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Kent Council: Waste, School Places & Wastewater Expansion

This week in Kent:

Waste Management and School Expansion Spark Debate

Kent County Council committees addressed critical local issues this week, including waste management practices and educational infrastructure improvements.

Wastewater Works Expansion Approved Amid Resident Concerns

The Planning Applications Committee approved Southern Water's application to increase HGV movements at the Ashford Wastewater Treatment Works Ashford Wastewater Treatment Works (WTW) on bank holidays here. This decision, aimed at improving the efficiency of sludge processing, drew significant opposition from local residents.

  • The Plan: Southern Water Southern Water Services Limited sought to increase permitted HGV movements on bank and public holidays from 6 to 15, between 08:00 and 13:00.
  • The Justification: The council report stated the increase would reduce risks to the sludge digestion process, optimize biogas generation, and minimize the need for landfill capacity.
  • Resident Opposition: Fifteen letters of objection cited concerns about foul smells, noise, vibration, and the suitability of Kinneys Lane for HGVs.
  • Councillor Heaver's Question: Green Party Councillor Stuart Heaver questioned the level of enforcement of existing HGV restrictions, seeking assurance for residents.
  • Council Response: Council officers stated that the Environment Agency monitors pollution control matters, while the County Council monitors planning permissions reactively, investigating complaints.
  • Councillor Thomas's Concerns: Reform UK Councillor Paul Thomas questioned the lack of quantifiable calculations to justify the increase and suggested sound attenuation measures near residential properties.
  • The Vote: Despite the concerns, the committee approved the application, citing the need for a sustainable management solution for sludge.

McAleer's Yard Expansion Approved Despite Local Objections

The Planning Applications Committee also approved a Section 73 application relating to McAleer's Yard McAleer's Yard, a waste recycling facility in Folkestone here. This decision allows for increased site throughputs, vehicle movements, and changes to operational hours, sparking concerns from residents and local councils.

  • The Proposal: G McAleer Contracts Limited G McAleer Contracts Limited sought to increase annual waste processing to 320,000 tonnes and permit overnight deliveries with up to 40 HGV movements per night.
  • Objections: Folkestone & Hythe District Council raised concerns about harm to residential amenities, while Folkestone Town Council objected due to drainage concerns.
  • Resident Concerns: Residents voiced fears about residential amenity, pedestrian safety, public health, air quality, traffic, noise, drainage, and environmental impacts.
  • Mitigation: The council imposed conditions to limit overnight vehicle movements to 60 working nights in any 90-day period and reimposed existing controls on noise and dust.
  • Councillor Prater's Plea: Liberal Democrat Councillor Tim Prater urged the committee to ban overnight deliveries, citing the impact on residents' sleep.
  • The Vote: Despite the objections, the committee approved the application, citing the need for the facility and the mitigation measures in place.

Northfleet Technology College Expansion Approved to Address Shortfall in School Places

The Planning Applications Committee approved an application for a new two-story teaching block at Northfleet Technology College Northfleet Technology College in Gravesend here. This expansion aims to address a shortfall of year 7 places in the Gravesham and Longfield planning group.

  • The Need: The Kent Commissioning Plan 2024/28 indicates a shortage of year 7 places in the area.
  • The Plan: The new block will accommodate a dining hall, engineering workshops, classrooms, and staff facilities.
  • Objections: One letter of objection raised concerns about increased traffic and anti-social behaviour.
  • Sport England's View: Sport England raised no objection, as the building would be located on land incapable of forming a formal playing pitch.
  • The Vote: The committee approved the application, citing the need for additional school places and the lack of material harm from the development.

County Council Discusses Member Allowances, Violence Against Women, and Blue Badges

The Kent County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including member allowances, violence against women and girls, and the Blue Badge system here.

  • Member Allowances: The council discussed a report on the Member Allowances Scheme (MAS), including recommendations from the Leader of the Council and a review from the Member Remuneration Panel (MRP).
  • Violence Against Women and Girls: Councillors proposed a motion for the council to develop a comprehensive Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy, including public awareness campaigns, bystander training, and promoting women's safety in planning applications.
  • Blue Badge System: Councillors proposed a motion to improve the council's Blue Badge system, requesting a report on waiting times and urging the government to abolish the three-year rule to support cancer patients and others with short-term mobility issues.
  • Corporate Parenting Panel: The council noted the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting, which discussed children and young people's views on corporate parenting responsibilities and areas for improvement.

