The Cabinet meeting on Thursday 1 October 2026 focused on reviewing the council's financial performance and operational progress. Key discussions included an overspend in Children, Young People and Education, a significant underspend in the capital programme, and a detailed examination of various departmental updates covering adult social care, environment, public health, economic development, education, highways, and local government efficiency. The meeting also addressed the quarterly performance report, highlighting areas of success and concern across 42 key performance indicators.

Cabinet Member Updates

Cabinet members provided updates on their respective portfolios, covering a wide range of council activities and achievements.

Adult Social Care and Health

Georgia Foster, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, highlighted a visit to Hedro's Short Break Centre in Staplehurst, which provides respite care for adults with learning disabilities. She also reported on the community equipment service provider, Medequip, and its recycling programme. Foster encouraged councillors to promote the council's Kent Connect to Support website and the Know How to Start campaign, aimed at helping residents access support. She also mentioned the ongoing big conversation on care, launched by Baroness Casey, and confirmed the successful completion of the procurement phase for older persons' residential and nursing services, with new contractual arrangements expected to be operational by January.

Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health

Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, reported a significant increase in food waste recycling across Kent, leading to substantial savings in disposal costs. He noted that two Kent projects had been shortlisted for Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee Awards. Henderson also highlighted the reopening of the Reuse Shop at New Romney Household Waste Recycling Centre and the launch of the new Kent Community Waste Prevention Fund. On waste crime, partners are developing a shared action plan following Kent's first county-wide fly-tipping conference.

In terms of nature and well-being, the Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund has awarded funding to 23 projects supporting mental health and well-being through nature-based activities. Improvements are also being made to access country parks, with funding secured for two more changing places toilets. Henderson also mentioned funding secured to support the recovery of the threatened dusky lemon salamoth and the upcoming inaugural Kent Water Resilience Partnership meeting. He concluded by celebrating the completion of the £42 million Live Flood Defence and Hillenborough Embankment Upgrade Scheme.

Communities and Regulatory Services

Richard Palmer, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, reported on the reduction in styles on public rights of way, improving accessibility. Trading Standards had a successful joint operation with Kent Police, seizing over 10,000 counterfeit and unsafe products, including vapes and toys, in Canterbury. Operation Adopt saw a court order for £30,000 to be paid to a fraud victim. The team has prevented £127,000 in losses from scams and trained 169 KCC staff in identifying them. Palmer also highlighted the Chief Executive of the Office for Product Safety and Standards' visit to the ports team to advocate for proper facilities and sustainable funding for border security. He noted a corrosive campaign advising businesses to be careful about selling certain products due to an increase in acid assaults nationally. Community safety wardens play a vital role in supporting vulnerable residents, preventing hospital admissions and reducing costs to the council. The library service saw over 16,000 children participate in the summer reading scheme, with high customer satisfaction. The new library in Folkestone and community learning centre has seen significant increases in visits and book issues. Palmer also mentioned the Forever Active Kent initiative, investing £140,000 to help older people stay active and independent. He also noted the upcoming Hillsborough Law and its potential impact on the coroner's service. A tribute was paid to Giles Barnard, a community warden who passed away in July.

Economic Development and Special Projects

David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, reported encouraging results from the first year of Skills Bootcamps, with 76% of learners achieving positive outcomes, exceeding the national average. He announced the securing of an additional £670,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide more construction training places. The latest Local Skills Improvement Plan for Kent and Medway has been launched, focusing on key sectors. Wimble also detailed work with Medway Council on a new NEAT task force for young people not in education, employment, or training, in response to the Milburn Review. The No Use Empty programme has provided finance for three commercial schemes, delivering 79 new business units. Visit Kent and Invest Kent services have seen the appointment of Sarah Roots as non-executive chair of Growing Kent. The Kentish Wine Way campaign is live, promoting Kent's vineyards and wider tourism offer. The Kent and Medway Business Fund has now loaned over £5 million to local businesses. Work continues on Kent and Medway's new 10-year local growth plan, focusing on sectors like ports and logistics, digital technology, and agritech. Wimble also highlighted the campaign for the restoration of international rail services to Kent and announced significant announcements from potential operators, These FS Group and Virgin Trains. He also mentioned ongoing work with the Straits Committee for economic collaboration and welcomed a delegation from Zealand in the Netherlands. Wimble concluded by noting that several districts and borough councils are consulting on local plans, and KCC supports Sevenoaks District Council's move from the Community Infrastructure Levy towards Section 106 agreements for development.

Education and Skills

Beverley Fordham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, discussed the Ofsted inspection outcomes, acknowledging both improvements and areas for further work. She highlighted the implementation of the VITA tool to improve the timeliness, consistency, and quality assurance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Fordham reflected on the lengthy governance process for VITA and suggested a more streamlined approach for future initiatives. She also addressed the government's SEND reform proposals, noting that KCC had submitted a draft plan despite challenges. Fordham emphasised the need for KCC to ensure its own processes are fit for purpose while awaiting national reform. She expressed encouragement from the commitment and passion seen across the sector and highlighted visits to specialist resource provisions, including Richmond School, Laysdown Primary School, and Curleys Farm. Fordham also visited an Olive Academy pupil referral unit in Tunbridge Wells, stressing the importance of these units for disengaged young people and the developing relationships between pupil referral units, alternative provision settings, and mainstream schools.

