The County Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 19 March 2026, with a key item on the agenda being the consideration of the council's revenue budget and capital programme for the upcoming years. Other significant discussions are expected to include the Treasury Management Mid-Year Update and the Pay Policy Statement.

Revenue Budget and Capital Programme 2026-36

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to the council's financial planning, with a focus on the revenue budget for 2026-27, the medium-term financial plan for 2026-29, and the capital programme for 2026-36. This includes proposals for a 3.99% increase in Council Tax band rates, aiming to raise £1,041,352,757 through precepts on districts. The report pack outlines various policies and strategies to be considered, including the Reserves Policy, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Capital Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement. The council will also consider proposals for the transition of staff to a new pay structure and adjustments to the Kent Pay Scheme pay scales. The report pack highlights ongoing and escalating cost pressures on the Council's budget alongside insufficient funding in the multiyear local government finance settlement, necessitating savings and income generation. It also notes concerns about the rate of drawdown from reserves, emphasizing the need to maintain reserves ahead of decisions on Local Government Reorganisation.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Update 2025/26

The council is set to receive an update on its treasury management activities up to the end of September 2025. This report, which has already been noted by the Governance and Audit Committee, provides an overview of borrowing and investment activities, as well as the external economic context. The report details the council's exposure to financial risks, including the loss of invested funds and the impact of changing interest rates, and outlines the treasury risk management framework in line with CIPFA's Code of Practice. The economic commentary highlights a mixed economic picture with a 0.3% pick up in GDP in the first quarter of 2025/26, but also notes concerns about inflation and the impact of tax rises on business growth. The report also details the council's borrowing and investment positions, including the types of instruments used and their performance.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The meeting agenda includes the consideration of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, as required by the Localism Act 2011. This statement addresses the level and elements of remuneration for chief officers, including recruitment, increases, and performance-related pay. The report indicates that the County Council has agreed to a pay award of at least 3.8% for all employees, with a minimum salary of £13.56 per hour, which is above both the National Living Wage and the Voluntary Living Wage. The policy outlines a performance assessment process for progression within grades, with the potential for the annual pay award to be withheld if performance is not met. The council also operates a Market Premium Policy to attract and retain staff in competitive recruitment markets. The current pay multiple for KCC, excluding schools, is reported as 8.1:1.

Corporate Parenting Panel Minutes

The council is also scheduled to note the minutes from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 9 December 2025. These minutes cover discussions on the Participation Team update, a verbal update from the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services, the Looked after Children's Integrated Care Board Annual Report, and the Kent Youth Justice and Children in Care Annual Report. The minutes highlight the work being done to support looked-after children and young people, including efforts to avoid criminalising them and to provide tailored interventions. The Corporate Parenting Annual Report was also presented, noting the success of fundraising activities.

Chairman's Announcements and County Council Questions

The meeting will also include Chairman's Announcements and a session for County Council Questions, providing an opportunity for members to raise matters of importance.