Upcoming Meetings

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

  • An unknown committee will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 here.
  • The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 here.
  • The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 here.
  • The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 here.
  • The Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 here.
  • The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025 here.
  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 here.
  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Monday 14 July 2025 here.

Kent Jobs Plan, Business Centre Sale, Flood Risk Discussed

This week in Kent:

Job Support and Business Disposal Dominate Council Discussions

This week, Kent County Council committees tackled issues ranging from employment strategies to property disposals, with a focus on economic development and community well-being.

Get Kent & Medway Working Plan Aims to Boost Employment

The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee met on Tuesday to endorse the Get Kent & Medway Working Plan here, a government-funded initiative designed to address economic inactivity and skills gaps in the region.

  • The Goal: The plan aims to improve job opportunities, support local businesses, and grow the economy. Councillor Paul King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Coastal Regeneration, emphasized the plan's focus on helping people reach their potential.
  • The Challenge: Steve Samson, Head of Economy, highlighted that approximately 215,000 people in Kent and Medway may wish to work but face barriers such as caring responsibilities (affecting around 75,000 people) and mental health issues among young people.
  • Data Doubts: Councillor Mike Sole questioned the accuracy of employment rate data for different districts, particularly for Canterbury, which had the lowest rate. He raised concerns about factors like student populations and early retirement not being adequately considered.
  • Next Steps: Councillor Paul Thomas, chair of the committee, requested a costed scope of works and plan of action for future consideration.

Strategy to Help People With Health Conditions Stay in Work

The committee also endorsed the Integrated Work and Health Strategy for Kent and Medway here, a partnership with the NHS and Medway Council, designed to support people with long-term health conditions in accessing and staying in work.

  • Employer Support: The strategy aims to build employer confidence, provide skills and training, help individuals find job opportunities, and support a healthy workforce.
  • Small Business Focus: Mr. Samson noted that 90% of businesses in Kent and Medway employ fewer than nine people and often lack information about supporting their workforce.
  • Flexible Working Debate: Councillor Sole raised concerns about comments from Reform UK regarding flexible working. Councillor King responded that the strategy related more to health and wellbeing than directly to working from home.
  • Job Carving Explained: Councillor Paul Stepto asked for a definition of job carving [^1]. Mr. Samson explained that it involves shaping a job around an individual's skills and needs, while also meeting the needs of the employer. [^1]: Job carving is a strategy used in supported employment to create a customized job for an individual with disabilities or other barriers to employment. It involves restructuring existing job tasks to better match the individual's skills and abilities.

Old Rectory Business Centre Disposal Sparks Debate

The committee approved a recommendation to extend the management contract for the Old Rectory Business Centre in Northfleet here, while steps are taken to dispose of the site as a going concern.

  • Why Dispose? Councillor Connie Nolan questioned why the council was disposing of an income-generating asset and suggested exploring other options, such as asking the tenants if they wish to buy the enterprise.
  • Tenant Concerns: Councillor James Defriend asked if a covenant would be placed on the building to ensure it remains for its current use.
  • Compromise: The committee agreed to extend the contract for three months and undertake a procurement process for management services for a further 12 months, while also considering other options for the site's future.

Flood Risk Committee Discusses Weather Warnings and Emergency Response

The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee met to discuss flood risk and water management in Kent here.

  • Alerts and Warnings: The committee received an update on Environment Agency and Met Office warnings, as well as KCC's severe weather response activity.
  • Rainfall Deficit: The report highlighted that rainfall in England during April was only 51% of the long-term average, and soils in the central parts of south-east England were much drier than expected.
  • Incident Responses: The report detailed recent incident responses, including a thunderstorm and flash flooding in Dover, and concerns about increased demand on water supplies during a heatwave.
  • Future Presentations: The committee agreed to invite the Environment Agency and the Met Office to present at future meetings.

Other Matters

  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to discuss transport-related appeals here. Due to the nature of the appeals, the press and public were excluded from the meeting.
  • The Member Development Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled.
  • The Governance and Audit Committee met to discuss risk management, audit plans, counter fraud activity, and treasury management here. The committee noted that the corporate risk register contains 18 risks, 13 of which are rated as 'High'.

Upcoming Meetings

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

  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Monday 14 July 2025 here.
  • The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 here.
  • The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 here.
  • The Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 here.
  • An unknown committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 here.
  • The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 here.
  • The Planning Applications Committee will meet on Wednesday 09 July 2025 here.
  • The County Council will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025 here.
  • The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025 here.
  • The Adult Social Care Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025 here.

