defence: Other councillors argued it provided a clear direction for the council.

Read the full meeting summary.

NHS and Social Care in Crisis: A Motion Without a Vote

The council debated a motion on the NHS and social care crisis, calling for KCC to work with partners to address issues in Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections, the budget, and the departure of the Director of Adult Social Care (DASS).

  • The Call to Action: The motion urged the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care to write to the Secretary of State, supporting joint working and calling for a national commission on long-term funding for personal care.
  • The Controversy: Some councillors criticized the motion as being too political and overlooking the progress the Labour government has already made since taking office.
  • The Outcome: The motion was not put to a vote.

Read the full meeting summary.

External Audit: Weaknesses in Financial Sustainability

The council received the external audit annual report from Grant Thornton, highlighting significant weaknesses in financial sustainability, particularly in adult social care.

  • The Warning: The report urged the council to make decisions based on long-term sustainability, not short-term convenience.
  • The Concern: Some councillors expressed concern about the administration's engagement with the governance and audit process.

Read the full meeting summary.

Environment and Transport: Energy Efficiency and Waste Management Take Center Stage

The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee tackled key environmental issues, including energy efficiency and waste management.

Energy Efficiency Plan: A Shift from Net Zero?

The committee considered an Energy Efficiency Plan Report, proposed to replace KCC's Net Zero Plan and 2030 Net Zero target.

  • The Progress: KCC has reduced its estate and operation emissions by 55% since 2019, saving millions through energy upgrades and solar farms.
  • The Challenge: Meeting the remaining 50% of the Net Zero target by 2030 presents financial and technological hurdles.
  • The New Approach: The proposed plan focuses on financial returns, new revenue streams, and continued emissions reductions where possible.

Waste Management: Reducing Residual Waste

The committee was briefed on waste management in Kent, with an overarching focus on reducing residual waste through increased recycling.

  • The Strategy: Working in partnership with district and borough councils in new and innovative ways that share risk and reward, viewing collection and disposal as a whole waste system.

Read the full meeting summary.

Southern Water Grilled on Sewage Spills and Bill Hikes

Southern Water representatives faced tough questions from the Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee about sewage spills, bill increases, and their plans for Kent.

  • The Spills: The company outlined its Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, aiming to reduce combined sewer overflows to less than 10 spills a year by 2027, 2030, and 2035.
  • The Bills: Southern Water acknowledged a significant bill increase but stated that all the money generated is going into infrastructure improvements and a hardship fund.
  • The Collaboration: The company highlighted successful collaborations with KCC Highways, such as the Gloucester Avenue project in Margate, which removed road gullies and installed swales and tree pits to slow water flow.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a quick look at the meetings scheduled for next week:

Kent Council Finances Under Scrutiny, Flood Risk Update

This week in Kent:

Financial Scrutiny: Auditors Question Council's Accounting Practices

The Governance and Audit Committee met this week to review the council's draft statement of accounts and external auditor's reports, revealing concerns about the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting.

Statement of Accounts Under the Microscope

The committee was asked to approve the draft Statement of Accounts for 2024/25, along with the Annual Governance Statement (AGS). The report pack stated that the draft Statement of Accounts reflected changes identified during the audit process.

Councillor Alister Brady of the Labour and Co-operative Party raised a number of questions about the Statement of Accounts, including the level of oversight and decision-making involved with CSG.

External Auditor's Concerns

The committee reviewed reports from external auditor Grant Thornton UK LLP, including the External Auditors Findings Report and the External Auditors Annual Report. These reports set out the auditor's opinion on the council's financial statements and its value for money arrangements.

The report pack stated that the external auditor is required to report whether other information published together with the audited financial statements is materially inconsistent with the financial statements and/or whether information obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

Pension Fund Audit

The committee also discussed the External Audit Final Audit Findings Report for the Kent Pension Fund. The report pack stated that the external auditor is required to issue an opinion each year as to whether the Council's Financial Statements give a fair view of the financial position of the Council and have been prepared in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code.

Risk Management Update

The committee received a verbal update on risk management. Councillor Brady expressed concerns about recurring issues and the dedication to school grants, as well as the safety valve and the big spend on adult social care.

He also raised concerns about transparency within the scrutiny committee, stating that some chairs are limiting engagement and controlling what members can and cannot ask.

