The Selection and Member Services Committee of Kent Council met on Thursday, 5th March 2026, approving the proposed county scale of election fees and expenses for 2026-27. The committee also reviewed the conduct of the 2025 election, noting outstanding statutory expense declarations from some candidates, and received an update on outside bodies.

Election Fees and Expenses for 2026-27

The committee approved the proposed county scale of election fees and expenses for the 2026-27 financial year. This scale, which is reviewed annually, aligns with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's (MHCLG) pay banding system for election staff. Some specific roles, such as Poll Clerks and Presiding Officers, have their fees capped at the midpoint of the pay band for single elections to manage costs. The scale also excludes reimbursement for bookkeeping costs, a decision previously made by the council. The Deputy Returning Officer costs have been updated by 3.8%, reflecting the general increase in pay grades for the 2026-27 Kent Pay Scheme.

2025 Election Review

The committee reviewed the conduct of the 2025 election, with a particular focus on the submission of statutory expense declarations by candidates. While the overall election was described as a team effort and a smooth election by attendees, it was noted that 16 out of 417 spending returns were incomplete or outstanding. This was compared to the previous election where six returns were outstanding. Councillor Andrew Kennedy expressed concern about the follow-up process for these outstanding declarations, stating, I'd be disappointed if we were as lenient this time as we were four years ago. The committee agreed to refer the matter for an update at the next meeting, acknowledging that the role of the returning officer in relation to these declarations is a legal matter. The report also highlighted the considerable work undertaken by staff across Kent County Council and its district and borough partners in delivering the election, with particular thanks extended to the Deputy Returning Officers.

Outside Bodies Update

An update was provided on the representation of Kent County Council (KCC) on various outside bodies. The committee noted that there had been some vacancies on these organisations, meaning KCC had been without a representative for several months. The committee was informed that an update on the number of vacancies still needing to be filled would be provided at the next meeting.