Kent Council: Finance Chief Appointment Still Secret

This week in Kent:

Finance Chief Appointment Still Shrouded in Secrecy

Following two closed-door meetings the previous week to interview candidates, the Personnel Committee - Member Appointment Panel met again on Wednesday, June 25th here to discuss an update from the Corporate Director of Finance.

  • Exclusion of Public: As with the prior meetings, this discussion was held in private, excluding the press and public. The reason cited was the need to protect confidential information under the Local Government Act 1972.
  • Why it matters: The Corporate Director of Finance plays a vital role in managing the council's budget and ensuring financial stability. The continued secrecy surrounding discussions about this role raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
  • What's next: The council has still not announced who has been appointed to the role.

Other Matters

  • The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th here was postponed.
  • The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 25th here was postponed.

Upcoming Meetings

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

  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 to discuss panel business and a number of appeals here.
  • The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 to discuss the Get Kent & Medway Working Plan, and the Integrated Work and Health Strategy for Kent & Medway here.
  • The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025 here.
  • The Governance and Audit Committee will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 here.

Kent Pension Fund Decisions Made Behind Closed Doors

This week in Kent:

ACCESS Committee Discusses Investment Strategy Behind Closed Doors

The ACCESS Joint Committee met on Monday, June 16th, 2025, to discuss the business plan, budget, and risk management, including updates on Project Castle1 and alternative assets. You can find the meeting details here.

  • Exclusion of Public: A significant portion of the meeting, including discussions on Project Castle, alternative assets, and investment performance, was held in private, excluding the press and public. This was justified under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of the press and public when the discussion involves the likely disclosure of exempt information.
  • Why it matters: These discussions involve significant financial decisions that impact the pension funds of local government employees. Holding these discussions in private limits transparency and public scrutiny of how these funds are managed.
  • Business Plan and Budget: The committee reviewed the Business Plan, Budget & Risk Summary report, noting a £209,179 overspend in 2024/25, mainly due to external professional costs.
  • Future Discussions: A review of the 2025/26 budget, totalling £13,309,633, was necessary, including considerations around cost-sharing, and these matters were expected to be brought to the next meeting in September.

Other Matters

  • An unknown committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 18 June 2025 here, but no video was provided.
  • The Regulation Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th here was cancelled.
  • The Personnel Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 19th here was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

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

  • The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 here.
  • The Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 here.
  • The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025 here.
  • The Governance and Audit Committee will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 here.
  • An unknown committee will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 here.
  • The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 here.

  1. Project Castle is a response to the government's consultation LGPS: Fit for the Future which commenced in 2024/25. 

Kent Schools Celebrated for Inclusive Religious Education

This week in Kent:

Schools Recognised for Inclusive Religious Education

The Kent Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, to discuss religious education in schools, including the WIRE Awards, RE advisor updates, and the Development Plan for 2024-25. You can find the meeting details here.

  • WIRE Awards: The WIRE Awards recognise schools' efforts to widen inclusion in religious education.
  • Ditton Infant School Ditton Infant School was recognised for activities such as attending an RE conference on Islam and a visit to St Peter's Church Ditton by year 1 pupils.
  • Lady Boswell's Primary School Lady Boswell's Primary School was recognised for activities such as attendance at SIAMS training[^1] by the RE co-ordinator and members of the leadership team and governors, and a visit to Rochester Cathedral by year 6 pupils. [^1]: SIAMS stands for Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools. It is a framework used to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of Church of England and Methodist schools.
  • Why it matters: These awards highlight the importance of inclusive religious education in fostering understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs among young people.

RE Advisor Update Focuses on Interfaith Week and National Curriculum Review

The RE advisor was scheduled to provide a verbal update on several key areas:

  • Interfaith Week: An update on Interfaith Week, including a reference to the Inter Faith Week Consultation Report by The Faith & Belief Forum[^2]. [^2]: The Faith & Belief Forum, formerly known as the Three Faiths Forum, is a non-profit organisation that promotes understanding and cooperation between people of different faiths and beliefs.
  • National Curriculum Review: An update on the curriculum review and RE's inclusion in a new National Curriculum, referencing the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report.
  • WIRE Awards: Wire Awards Submissions from Ditton Infant School and Lady Boswell's Primary School

Development Plan Aims to Improve RE Quality

The council was scheduled to discuss the Development Plan for 2024-25, which outlines the SACRE's key objectives and strategies. The plan prioritises advising the local authority on RE in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus1. Key areas of focus within the plan include:

