Agenda and draft minutes

The Democratic Services Manager reported apologies from Mr Bond, Mrs Bruneau, Mr Campkin, Mr Collor, Mrs Hudson, Mrs McArthur and Mr McInroy.

There were no declarations of interest.

Later in the meeting Mr Sole declared an interest under Item 16 - Pay Policy Statement 2025/26 - that a family member worked for KCC.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 13 February 2025 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meetings held on 29 October 2024 and 10 December 2024 be noted.

1)        With great sadness the Chairman informed Members of the death of Mr Charlie Simkins, Mr Matthew Balfour, Mr John Spence and Mr Roy Bullock.

2)        Mr Simkins was a serving Member since 2013 and served as Chairman of the Pension Committee from 2017 and represented the Kent Pension Fund on the ACCESS Joint Committee. Mr Simkins also served on a wide range of formal bodies including Communities Cabinet Committee, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee, Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee, Kent and Medway Fire & Rescue Authority, Planning Applications Committee, Regulation Committee, Selection and Member Services Committee and Standards Committee.

3)        Mr Balfour served as Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste from 2015 to 2018. Mr Balfour also served on the Economic Development Cabinet Committee, Education Cabinet Committee, Environment, Highways & Waste Cabinet Committee and Planning Applications Committee.

4)        Mr Spence OBE was a KCC Member from 1973 until 1993.  During his time at KCC, Mr Spence served as Chair of the Finance & Review Group, Kent Superannuation Fund and Public Relations Group. He was appointed an Honorary Alderman in 2010 for his service to the Council. Mr Spence was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant in 2001 and was awarded an OBE for services to Heritage in 2005.

5)        Mr Bullock, MBE served as a KCC Member for Tunbridge Wells North from 2007 until 2013. During that time he served on a number of Boards and Committees, including; Tunbridge Wells Local Board, the Electoral and Boundary Review Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committees for Corporate Policy as well as Environment, Highways and Waste.  He was also a member of the Environment, Highways and Waste Cabinet Committee and was the Vice-Chair of the Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee. Following his time as a Member at the Council, he was made an Honorary Alderman in March 2016.

6)        The Chairman advised that tributes to Mr Bullock MBE would be taken at a future meeting as notification of his sad passing had only been received at short notice.

7)        Tributes to Mr Simkins were made by Mr Gough, Sir Paul Carter, Mr Chard, Mr Passmore, Ms Dawkins, Mr Stepto, Mr Shonk, Mr Bartlett and Mr Oakford.

8)        Tributes to Mr Balfour were made by Miss Carey, Mr Gough, Mr Lewis, Mrs Dean, Mr Brazier, Dr Sullivan, Sir Paul Carter, Mr Kite, Mr Streatfeild, Mr Oakford and Mrs Hohler.

9)        Tributes to Mr Spence OBE were made by Mrs Dean, Mr Gough, Mr Brady and Mr Lehmann.

10)     Mr Sweetland proposed, and Mr Ridgers seconded, that the Council formally record the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of Mr Charlie Simkins, Mr Matthew Balfour, Mr John Spence OBE and Mr Roy Bullock MBE and extends to their family and friends its heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.

Agreed unanimously.

11)    The Chairman held a one-minute silence in memory of Mr Matthew Balfour, Mr Charlie Simkins, Mr John Spence OBE and Mr Roy Bullock MBE.

In accordance with Sections 14.15 to 14.22 of the Constitution,12 questions were submitted by the deadline and 12 questions were put to the Executive. 12 questions were asked and replies given. A record of all questions put and answers given at the meeting is available online with the papers for this meeting.

1)      The Leader referred to Government’s decision not to include Kent and Medway in the Devolution Priority Programme and commented generally on the position and how this linked to the Council's finances. The level of overspend for the Council would reduce for this financial year, but would still be in the range of around £20million. Some areas which saw huge pressures a year or two ago such as SEND Transport and Children's Services, were now seeing significant progress, however there was a significant overspend in adult social care due to the challenges in delivering the savings programme. He commented that financial pressures over the coming years should govern the Council’s approach to local government reorganisation and it’s responsibility in setting up financially sustainable councils. He stressed the importance of not losing sight of devolution, and said that without this the Council would find it harder to do what it wanted for example in relation to economic development and transport.

2)      Mr Gough was pleased to confirm that one of the Council’s officers would be giving evidence to the Transport Select Committee on the impact of street works following on from a strong submission the Council made to the Committee's inquiry in January. He said it was important to remember that, like other local authorities, the Council did not have the power to prevent utility companies from carrying out planned or emergency works and the Council’s limited powers included minimising disruption where possible.

