This week in Kent:

Council Mulls Reorganisation Amid Debt Concerns and Public Skepticism

Kent County Council's Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Cabinet Committee met this week to discuss the potential restructuring of local government, a move that has sparked debate over financial viability and public engagement.

Options on the Table: From Three Unitaries to a Hybrid Seven

The committee considered a range of options for local government reorganisation (LGR), including:

• Three unitary authorities (North, East, West)
• Four unitary authorities (North, East, South, West)
• Two unitary authorities (East, West)
• One unitary authority covering all of Kent and Medway

Councillor Christopher Hespe proposed a Hybrid Seven model, combining elements of Options One and Six, with one unitary authority operating through three divisions. The Leader of Kent County Council expressed interest in exploring this option.

Public Consultation: A Missing Piece?

Councillor Maxine Fothergill voiced strong concerns about the lack of public consultation on LGR, questioning whether any decision should proceed without clear public awareness and consent.

Mr. David Whittle, Director of Strategy, Policy, Relationships and Corporate Assurance, acknowledged the limited public engagement to date, partly due to the elections and the tight timeframe. He noted that the government intends to conduct consultation after the 28 November deadline.

Financial Implications: Debt and Deprivation

The committee also grappled with the financial implications of LGR, particularly for areas of deprivation.

Councillor Paul Chamberlain raised concerns about how LGR might affect areas of deprivation, particularly in North Kent. Mr. Whittle responded that the government assumes that unitarisation will enable councils to better address community challenges and service delivery in local areas.

Councillor Harry Rayner questioned the financial aspects of the proposals, including the difference in schedule for authorities in the devolution priority programme and those not in the DPP, and who approved spending with KPMG.

Mr. Whittle clarified that there is no difference in the timetable for LGR between DPP and non-DPP areas, and that the spending with KPMG was from a specific government grant, with the decision made collectively by Kent council leaders.

A County Divided? Concerns Over East Kent's Future

Several councillors expressed concerns about the potential impact of LGR on East Kent, citing existing disparities in wealth and service demand.

Councillor Jamie Henderson asked how the debt would be shared out equally, and for the officers' top five concerns. Mr. Whittle responded that the debt would have to be agreed on an equal basis, and that the top concerns were the disparity between different parts of the county, Kent's unique position as a major border with Europe, and the lack of a cross-county vehicle for service design.

What's Next?

The committee agreed to note the report and the various concerns raised by members, with a commitment to bring future papers to the committee as the work progresses.

Standards Committee to Revise Code of Conduct Complaint Process

The Standards Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss revisions to the arrangements for dealing with code of conduct complaints, and to appoint a hearing panel.

Anonymous Complaints Under Scrutiny

The committee was scheduled to discuss whether to accept anonymous complaints, with the Local Government Association (LGA) guidance suggesting they should not normally be allowed.

Hearing Panel Appointment

The Standards Committee was also scheduled to appoint a Hearing Panel to address complaints against Members that have reached the stage where a formal investigation has been completed.

Transport Appeals Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to address nine transport-related appeals. The press and public were excluded from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Friday 15 August 2025 to discuss panel business and a number of appeals here.

This week in Kent:

Council Grapples with Overspending and Performance Lags

Kent County Council faced tough questions this week as committees addressed financial shortfalls and service delivery challenges.

£20.2 Million Overspend Forces Draw on Reserves

The Cabinet met on Tuesday to address a £20.2 million overspend for the 2024-25 financial year here, primarily driven by pressures in adult social care and health.

• Adult Social Care Crisis: Adult social care and health accounted for £46.4 million of the overspend, reflecting a national trend, according to Councillor Brian Collins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member responsible for finance.
• Schools' Deficit Soars: Schools' delegated budgets overspent by £30.3 million due to rising demand for special educational needs provision, pushing the council's dedicated school grant deficit to £97.5 million.
• Reserves Dwindling: The Cabinet agreed to draw from the general fund reserves to cover the overspend, raising concerns about the long-term financial stability of the council.
• Capital Project Delays: A significant £185 million of the approved capital budget was re-phased into future years due to project delays, impacting planned infrastructure improvements.

Performance Report Reveals Service Delivery Shortcomings

The Cabinet also reviewed the quarter four performance report here, highlighting areas where the council is failing to meet targets.

• Customer Service Failures: The percentage of complaints responded to within timescale fell below the floor standard, indicating a decline in customer service responsiveness.
• Information Access Delays: Freedom of Information Act requests and subject access requests under the Data Protection Act are not being completed within statutory timescales, hindering transparency and accountability.
• Children's Services Struggles: Education and health and care plans are not being issued within 20 weeks, and a high percentage of pupils with HCPs are being placed in independent or out-of-county special schools, impacting vulnerable children and their families.
• Social Worker Shortages: The percentage of case-holding posts filled by permanent qualified social workers remains below the floor standard, potentially affecting the quality of care provided to vulnerable children.
• Foster Care Challenges: The percentage of foster care placements with in-house carers or relatives is below target, excluding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, highlighting the need for more foster families.
• Adult Social Care Delays: New care assessments are not being delivered within 28 days, and a concerning percentage of KCC-supported people in residential and nursing care are in facilities with less than good [^12] ratings from the Care Quality Commission, raising concerns about the quality of care for vulnerable adults.

Community Safety Partnership Focuses on Key Priorities

The Kent Community Safety Partnership (KCSP) met to discuss community safety issues and review its terms of reference here.

