Agenda and minutes

The meeting started with a reading of the Lord’s Prayer, led by Reverend Canon Peter Bruinvels CC.

The Head of Democratic Services reported apologies from Mr Mark Ellis, Mr Maxwell Harrison, Mrs Sarah Hudson, Mr Andrew Kennedy, Mr Thomas Mallon, Miss Isabella Kemp and Mrs Trudy Dean.  

1. In relation to Item 9, Kent Mineral Sites Plan, the following declarations were made: 

                      i.        Mr Fraser Moat declared that his family business had an ongoing business relationship with the company involved in the item and therefore he would not be taking part in the item. 

                    ii.        Mr Jeffery declared that he had previously been the Chair of the Save Oaken Wood campaign. 

                   iii.        Ms Russell declared that she worked both in the quarrying industry and in environmental compliance. 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 May 2026 were a correct record and they be signed by the Chairman.  

Minutes of the meetings held on 17 February 2026 and 21 April 2026.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel on 17 February 2026 and 21 April 2026 be noted. 

1. The Chairman welcomed tributes in relation to the sad passing of Miss Ann Widdecombe, who was a MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010. 

2. Tributes to Miss Widdecombe were made by Ms Kemkaran, Mr Hook, Mr Thomas, Mr Rayner, Mr Hood, Ms Nolan, Mr Burwash, Mrs Palmer and Mr Jeffery. 

3. Mr Eustace proposed, and Mr Sian seconded, that the Council formally record the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of Miss Widdecombe and extends to her family and friends its heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.  

Agreed unanimously.  

4. The Chairman held a one-minute silence in memory of Miss Ann Widdecombe. 

RESOLVED that the Council formally record the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of Miss Widdecombe and extends to her family and friends its heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement. 

5. The Chairman shared his congratulations to the 37 Kent recipients of honours from the?King's?Birthday?Honours?list?2026. 

6. The Chairman thanked Ms Jamie Palmer for her work within the Civic Office. 

7. The Chairman reported that recent engagements had included two Royal visits to Kent, attendance at commemorations in Ramsgate marking the 86th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, and participation in Armed Forces Week activities, including hosting the flag-raising ceremony at County Hall and attending events in Deal. The Chairman also attended a commemorative concert in Deal performed by the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines in memory of the 11 Royal Marines murdered in the Deal bombing in 1989. The concert was a solemn occasion recognising the sacrifices made in service to the country. 

8. The Chairman shared that the Vice-Chairman had attended a number of Royal engagements and had met both the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester during recent civic duties. 

9. Members were informed that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman had attended a range of civic and community events, including receptions hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant for newly elected mayors and chairmen, mayor-making ceremonies across the county, Kent Ambassadors briefings and activities, the Bishop of Rochester’s Summer Garden Party, the Kent County Show, and events held as part of Adult Careers Week. 

10. The Chairman reported on a recent Kent Ambassadors’ visit which included visits to Domaine Evremond, East Kent College, The Yarrow Hotel and Discovery Park. Members heard that common themes emerging from the visits included investment in young people, skills development, adult education and the growth of Kent’s food, drink and tourism sectors. 

11. The Chairman advised that citizenship ceremonies continued to be held regularly and thanked former Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen who had assisted with these events. 

12. Congratulations were extended to Members who had recently assumed new civic leadership positions and responsibilities across local councils within Kent. 

13. The Chairman informed Members of a minor amendment to the Council’s flag flying policy. Two additional commemorative flag days would be incorporated, Waterloo Day on 18 June in recognition of the British Army and Battle of Britain Day on 15 September in recognition of the Royal Air Force. These additions complemented the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

In accordance with Sections 14.15 to 14.22 of the Constitution, 19 questions were submitted by the deadline and 18 questions were put to the Executive. 11 questions were asked and replies given. A record of all questions and answers is available online with the papers for this meeting. 

1. The Leader began by providing an update on key activities and developments since the previous meeting. The Leader explained that, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation, Members and officers had continued to focus on the delivery of services to residents across Kent. 