3)      The Leader recalled the funding that was allocated to the pothole blitz in 2024 which had now been increased by almost 70% but was only a small portion of what was spent on maintaining roads, pavements, streetlights, drains and other highways assets. The total overall maintenance spend for 2025-26 would be in excess of £80million and the Council continued to press Government for funding and its better allocation.

4)      Regarding secondary school offers, more than 96% of children were recently offered their preferred schools and over 80% got their first preference. Both of those figures were up on the previous year and Mr Gough recognised that many Members would be supporting residents locally where there was the need for an appeal. Referring to the Isle of Sheppey, Mr Gough commended officers and the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills for the work they had undertaken in relation to extra secondary school places.

5)      Mr Gough spoke about the Household Support Fund and the Just Missing Out Scheme and said wider work continued, for example the Council’s Money Advice Hubs which supported people to access independent financial advice through the Citizens Advice Bureau. Work was also underway to ensure the most effective deployment of the coming year's allocation of the Household Support Fund.

6)      The Making Space for Nature consultation had received a strong level of responses and the final strategy would be published in the summer.

7)      Finally, the Leader paid tribute to all the Members that would be standing down ahead of the Council elections on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 298.

See supplement pack published alongside the main agenda

1)      Mr Derek Murphy proposed, and Mr Rob Thomas seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to:

(i)      Note the Inspector’s Report (see Appendix A) on the examination of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 (KWMLP) and the recommended modifications (incorporated in the Plan presented for Council approval);

(ii)     Note the content and recommendations of the Sustainability Appraisal of the KMWLP (Appendix D); and,

(iii)    Adopt the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 as set out in Appendix B; and

(iv)    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, to approve any non-material changes to the text of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 and take other relevant actions as required to support final production and publication of the approved Plan.”

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

For (52)

Mr Baker, Mr Baldock, Mr Brady, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Mr Broadley, Mr Cannon, Miss Carey, Sir Paul Carter CBE, Mrs Chandler, Mr Chard, Mr Cole, Mrs Cole, Mr Cooke, Ms Constantine, Mr Dance, Ms Dawkins, Mr Dendor, Mrs Game, Mr Gough, Ms Grehan, Ms Hawkins, Mr Hill OBE, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mr Hood, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kite MBE, Mr Love OBE, Mr Manion, Mr Marsh, Ms Meade, Mr Meade, Mr Murphy, Mr Oakford, Ms Parfitt, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Sandhu MBE, Mr Stepto, Mr Thomas, Mr Watkins, Mr Whiting, Mr Wright, Mrs Wright

Against (0)

Abstain (11)

Mr Chittenden, Mrs Dean MBE, Mr Hook, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis, Mr Mallon, Mr Passmore, Mr Ross, Mr Shonk, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild MBE

Motion carried.

3)      RESOLVED that Council:

(i)      Notes the Inspector’s Report (see Appendix A) on the examination of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 (KWMLP) and the recommended modifications (incorporated in the Plan presented for Council approval);

(ii)     Notes the content and recommendations of the Sustainability Appraisal of the KMWLP (Appendix D); and,

(iii)    Adopts the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 as set out in Appendix B; and

(iv)    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, to approve any non-material changes to the text of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-2039 and take other relevant actions as required to support final production and publication of the approved Plan.

1)        The Chairman explained that the decision was taken by the Executive in January 2025 and subsequently considered by the Scrutiny Committee via the call-in procedure. Scrutiny Committee had referred the matter to Full Council. 

2)        Mr Booth proposed and Mrs Binks seconded the following motion:

“That the Council makes comments but does not require reconsideration of the decision. In particular, the Council urges the Executive in conjunction with the Cabinet Member to enforce the offer that Seashells and Millmead are directly funded from the 4^th year Family Hub Grant to deliver the Family Hub Service from their own resources, in order to maximise the benefits of this service to residents of co-location of services.”

3)        The General Counsel clarified the recommendations open to Full Council as set out in the report and at paragraph 17.73 of the Council’s Constitution.

4)        Following the debate, the Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 2 to the vote.

Motion carried.

5)      RESOLVED that the County Council makes comments but does not require reconsideration of the decision. In particular, the Council urges the Executive in conjunction with the Cabinet Member to enforce the offer that Seashells and Millmead are directly funded from the 4^th year Family Hub Grant to deliver the Family Hub Service from their own resources, in order to maximise the benefits of this service to residents of co-location of services.

In accordance with paragraph 16.31 of the Constitution, Rich Lehmann wished for it to be recorded in the minutes that he voted against the motion set out in paragraph 2.

1)      The Chairman thanked Canon Peter Bruinvels for his help during the Chairman’s year as Chairman of the Council.