• Key Priorities: The KCSP is responsible for addressing community safety issues by coordinating the work of countywide 'responsible authorities' and other partner agencies to tackle identified priorities and deliver safer and stronger communities.
• Community Safety Agreement: The KCSP was scheduled to discuss the refreshed Kent Community Safety Agreement (CSA), which outlines the key community safety priorities for the county and the cross-cutting themes that support them.
• Funding Allocation: The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has allocated £39,661 to the KCSP for 2025/26. A third of the funding (£13,221) has been allocated to a Tactical Pot for in-year spending, with the remaining two-thirds (£26,440) available for upfront project spend.

Other Matters

• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to discuss several appeals here. The press and public were excluded due to the confidential nature of the information.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Standards Committee will meet on Thursday 31 July 2025 to discuss revisions to the handling of code of conduct complaints, and to appoint a hearing panel here.
• The Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee will meet on Monday 28 July 2025 to discuss and consider a KCC options appraisal and criteria assessment of current Local Government Reorganisation options here.
• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Thursday 31 July 2025 to discuss panel business and a number of appeals here.

This week in Kent:

Ferry Petition and Social Care Funding in Focus

Kent County Council committees addressed a range of pressing issues this week, from reinstating vital transport links to tackling funding challenges in social care.

Gravesend-Tilbury Ferry Petition Gains Traction Amid Transport Concerns

The Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee met on Thursday to discuss a petition to reinstate the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry service here, highlighting the importance of this transport link for local communities.

• The Petition: With over 2,400 signatures, the petition calls for the reinstatement of the ferry service, which was an essential and convenient way for people to travel between Gravesend and Tilbury.
• Petitioner's Plea: Lead petitioner Rebecca Drake Hopkins stated that the ferry was used for more than 100,000 passenger journeys per year, with many relying on it to access essential services like doctors, hospitals, and food shopping.
• Council's Position: Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, and Simon Jones, Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport, acknowledged the significant local and political interest in reinstating the service.
• Thames Estuary Growth Board Involvement: The Thames Estuary Growth Board has convened a working group to explore opportunities to reinstate the service.

Health Committee Examines General Practice Funding Crisis

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday to discuss the complexities of general practice funding, focusing on the Carr-Hill formula, with a presentation from Dr Caroline Ricard, Medical Director of the Kent Local Medical Committee here.

• Carr-Hill Formula: The Carr-Hill formula is used to calculate the global sum, a main source of income for general practices. It adjusts funding based on factors like patient age, sex, and additional needs, but it has been criticised for not adequately adjusting for deprivation.
• Funding Disparities: Dr Ricard explained that practices in the most deprived areas receive approximately 9.8% less funding than those in the least deprived areas.
• GP Shortages: The number of GPs has not kept pace with the increasing population in Kent and Medway, with an average of one full-time equivalent GP to 2,702 patients, and even greater in Medway and Swale, where the ratio is 1:3,833.
• Call for Action: Mr Stuart Jeffery described the situation as a damning indictment on 15 years of austerity and suggested that the committee ask the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to report on the Fuller report[^1] and its progress across Kent. [^1]: The Fuller report likely refers to the work of Claire Fuller, the chief executive of the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, who has written about integrating primary care.

Post-16 Transport Policy Changes Endorsed Amid Concerns for Vulnerable Learners

The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee endorsed the proposed decision on the post-16 transport policy statement here, including post-19 transport for 2026-27.

• Personal Transport Budgets: The proposal involves providing a Personal Transport Budget (PTB) to most learners who qualify for additional support from Kent County Council (KCC) to facilitate their travel to their place of education.
• Financial Pressures: Craig Chapman, Head of Fair Access, explained that Kent has continued to provide free transport to around 1,500 learners, but there has been a 75% increase in the number of qualifying young adults and a 40% increase in the average cost of transport per pupil since 2018. This has increased the overall spend to over £10 million per year.
• Concerns Raised: Paul Stepto questioned whether the new arrangements could lead to more taxis on the road and increased prices. Mr Chapman acknowledged this potential but said that the proposals were about facilitating alternatives.
• Mixed Response: The consultation on the proposals received a mixed response, with 34% agreement and 56% disagreement for the PTB change, and 24% support against 63% disagreement for the 19-plus space.

Broomhill Bank School Residential Provision to End

The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee agreed to the removal of residential provision from Broomhill Bank School North here, effective September 2025.

• Financial Considerations: Beverley Fordham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, explained that the current daytime provision costs about £20,500 per student, while residential provision costs around £62,000. Maintaining the residential department, even without placements, costs a minimum of £480,000 per annum.
• Quality of Provision: Christine McInnes, Director of Education, clarified that the decision was not a reflection of the quality of provision, which is high quality, but a consequence of applying strict criteria to children placed in residential provision.
• Increased Capacity: The proposal aims to use the extra capacity to widen participation from local children who require support.

Other Matters

• 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 here.
• The Scrutiny Committee met 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 here.
• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) met to discuss several transport-related appeals here. The press and public were excluded due to the confidential nature of the information.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss the 2024-25 financial outturn, performance in the fourth quarter of that year, and the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan here.
• The Kent Community Safety Partnership (KCSP) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss the Kent Community Safety Agreement, updates from the KCSP working group, and a review of the partnership's terms of reference here.
• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss several appeals here.
• The Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee will meet on Monday 28 July 2025 here.
• The Regulation Committee Appeal Panel (Transport) will meet on Thursday 31 July 2025 here.

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.