Integrated Children's Services

Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services, provided an update on visits to Connor House and Aspen Lodge, completing his programme of visits to all UASC reception centres. He reported on the success of the Virtual School Kent Post-16 Awards Celebration, recognising the achievements of children in care and care leavers. Webb highlighted the opening of Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub, bringing together libraries and family support services, and the subsequent reopening of Queenborough Library and Family Hub after refurbishment. He also attended a Kent Association of Foster Carers summer event and the Kent Young Carers summer activities event. Webb visited KCC's second new children's home in Ashford, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality homes and care within Kent. Finally, he attended the launch of the Kent Family Hub Communication Boards in Ashford, which help children communicate, play, and connect.

Highways and Transport

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, reported a busy and successful summer for transport and highway services. Public transport teams supported over 10,000 pupils with home-to-school transport and over 20,000 young people with the Kent Travel Savers Scheme. Promotional offers for bus users included discounted fares and free travel initiatives. On the highway side, strong partnership working ensured a smooth summer getaway, with robust traffic management plans implemented to manage potential congestion. Operation Brock was stood down earlier than anticipated, and contingency sites were not required. Osborne highlighted the successful submission and publication of Kent County Council's Highway Assets team's work this financial year. Preparations for winter services are well advanced, with the winter service operating from November to April. He also mentioned ongoing work to identify options for reopening Galley Hill Road and measures to alleviate traffic congestion in the surrounding area, with a funding bid submitted to the Department for Transport Structures Fund. Osborne confirmed the embedding of the new highways term maintenance contract with Wingway and the nearing completion of the high-speed road maintenance programme. He announced that Stuart Fowler, Road Safety Intelligence and Innovations Team Leader, has been shortlisted for a National Highways Champion Award.

Local Government Efficiency and Local Government Reorganisation

Chris Hess, Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency and Local Government Reorganisation, provided an update on local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. He reported on a briefing held for Kent's MPs regarding LGR and devolution, and KCC's continued efforts to press the government for clarity on the process and implications of the LGR decision. Hess noted that Reform UK has submitted a letter to the government to claim costs incurred by councils on LGR. He stated that the minister confirmed the government's commitment to LGR and a preference for local solutions, but also indicated a willingness to make decisions where needed. Hess also mentioned that the government would not be taking on legacy debts from local authorities. Regarding devolution, the government has welcomed KCC's letter seeking progress, paving the way for dialogue to ensure a workable solution by the end of 2028. Hess highlighted the ongoing work on efficiencies, including star chambers led by the section 151 officer and chief executive, and another exercise looking at the delivery of savings. He also mentioned ongoing reviews and investigations, including work to ensure KCC receives all services it pays for from providers.

Public Health

Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, provided an update on public health campaigns and awareness weeks. He highlighted World Suicide Prevention Day and Kent and Medway's new suicide and self-harm prevention strategy, encouraging residents to seek support and promoting the Release the Pressure helpline and safe havens. Henderson also covered Know Your Numbers Week, emphasizing the importance of checking blood pressure, and Sexual Health Awareness Week, promoting free and confidential services. He announced the upcoming UK's annual Stop Smoking campaign, Stoptober, and detailed the health and financial benefits of quitting. Henderson urged eligible residents to book their flu jab early and reminded parents to check their children have had both doses of the MMR vaccination, as rates remain below the WHO recommended level.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report – Quarter 1 2026-27

Brian Collins, Deputy Leader of the Council, presented the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report for Quarter 1 of 2026-27. The report indicated a forecast revenue overspend of £21.4 million, representing 1.3% of the overall budget. The most significant overspend was in Children, Young People and Education (£13 million), primarily due to placements for looked-after children. Adult Social Care and Health also showed an overspend of £9.1 million due to anticipated savings not being delivered and other service pressures. The capital forecast outturn position was a £32 million underspend against budget, largely due to re-phasing of projects. Collins noted that early indications for the period up to month five were positive, suggesting a downturn in the overspend. Cabinet was asked to note the forecast outturn position, agree revenue cash limit adjustments, and agree subsequent revenue and capital cash limit adjustments.

Quarterly Performance Report – Quarter 1 2026-2027

Matthew Wagner, Chief Analyst, presented the Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 1 of 2026-27. Out of 42 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), 19 were rated Green (target achieved or exceeded), 13 were Amber (floor standard achieved but target not met), and 10 were Red (floor standard not achieved). Six indicators showed a positive trend, while three showed a negative trend. The Red KPIs were spread across Customer Services, Governance and Law, Environment and Transport, Children, Young People and Education, Adult Social Care, and Public Health. Wagner detailed specific areas of concern, including complaint response times, FOI and DPA requests, emergency highway incidents, EHCP reviews, independent school placements for pupils with EHCPs, older people's admission to residential care, KCC-supported people in Good or Outstanding care homes, and NHS Health Checks. He also highlighted positive achievements, such as high call answer rates, significant savings achieved by the Commercial and Procurement Division, a high percentage of contracts with SMEs/VCSEs/Kent-based businesses, substantial developer contributions secured, and a high percentage of functioning streetlights.

Decisions Made

• Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report – Quarter 1 2026-27: Cabinet agreed to note the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2026-27, agree the revenue cash limit adjustments in 2026-27 to update the base budget position, and agree the subsequent revenue and capital cash limit adjustments.
• Quarterly Performance Report – Quarter 1 2026-2027: Cabinet noted the Quarter 1 Performance Report and the actions being taken to address areas where performance is not as targeted.