2)      Canon Peter Bruinvels provided an update on the Armed Forces Covenant.

3)      Mr Richardson proposed, and Mr Crow-Brown seconded the motion that

“Members are asked to note all that is being done to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant in Kent and agree to priorities going forward including promoting Kent County Council’s status as the lead MoD Employers Recognition Gold Award Holder.

Members are requested to continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant across the county and to endorse the Council’s commitment to this work by engaging locally in Covenant efforts and related events.”

4)      Following the debate, the Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 3.

5)      RESOLVED that:

Members note all that is being done to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant in Kent and agree to priorities going forward including promoting Kent County Council’s status as the lead MoD Employers Recognition Gold Award Holder.

Members continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant across the county and endorse the Council’s commitment to this work by engaging locally in Covenant efforts and related events.

1)      Mr Gough proposed, and Mr Oakford seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to note the update on devolution and local government reorganisation.”

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

For (38)

Mr Baker, Mr Brady, Mr Bartlett, Mr Beaney, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Booth, Mr Brazier, Sir Paul Carter CBE, Mrs Chandler, Mrs Cole, Ms Constantine, Mr Cooke, Mr Dance, Ms Dawkins, Mr Dendor, Mr Gough, Mr Hill OBE, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mr Hook, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Love OBE, Mr Marsh, Ms Meade, Mr Meade, Mr Oakford, Ms Parfitt, Mr Passmore, Mr Rayner, Mr Richardson, Mr Ridgers, Mr Robey, Mr Sandhu MBE, Mr Sole, Mr Streatfeild MBE, Mr Thomas

Against (5)

Mr Baldock, Mrs Dean MBE, Mr Hood, Mr Lehmann, Mr Lewis

Abstain (4)

Ms Hawkins, Mr Mallon, Mr Shonk, Mr Stepto

Motion carried.

3)      RESOLVED that Council notes the update on devolution and local government reorganisation.

This item was taken after Item 16 and before Item 13.

1)      Mr Oakford proposed, and Mr Rayner seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to endorse the report.”

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

3)      RESOLVED that Council endorses the report.

This item was taken after Item 12 and before Item 14.

1)      Mr Jeffrey proposed, and Mr Bartlett seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to:

•           Agree the revised Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A; and

•           Delegate to the Monitoring Officer to make the necessary changes to the Constitution once Medway Council have agreed the same changes.”

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

3)        RESOLVED that Council:

•           Agrees the revised Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A; and

•           Delegates to the Monitoring Officer to make the necessary changes to the Constitution once Medway Council have agreed the same changes.

This item was taken after Item 13 and before Item 17.

1)        Mr Jeffrey proposed, and Mrs Binks seconded the motion that

“County Council is asked to agree the revised Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A and ask the Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly.”

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

3)      RESOLVED that Council agrees the revised Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A and asks the Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly.

This item was taken after Item 11 and before Item 16.

1)        Mr Gough proposed, and Mr Jeffrey seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to:

1.      Note with thanks, the contribution and efforts of the Members of the Governance Working Party

2.      Comment on the specific proposals and arrangements relating to Cabinet Committees to inform future changes

3.      Approve the recommendation to the County Council to adopt the amended Constitution at Appendix 2.

4.      Debate and Decide whether the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee should be mandated as an opposition Member.

5.      If Recommendation 4 is passed, approve the relevant changes to the Constitution

6.      Delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader and Opposition Group Leaders authority to make further necessary changes to the Constitution following the debate.”

2)        Mr Holden proposed and Mr Lewis seconded the following amendment:

“Council is asked to:

1.      Note with thanks, the contribution and efforts of the Members of the Governance Working Party

2.      Comment on the specific proposals and arrangements relating to Cabinet Committees to inform future changes

3.      Approve the recommendation to the County Council to adopt the amended Constitution at Appendix 2 subject to amend the item in relation to proposed changes to 14.60 and to reject to the proposed additional text.

14.60 The text of any motion or amendment must be given to the Chairman in writing before the start of the meeting, if it is not the Chairman may rule that the motion or amendment fails.

The following arrangements in relation to amendments proposed to time limited motions shall apply: a) Any proposed amendment to a time limited motion shall be provided to the proposer of the motion and Democratic Services by 10am two days before the meeting b) Any changes agreed between the proposer of the motion and proposer of the amendment shall be provided to Democratic Services by 4pm the day before the meeting. c) If a) or b) are not complied with then the Chairman may rule that the amendment fails

4.    Debate and Decide whether the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee should be mandated as an opposition Member.

5.    If Recommendation 4 is passed, approve the relevant changes to the Constitution

6.      Delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader and Opposition Group Leaders authority to make further necessary changes to the Constitution following the debate.”

