The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee met on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, to discuss a range of economic development initiatives, skills and employment opportunities, and the region's energy strategy. Key decisions included the endorsement of a significant loan for the No Use Empty scheme and the reallocation of funding for the A249 Bearsted Road Project. The committee also received updates on the Kent and Medway Economic Framework, the Regional Energy Strategic Plan, and the reinstatement of a Visitor Economy and Inward Investment Service.

KMEF Ambition 2: Widen Opportunities and Unlock Talent

The committee received an update on the progress of Ambition 2 of the Kent and Medway Economic Framework (KMEF), which focuses on widening opportunities and unlocking talent. This ambition is being pursued through several key initiatives:

• Kent & Medway Employment Task Force (ETF): Established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ETF coordinates recovery efforts and addresses employment and skills challenges. Recent activities include securing employment opportunities from the Lower Thames Crossing project and championing apprenticeships. The ETF has also agreed to establish an apprenticeships task and finish group to simplify access to information and connect employers with potential apprentices.
• Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP): Led by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the LSIP aims to address skills gaps and drive economic growth by influencing skills development based on employer needs. The current phase is focusing on gathering intelligence and analysing data for a new three-year plan.
• Get Kent & Medway Working Plan: This plan, developed collaboratively by KCC, Medway Council, Jobcentre Plus, and the Integrated Care Board, focuses on health, work, and skills. It identifies key labour market challenges, such as the high number of carers and individuals with long-term sickness or disability, and aims to tackle barriers to employment.
• Skills Bootcamps: KCC is delivering a programme of intensive, flexible training courses designed to equip adults with in-demand technical skills. The programme, funded by the Department for Education, is delivering courses across six key sectors, with a focus on construction and social care. As of October 2025, over 200 learners had enrolled, with a guaranteed job interview or enhanced role offered upon completion.
• Connect to Work Programme: This DWP-funded supported employment programme aims to help individuals with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or other disadvantages to find and retain employment. KCC is the accountable body for the programme, which has already seen 305 participants start and 11 individuals secure employment. An additional £400,000 has been allocated to support more participants.

Regional Energy Strategic Plan

The committee discussed the Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) and the transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (tRESP), which are crucial for achieving the UK's Clean Power 2030 targets. The South East region, which includes Kent, faces significant challenges in meeting future energy demand due to increasing electrification of transport and heating, and a current reliance on importing energy.

• Demand Increases: Projections show a substantial rise in demand for electricity due to the widespread adoption of domestic heat pumps and electric vehicles.
• Supply Challenges: While the South East is on track to meet its solar capacity targets, there is a notable lack of planned onshore wind generation. Battery storage capacity is expected to grow significantly.
• KCC's Role: Kent County Council (KCC) is set to play a key role in shaping the energy system in the South East. From 2026-2027, KCC will work with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to identify strategic investment needs. From 2028 onwards, KCC will have a more central role on the strategic board for the South East RESP, with sign-off powers for the final plans.
• tRESP Draft Outputs: The draft tRESP for the South East region was presented, highlighting areas of concern regarding fuel poverty in coastal areas of Kent. Notably, the Port of Dover was absent from the identified strategic investment sites, despite the inclusion of Southampton Port. KCC expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the exclusion of their submitted data in the draft tRESP.

Decisions Taken Between Cabinet Committee Meetings

The committee noted that decision 25/00084 was taken between meetings to reinstate a Visitor Economy and Inward Investment Service for Kent & Medway. This decision was deemed urgent due to the closure of Visit Kent and Locate in Kent, which had created a significant gap in the region's business support landscape. The reinstatement of these services is considered crucial for restoring business confidence, attracting investment, and supporting the local economy, which is worth £4 billion GVA and employs 75,000 people.

No Use Empty (NUE) Scheme Loan

The committee endorsed the decision to make up to £6 million available from the Kent & Medway Business Loan Fund (KMBF) for the No Use Empty (NUE) scheme. This funding will support specific NUE Commercial projects aimed at bringing long-term empty properties back into use, generating income through interest payments and providing wider economic and employment opportunities. The NUE scheme has a strong track record, with a very low default rate since its inception.

Reallocation of Getting Building Funding

The committee endorsed the reallocation of £300,000 of Getting Building Fund (GBF) money from the Maidstone Business Suite Phase 2 project to the A249 Bearsted Road Project. This reallocation is necessary due to unforeseen delays with the Maidstone Business Suite Phase 2 project.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee noted the work programme for the upcoming year, which includes regular updates on performance, KMEF ambitions, and key decision items such as the final draft budget and various funding schemes.