2. The Leader reported that the Council had continued to prioritise service delivery, including the maintenance of highways, support for vulnerable children, provision of adult social care, operation of libraries, and wider community services. 

3. The public budget consultation had been launched to seek residents' views on spending priorities and the allocation of approximately £2.8 billion of public funding. The consultation was intended to inform future financial planning and ensure that residents' views were reflected in decision-making. 

4. An update was provided on matters affecting Kent's tourism sector. The Leader reported that representations had been made to Government regarding support for businesses and the wider visitor economy. 

5. The Leader advised that correspondence had been sent to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding anticipated impacts of the European Union Entry/Exit System and the effect of traffic management arrangements on Kent residents, businesses and visitors. Efforts to identify alternative arrangements and reduce disruption were continuing. 

6. There was ongoing engagement with Government and rail operators to explore opportunities for the return of international rail services to Kent stations, including discussions regarding the installation of Entry/Exit System facilities. 

7. The Leader reported that disruptions to water supplies experienced in parts of Kent during May had prompted the establishment of the Kent Water Resilience Partnership. The partnership would meet for the first time in October and would provide strategic leadership and coordination to improve water resilience across the county. 

8. The Leader noted that discussions had been arranged with the newly appointed leadership of the local water provider to support collaborative working on water resilience issues. 

9. Councillors had participated in community litter-picking activities and that the Council continued to promote environmental responsibility and cleaner public spaces. 

10. The Leader advised that the first Kent County Council Fly-Tipping and Waste Conference had been held in Ashford. The event brought together partner organisations to share expertise and support the development of a county-wide fly-tipping action plan. A partnership would continue to meet regularly to monitor progress and address emerging issues. 

11. The Leader highlighted activities undertaken during Armed Forces Week and Armed Forces Day, including attendance at events across Kent and a visit to a veterans' support facility near Maidstone. The facility was intended to provide support and assistance to military veterans experiencing a range of challenges. 

12. The Council had hosted representatives from other local authorities following local elections, providing an opportunity to share experience and learning relating to council governance and efficiency. 

13. The Leader reported on continued development of the Council's efficiency and organisational improvement work, noting that its approach had attracted interest from local government organisations more widely. 

14. The Leader provided feedback from attendance at the Local Government Association Conference, including participation in a session regarding opportunities for young people to engage with and work in local government.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

1. Mr Wimble proposed and Mr Fryer seconded the motion that: 

“The County Council is asked to: 
 

1.     

(i)            Approve, and publish, a Pre-Submission Draft of the updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan (Appendix A) for representations on soundness and legal compliance; 

(ii)          Agree to submit the Pre-Submission Draft of updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan to Government for Independent Examination into its soundness and legal compliance following the representation period; 

(iii)         Agree to request the examination Inspector to recommend changes (‘main modifications’) needed to ensure the soundness of the Kent Mineral Sites Plan; and 

(iv)         Delegate powers to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport to, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, 

a.    Approve any non-material changes to the Pre-Submission Draft Kent Mineral Sites Plan and its supporting documents before publication or submission. 

b.    Agree main modifications with the Inspector and to publish them for representations on soundness and legal compliance; 

c.    Approve any non-material changes to the draft Kent Mineral Sites Plan; 

2.    Note the timetable for preparation of the Kent Mineral Sites Plan 2026 set out in the updated Kent Minerals and Waste Development Scheme at Appendix B.” 

2. Following the debate, the Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 1 to the vote and the voting was as follows. 

For (37) 

Mr M Brown, Mr W Chapman, Mr B Collins, Mr S Dixon, Ms S Emberson, Mr J Eustace, Mr L Evans, Mrs B Fordham, Mrs G Foster, Mr B Fryer, Mr J Henderson, Mr C Hespe, Ms L Kemkaran, Mr A Kibble, Mr P King, Mrs M Lawes, Mr R Mayall, Mr T Mole, Mr M Mulvihill, Mr P Osborne, Mrs C Palmer, Mr R Palmer, Mr M Paul, Mrs B Porter, Mr H Rayner, Mrs S Roots, Ms C Russell, Mr T L Shonk, Mr D Sian, Dr G Sturley, Mr P Thomas, Mr A Thorp, Mr D Truder, Mr R Waters, Mr P Webb, Mrs P Williams and Mr D Wimble.  