  • Advice and Guidance for Teachers: Providing analysis of exam results, holding SACRE meetings, and advising the local authority on RE and collective worship matters.
  • CPD for Kent Schools: Continuing with local network groups and supporting collective worship in schools.
  • Monitoring Provision of RE: Encouraging teachers to use the Kelsi website[^4] and revisiting monitoring websites. [^4]: Kelsi (Kent Education Learning Skills Information) is Kent County Council's online platform providing information, resources, and services for education, learning, and skills development in Kent.
  • The WIRE Award: Encouraging schools to participate in the award and providing advice.
  • Management of SACRE: Raising the profile and status of Kent SACRE, ensuring membership reflects the diversity of religions and the teacher community, and providing training for members.
  • Support High Quality CPD: Advising the local authority to commission CPD, collaborating with dioceses, and collaborating with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and the Regional (NATRE) Hub.

Other Matters

  • The Planning Applications Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th here was cancelled.
  • The Governance and Audit Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 12th here was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

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

  • The ACCESS Joint Committee will meet on Monday, June 16th to discuss the ACCESS business plan, budget and risk summary, as well as updates on Project Castle and alternative assets here.
  • An unknown committee will meet on Wednesday, June 18th here.
  • The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 24th here.
  • The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 25th here.

  1. An Agreed Syllabus is a locally agreed framework for religious education (RE) in schools. It sets out what pupils should learn about different religions and beliefs. 

Recent meetings
Scrutiny Committee

Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Scrutiny Committee of Kent County Council was scheduled to meet on 16 July 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the improvement of adult social care services, updates on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the progress of local government efficiency initiatives. The committee was also expected to elect a vice-chair and review the work programme. The meeting was scheduled to take place at County Hall in Maidstone.

July 16, 2025
Committee

Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel met to discuss a range of issues, including the criminal justice system, how the public can contact Kent Police, and the Panel's annual report. The panel was also scheduled to discuss the Chief Constable's appointment and the work programme.

July 16, 2025
Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee

Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee were scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including post-16 transport policy, the removal of residential provision at a special school, and the allocation of a social care prevention grant. The meeting was also scheduled to include the election of a chair and vice-chair, and a review of the committee's work programme.

July 15, 2025
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, to discuss a range of topics, including general practice funding, winter planning, wellbeing support for NHS staff, and community service procurement. The committee was also scheduled to review the work programme and receive updates on urgent treatment centres.

July 15, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Monday, 14th July, 2025 9.30 am

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) meeting. The meeting was scheduled to discuss several transport-related appeals, with the press and public excluded due to the confidential nature of the information to be shared. The appeals involved information relating to individuals, which is exempt under the Local Government Act 1972[^1].

July 14, 2025
County Council

County Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 10.00 am

Kent County Council met on 10 July 2025, and among other business, members discussed local government reorganisation, violence against women and girls, and the blue badge system. They voted to approve a cut in member allowances, and reallocate the money to member grants.

July 10, 2025
Planning Applications Committee

Planning Applications Committee - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Planning Applications Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including amendments to waste management operations in Ashford and Folkestone, and an expansion project at Northfleet Technology College. The committee approved the expansion of Northfleet Technology College, and approved, with amendments, the application relating to Maclears Yard in Folkestone. They also approved the application relating to Ashford Wastewater Treatment works.

July 09, 2025
Adult Social Care Cabinet Committee

Adult Social Care and Public Health Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Adult Social Care and Public Health Cabinet Committee met to discuss several key issues, including the recommissioning of older persons' residential and nursing care, improvements to adult social care, public health service transformation, and strategies for work and health. The committee agreed to endorse recommendations for the cabinet member to approve the recommissioning of older persons residential and nursing care, public health service transformation, NHS health checks, sexual health services, and physical activity service for older people. They also approved and adopted the Kent and Medway Integrated Work and Health Strategy.

July 08, 2025
Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee

Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee convened to discuss the medium-term financial plan, performance metrics, and the disposal of surplus properties. The committee endorsed the disposal of a property in Dover, while a decision on the disposal of the Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre was delayed for further consideration.

July 08, 2025
Governance and Audit Committee

Governance and Audit Committee - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 10.00 am

The Governance and Audit Committee of Kent County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the external audit plans for both the council and its pension fund, the corporate risk register, and updates on counter-fraud measures and internal audits. Councillor Michael Brown was elected as chair, and Councillor Martin Paul as vice-chair of the committee.

July 03, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee

Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 2.00 pm

July 17, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 10.00 am

July 22, 2025

Kent Community Safety Partnership - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 10.00 am

July 23, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 10.00 am

July 23, 2025
Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport)

Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) - Thursday, 31st July, 2025 10.00 am

July 31, 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