Brian Black

County Council - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 10.00 am

Kent County Council met on 18 September 2025, for its third meeting of the Reform Administration, during which councillors debated a range of issues, including the council's strategic direction, environmental policies, and senior management structure. A key decision was made to rescind the council's climate emergency declaration, a move that sparked considerable debate. The meeting also saw discussions on improving services, managing the council's finances, and responding to urgent needs within the community.

Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 11th September, 2025 10.00 am

The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the Kent and Medway Business Fund, infrastructure, and community safety. The committee agreed to endorse a proposal to allocate up to £6 million from the Kent and Medway Business Loan Fund to the No Use Empty Commercial scheme, and also agreed to reallocate Getting Building Funding to the A249 Bearsted Road Project. The committee also noted updates on infrastructure projects, the Active Kent and Medway programme, and the work of the Community Protection team.

Planning Applications Committee - Wednesday, 13th August, 2025 10.00 am

Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Cabinet Committee met to discuss and consider the KCC Options Appraisal and Criteria Assessment of Current Local Government Reorganisation Options, and to note the commitment from Kent County Council (KCC) to fully take part in the process to develop a shared options appraisal with partners. The committee also noted the commitment to bringing future papers to the committee and cabinet as the work progresses to inform the development of KCC's policy position and next steps. During the meeting, members raised concerns about public consultation, the financial implications of the proposals, and the potential impact on different areas within Kent.

County Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 10.00 am

Kent County Council met on 10 July 2025, and among other business, members discussed local government reorganisation, violence against women and girls, and the blue badge system. They voted to approve a cut in member allowances, and reallocate the money to member grants.