Flood Risk Management: Committee Hears from Water Companies and the Environment Agency

The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee met to discuss flood risk and water management in Kent, receiving presentations from South East Water, the Environment Agency, and the Southern Water Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force.

Severe Weather Response Activity

The committee received an update on severe weather alerts and warnings received from the Met Office and the Environment Agency, and the corresponding response activity led by KCC since the last committee meeting on 2 July 2025.

According to the KCC Severe Weather Response Activity Report - July to September 2025, between July and September 2025, there were 8 flood alerts raised, and 12 weather alerts, of which 2 were amber alerts for heath health and thunderstorm.

The report noted that across the county, 85,500 residential and commercial addresses are recognised to be in areas at risk from fluvial (river) or tidal (coastal) flooding .

Presentations from Water Companies and the Environment Agency

The committee heard presentations from South East Water, the Environment Agency, and the Southern Water Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force. The agenda did not specify the content of these presentations.

KCC Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The committee received a verbal update on the KCC Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The agenda did not specify the content of this update.

Other Matters

  • The Selection and Member Services Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 28 October 2025 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a quick look at the meetings scheduled for next week:

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Kent Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 4th December 2025, to discuss several key healthcare issues affecting the Kent and Medway area. These include an update from the Chief Executive of NHS Kent and Medway, the relocation of the Prosthetic Limb Service, and the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust's response to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report. The committee will also consider the Healthwatch Kent Annual Report 2024-25.

December 04, 2025
Regulation Committee Member Panel

Reconvened meeting of 6/10/25, Regulation Committee Member Panel - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Regulation Committee Member Panel of Kent County Council is scheduled to meet on 4 December 2025 to discuss an application to divert part of Public Footpaths AU22 and AU17 in Kennington, Ashford. The meeting will cover the proposed diversions from the foot crossings known as Cradle Bridge (AU22) and Bolleaux (AU17).

December 04, 2025
Selection and Member Services Committee POSTPONED

Selection and Member Services Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 2.30 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

December 04, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 9.15 am

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) of Kent Council convened to address several items, primarily focusing on transport-related appeals. Due to the confidential nature of the appeals, the press and public were likely excluded from the majority of the meeting.

December 02, 2025
Regulation Committee Member Panel

Regulation Committee Member Panel - Monday, 1st December, 2025 10.00 am

The Kent County Council Regulation Committee Member Panel met to discuss applications to register three areas of land as new town or village greens. One application, regarding land in Ashford, was recommended for a public inquiry, while the other two, regarding land in Whitstable, were recommended for approval. The panel was scheduled to consider evidence and arguments related to each application.

December 01, 2025
Personnel Committee

Personnel Committee - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 10.00 am

The Personnel Committee of Kent Council met on Thursday 27 November 2025 to discuss a number of items. Most of the items were held in exclusion of the press and public. The main item scheduled for discussion was the Senior Management Structure of the council.

November 27, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 9.30 am

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) of Kent Council scheduled a meeting to discuss panel business and a number of transport appeals. Due to the confidential nature of the appeals, the press and public were likely to be excluded from the meeting during those discussions.

November 27, 2025
Personnel Committee CANCELLED

Personnel Committee - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 27, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 9.15 am

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) of Kent Council was scheduled to meet on 26 November 2025 to discuss panel business and a number of appeals. The meeting was scheduled to begin with items that were likely to be open to the public, before moving into a session that was likely to exclude the press and public. Eight appeals were listed to be discussed during the closed session.

November 26, 2025
Governance and Audit Committee

Governance and Audit Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am

The Governance and Audit Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss the treasury management strategy, customer feedback, counter fraud measures, and best value interventions. The meeting will include verbal updates from the external auditor and on committee business. Also included for discussion is the action tracker, which lists the progress that has been made on the committee's prior recommendations.

November 26, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 9.45 am

December 09, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) CANCELLED

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 9.15 am

December 10, 2025
Pension Fund Committee

Pension Fund Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 11, 2025
Selection and Member Services Committee

Selection and Member Services Committee - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 2.30 pm

December 16, 2025
Unknown Committee

Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 16, 2025
Planning Applications Committee

Planning Applications Committee - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 17, 2025
County Council

County Council - Thursday, 18th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 18, 2025
Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee

Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 12th March, 2026 10.00 am

March 12, 2026