Kent County Council (KCC) met to discuss local government reorganisation, the council's strategic direction, and pressing issues such as social care funding and NHS pressures. The council approved its strategic statement, Reforming Kent 2025-2028, and debated a motion on the NHS and social care crisis, but did not vote on KCC's strategic business case for local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics:

• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway
  • The council discussed KCC's draft strategic business case for LGR in Kent and Medway, which proposes a single unitary authority with three area assemblies.
  • The leader of KCC has been advised 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.
  • The key reasons for supporting a single unitary are financial viability, disaggregation risks, Kent's unique geography, disparities in deprivation, legacy debt and local identity.
  • The council also considered the views of residents and stakeholders on LGR, as gathered through a public survey.
  • Some councillors voiced concerns about the single unitary model, arguing that it would be too large and remote, and that it would not support devolution.
  • Other councillors supported the single unitary model, arguing that it would be the most financially sustainable option, and that it would protect essential services.
  • No vote was taken on the strategic business case.
• Reforming Kent 2025-2028
  • The council approved the strategic statement, Reforming Kent 2025-2028.
  • The strategy sets out the council's aims and objectives for the next three years, focusing on putting Kent residents first, reforming KCC, supporting residents who need help, and building better communities.
  • Some councillors criticised the strategy as being too political and partisan.
  • Other councillors supported the strategy, arguing that it provided a clear direction for the council.
• NHS and Social Care Crisis
  • The council debated a motion on the NHS and social care crisis, proposed by Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, and seconded by Councillor Antony Hook.
  • The motion called for KCC to work with relevant partners to form an independently chaired cross-party Health and Social Care Kent improvement board to urgently address issues in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, the budget, and the departure of the Director of Adult Social Care (DASS).
  • The motion also called for the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care to write to the Secretary of State to confirm the council's support of joint working, call for the establishment of a national cross-party commission dedicated to forging a long-term agreement on a predictable and consistent funding model for free personal care, and support the introduction of an Emergency Health and Care Budget ahead of the Autumn Statement, prioritising the resolution of the national crisis and placing it at the forefront of the new government's agenda.
  • Some councillors criticised the motion as being too political and for overlooking the progress the Labour government has already made since taking office.
  • Other councillors supported the motion, arguing that it was important to address the challenges facing the NHS and social care system.
  • The motion was not put to a vote.
• External Audit Annual Report
  • The council received the external audit annual report from Grant Thornton, relating to the financial year 2024-25.
  • The report highlighted significant weaknesses in financial sustainability, particularly in adult social care.
  • The report also urged the council to make decisions based on long-term sustainability, not short-term convenience.
  • Some councillors expressed concern about the administration's engagement with the governance and audit process.
  • Other councillors thanked the finance officers and the auditors for their work.
• Other Matters Discussed
  • The council also discussed a range of other issues, including migrant workers in Kent's social care sector, roadworks, education, health and care plans, primary school breakfast clubs, electric car charging, and council tax.
  • Councillor Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, gave a report on events since the last meeting.
  • The council also considered motions for time-limited debate on treasury management.

Appendix

Nolan principles are a code of conduct for people in public service. The principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Section 106 contributions are agreements linked to planning permissions, used to fund community infrastructure. Nutrient neutrality is an approach to ensure that new developments do not add to pollution of protected sites. BS 7671 is the UK standard for electrical installations. Local government reorganisation is the restructuring of local authorities. Local plans set out a vision and a framework for the future development of an area. Section 75 agreements are a mechanism for NHS bodies and local authorities to work together. SEND is special educational needs and disability. EHCP is an education, health and care plan. LTP5 is the Local Transport Plan for Kent. DEI is diversity, equity and inclusion. HMO is a house in multiple occupation. LGRC is local government reorganisation. 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