3)        The Chairman proposed and the Vice-Chairman seconded that, under s14.48 of the Constitution, Council resolve to extend the meeting beyond 4.30pm with business to conclude no later than 5.30pm. 

4)        The Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 3 to the vote and the voting was as follows:

For (39)

Mr Baker, Mr Brady, Mr Bartlett, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Mr Booth, Sir Paul Carter CBE, Mrs Chandler, Ms Constantine, Mr Dance, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean MBE, Mr Dendor, Mrs Game, Mr Gough, Ms Hawkins, Mr Holden, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kite, Mr Lehmann, Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 306.

This item was taken after Item 15 and before Item 12.

Mr Sole declared an interest that a family member worked for the Council.

1)        Mr Oakford proposed, and Mr Jeffrey seconded the motion that

“Council is asked to endorse the attached Pay Policy Statement.”

2)        Mr Brady proposed and Ms Meade seconded that the motion be put to the vote.

Agreed.

3)        The Chairman put the motion set out in paragraph 1 to the vote and the voting was as follows:

For (32)

Mr Baker, Mr Brady, Mrs Bell, Mrs Binks, Sir Paul Carter CBE, Mrs Chandler, Ms Dawkins, Mrs Dean MBE, Mr Dendor, Mrs Game, Mr Gough, Ms Hawkins, Mrs Hohler, Mr Holden, Mr Hood, Mr Hook, Mr Jeffrey, Mr Kite, Mr Lewis, Mr Love OBE, Mr Mallon, Mr Meade, Mr Oakford, Mr Passmore, Mr Rayner, Mr Ridgers, Mr Ross, Mr Sandhu MBE, Mr Shonk, Mr Stepto, Mr Streatfeild MBE, Mr Thomas

Against (1)

Mr Booth

Abstain (2)

Mr Lehmann, Mr Sole

Motion carried.

4)      RESOLVED that Council endorses the attached Pay Policy Statement.

This item was taken after Item 14.

Motion for Time Limited Debate – Addressing the Environmental and Social Harm of Disposable Vapes

1)      Mr Hood proposed, and Ms Hawkins seconded the motion that

          This Council believes that:

a)      Immediate and decisive action is needed to address the environmental and public health risks posed by disposable vapes, rather than delaying with prolonged studies.

b)      Any ban must be robust and comprehensive, preventing manufacturers from exploiting legal loopholes to continue selling harmful products.

c)      Stronger regulations on vape marketing, packaging, and accessibility to young people should be introduced alongside the ban.

d)      Urgent action is required to address the environmental and health impacts of disposable vapes.

And;

This Council agrees to call on the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health to:

a)      Write again to the government, urging swift and decisive action on disposable vapes, rather than a decade-long study;

b)      Support calls for amendments to the proposed legislation that limit refill tank sizes and close other loopholes that could undermine the ban;

c)      Advocate for a comprehensive ban that addresses both single-use and potentially harmful ‘Big Puff’ alternatives;

d)      Work with local schools, businesses, and community groups to raise

awareness of the environmental and health risks of disposable vape; and

e)      Encourage stronger local enforcement against the improper disposal of vapes and promote responsible recycling initiatives.

2)        Mr Watkins proposed and Mr Brazier seconded the following amendment:

This Council believes that:

a)      Immediate and decisive action is needed to address the environmental and public health risks posed by disposable vapes, rather than delaying with prolonged studies, and welcomes news that from 1 June 2025 it will be illegal to sell single-use (disposable) vapes under The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024.

b)      Any ban must be robust and comprehensive, preventing manufacturers from exploiting legal loopholes to continue selling harmful products.

c)      Stronger regulations on vape marketing, packaging, and accessibility to young people should be introduced alongside the ban.

d)      Urgent action is required to address the environmental and health impacts of disposable vapes.

And;

This Council agrees to call on the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services to:

a)        Write again to the government, urging swift and decisive action to close identified loopholes on disposable vapes, and supporting calls for amendments to the proposed legislation that limit refit tank sizes and close other loopholes that could undermine the ban. on disposable vapes, rather than a decade-long study;

b)        Encourage proper disposal of vapes and promote responsible recycling initiatives.

b.)     Support calls for amendments to the proposed legislation that limit refill tank sizes and close other loopholes that could undermine the ban;

c.)     Advocate for a comprehensive ban that addresses both single-use and potentially harmful ‘Big Puff’ alternatives;

d.)    Work with local schools, businesses, and community groups to raise awareness of the environmental and health risks of disposable vape; and

e.)     Encourage stronger local enforcement against the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 308.