Against (31) 

Mr J Baker, Mr B Black, Mr O Bradshaw, Mr A Brady, Mr M Brice, Mr D Burns, Mr C Burwash, Mr P Chamberlain, Mr P Evans, Mr J Finch, Mr R Ford, Mrs M Fothergill, Mr S Heaver, Mr M A J Hood, Mr A J Hook, Mr S Jeffery, Mr J Moreland, Miss D Morton, Mr M Munday, Ms C Nolan, Mr T Prater, Miss A Randall, Mr A Ricketts, Mr G R Samme, Mr C Sefton, Mr M Sole, Mr P Stepto, Mr R G Streatfeild, Mr N Wibberley, Mr N Williams and Mr R Yates. 

Abstain (4) 

Mr B Barrett, Mr A Cecil, Mr J Defriend and Mr M Logen. 

Motion carried. 

RESOLVED that Council: 

1.     

(i)            Approves, and publishes, a Pre-Submission Draft of the updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan (Appendix A) for representations on soundness and legal compliance; 

(ii)          Agrees to submit the Pre-Submission Draft of updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan to Government for Independent Examination into its soundness and legal compliance following the representation period; 

(iii)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

1. Ms Kemkaran proposed and Mr Collins seconded the motion that: 

“Council is asked to:  

NOTE the Performance Report” 

2. Following the debate, the Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 1 and it was agreed unanimously.  

RESOLVED that Council: 

NOTES the Performance Report. 

1. Ms Kemkaran proposed and Mr Henderson seconded the motion that: 

“County Council is asked to: 

                     I.        NOTE the increasing frequency and impact of water supply disruption in Kent and the significant implications for residents, businesses, public services and future growth 

                    II.        ENDORSE the Council’s leadership, convening and advocacy role in working with Government, regulators, water companies, district and borough councils, businesses and community partnerships to improve water resilience. 

                  III.        SUPPORT the development of KCC’s 25-year Water Resources Strategy and the integration of water resilience into planning, infrastructure, emergency response and economic development activity. 

                  IV.        SUPPORT the establishment of the Kent Water Resilience Partnership as the principal county-wide forum for identifying priorities, securing commitments and developing a shared action plan. 

                   V.        NOTE that the recommendations from the Scrutiny Committee Short Focused Inquiry will be considered through the appropriate governance route, with accepted actions incorporated into the wider resilience programme.” 

2. Mr Sole proposed and Mr Hook seconded the following amendment to the recommendation set out in paragraph 1: 

“County Council is asked to: 

                     I.        NOTE the increasing frequency and impact of water supply disruption in Kent and the significant implications for residents, businesses, public services and future growth 

                    II.        ENDORSE the Council’s leadership, convening and advocacy role in working with Government, regulators, water companies, district and borough councils, businesses and community partnerships to improve water resilience. 

                  III.        SUPPORT the development of KCC’s 25-year Water Resources Strategy and the integration of water resilience into planning, infrastructure, emergency response and economic development activity. 

                  IV.        SUPPORT the establishment of the Kent Water Resilience Partnership as the principal county-wide forum for identifying priorities, securing commitments and developing a shared action plan. 

                   V.        NOTE that the recommendations from the Scrutiny Committee Short Focused Inquiry will be considered through the appropriate governance route, with accepted actions incorporated into the wider resilience programme. 

                  VI.        ACKNOWLEDGE the important role of the Council’s Flood Risk and Water Management Committee and ensure that regular progress reports on the Water Resources Strategy and the Kent Water Resilience Partnership, are made to that Committee.” 

3. Following the debate, the Chairman put the amendment in paragraph 2 to the vote and the voting was as follows. 

For (27) 

Mr B Black, Mr O Bradshaw, Mr A Brady, Mr M Brice, Mr D Burns, Mr R Ford, Mrs M Forthergill, Mr S Heaver, Mr M A J Hood, Mr A J Hook, Mr S Jeffery, Mr J Moreland, Mr M Munday, Ms C Nolan, Mr T Prater, Miss A Randall, Mr H Rayner, Mr A Ricketts, Ms C Russell, Mr G R Samme, Mr C Sefton, Mr M Sole, Mr P Stepto, Mr R G Streatfeild, Mr P Thomas, Mr N Williams and Mr R Yates. 

Against (45) 

Mr J Baker, Mr M Brown, Mr C Burwash, Mr A Cecil, Mr P Chamberlain, Mr W Chapman, Mr B Collins, Mr J Defriend, Mr S Dixon, Ms S Emberson, Mr J Eustace, Mr L Evans, Mr P Evans, Mr J Finch, Mrs B Fordham, Mrs G Foster, Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

1. Ms Kemkaran proposed and Mr Collins seconded the motion that: 

“Council is asked to:  

NOTE the Report” 

2. Following the debate, the Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 1 and it was agreed unanimously.  

RESOLVED that Council: 

NOTES the Report. 

3. The Chairman proposed that, under s14.48 of the Constitution, Council resolve to extend the meeting beyond 4:30pm and it was put to the vote it was agreed by a majority. 

RESOLVED that the County Council agree to continue the meeting beyond 4:30pm.

1. Mr Heaver proposed and Mr Hood seconded the motion that: 

“This Council resolves to: 

1.    Welcome the Water Supply Short Focused Inquiry (SFI) report, thank the Members and Officers involved for their work examining the water outages in Winter 2025/2026 and note the requirement for the Executive to provide a response to the report and its recommendations to the Scrutiny Committee in due course but also recognise that there are a range of other water related issues that merit immediate consideration by the Council. 

2.    Recommend that the Executive to write to Southern Water and request that its published CSO spill data is condensed into a concise Kent-wide Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) spill report and submitted on a quarterly basis to enable more effective scrutiny of water borne pollution and the progress of spill reduction efforts, across the county. 

3.    Recommend that the Executive to write to Southern Water to request a concise quarterly report on the county-wide progress of the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force and to offer Southern Water any appropriate support from KCC for their efforts to reduce CSO spills across the county and with particular regard to encouraging SUDS on KCC owned buildings and infrastructure such as schools and libraries. 

4.    Recommend that the Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to recommend that any future fines imposed by the regulator on water companies (or other private or public bodies) for water related failure incidents in Kent, are ring-fenced for water infrastructure and pollution/sewage release prevention improvements. 

5.    Recommend that the Flood Risk and Water Management Committee consider; asking the Environment Agency to provide a report on the number of pollution incidents for each category report by the Water Companies, many of these resulted in inspections in Kent over the last 5 years; and consider recommending that the Quarterly Environment Agency updates on this matter form part of routine performance monitoring by the Committee. 

6.    Request that the Executive investigate the feasibility of setting up, facilitating and promoting via Plan Sea or any other appropriate means, the development and support of citizen science testing teams on key bathing water areas and rivers seek greater partnership working between all responsible authorities, including water companies, Districts and the Environment Agency alongside supporting existing projects and research to improve monitoring of bathing water quality. 

7.    Recommend that the Scrutiny Committee consider requesting a Public Health report on the impact, risks of and KCC responsibilities in relation to water outages and in particular, waterborne pollution in Kent. 

8.    Recommend that the Executive engages with relevant stakeholders to ensure the first Kent and Medway Spatial Development Strategy has due regard to issues relating to water supply, wastewater management and water demand throughout the preparation, adoption and delivery of the strategy.“ 

2. Mr Chapman proposed and Mr Paul seconded the following amendment to the motion set out in paragraph 1: 

“This Council resolves to: 

1.    Welcome the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

Members were invited to join in the singing of the National Anthem. In course of the Item, the Chairman directed some Members to cease disrupting the meeting.

After the National Anthem concluded as the final agenda item, the Chairman closed the meeting.