Agenda and minutes

The chairman said he proposed to introduce an additional urgent item on neonicotinoids which would be discussed immediately before the verbal updates from Cabinet Members. He had included it in today’s agenda as its consideration could not reasonably be delayed to the next meeting of the cabinet committee in March.  In addition, the chairman said he intended to amend the order of the agenda so that item 5 – Impact of Brexit Transition followed item 6 – Verbal Updates by Cabinet Members and Corporate Director and item 20 - Department for Transport (DfT) 48 tonne Intermodal Freight Trial Consultation would be considered after item 8 - Covid-19 and Recovery - Service Impact update. 

To receive apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes present

There were no apologies or substitutes.

To receive any declarations of interest made by Members in relation to any matter on the agenda.  Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and the nature of the interest being declared.

1.    Mr Collor declared non-pecuniary interests in relation to items 13 and 19, as he is Dover District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Community and a member of the Market Square project board.

2.    Mr Bond declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 19, as he is a director of the Dover town team.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2020 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

1.    Mrs Cooper gave a presentation, a copy of which is at an appendix to these minutes.  Mrs Cooper outlined the timeline of the Brexit transition  plan and key developments which had occurred since the 20 December 2020 Channel border closure. She detailed the implementation of Operation Brock on the M20, explained the Covid-19 testing requirements and thanked the many community organisations that had provided food and supplies for the drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) affected by the disruptions.

2.    Mrs Cooper said that Covid-19 testing  for drivers of HGVs and lorries had been delivered at the Manston Lorry Park, Lydden Hill Race Circuit and on the M20. She expressed her gratitude to the Armed Forces for their logistical support. She said a negative Covid-19 test was required from hauliers to permit their entrance into Kent and that this requirement had relieved traffic pressures in the county. The key lessons learnt were being addressed and included communications, driver welfare, clearing traffic in Dover and focusing to a greater extent on light goods vehicles (LGVs). The enforcement measures related to Operation Brock, the Kent Access Permit and anti-social HGV parking were highlighted.

3.    Mrs Cooper provided an overview of logistical developments and trends in Kent since 1 January 2021. She informed members that the consultation on the Department for Transport’s Strategic Development Order for the White Cliffs Inland Border Facility ran until 2 February 2021. In response to a question, Mrs Cooper said that the Department for Transport (DfT) had led the site search and that Kent County Council’s role was to complete the construction. She said any views from members about the proposed facility could be included in the consultation response. 

4.    In response to members’ concerns regarding the negative impact of transition developments on fresh fish haulage, Mrs Cooper said fresh fish was considered to be priority freight and that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) were working to reduce the time delays and logistical burden on the sector.

5.    The difficulty of removing LGV congestion in Dover and the negative impact of the gridlock were highlighted. Concerns were raised over the great extent that emergency services and public transport access had been limited.

6.    A member asked whether there was sufficient signage, camera surveillance and support to assist vehicles which had broken down on the M20 during Operation Brock. Mrs Cooper confirmed that Highways England did have sufficient cameras and recovery trucks were placed to support broken down vehicles in the highlighted area.

7.    In response to a question, Mr Jones said that food that was not required at the Manston Lorry Park had been distributed to local communities in Thanet.

8.    RESOLVED that the update be noted.

1.    The chairman introduced the item by saying  that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had, on 8 January 2021, published a statement about its decision to issue, with strict conditions, emergency authorisation to use a product containing a neonicotinoid to treat sugar beet seed. He provided a brief description of neonicotinoids, their agricultural use and possible impact on pollinators.

2.    Members noted that an independent scientific judgement on the impact of neonicotinoids on pollinators would have better informed their analysis.  It was also acknowledged that the policy was primarily targeted at East Anglia’s sugar beet industry and that no initial use of neonicotinoids had been planned in Kent. Concerns were, however, raised that the policy could lead to a nationwide adoption of neonicotinoids and that it was important to protect Kent’s pollinators, as had been highlighted by Kent’s Plan Bee.

3.    Miss Carey said that Kent County Council was committed to reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture wherever possible and understood the important role  pollinators played in Kent’s biodiversity.

4.      RESOLVED to ask the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the chairman, to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs raising Kent County Council’s concerns regarding the future use of neonicotinoids.

1.    Mr Payne paid tribute to the continued dedication and commitment of Highways and Transport staff and noted that projects had progressed significantly, as was evidenced by the agenda, despite social distancing requirements and remote working arrangements in many services. Mr Payne added that due to continued restrictions member site visits could not be organised in the near future.

2.    Miss Carey provided a verbal update on recent Environment and Waste developments. She reminded members that newsletters had been released detailing environment and waste developments in Kent. Miss Carey said that Allington Quarry Waste Management Facility had been temporarily shut to allow maintenance work to take place. She thanked members of staff across the Environment, Planning and Waste divisions, as well as all contractors for their work throughout the pandemic.

3.    Miss Carey said  that Kent Youth County Council had launched an ‘Unplug It’ campaign, to encourage young people to unplug non-essential electrical goods which would  otherwise be on standby, in order to reduce energy consumption.

4.    RESOLVED that the verbal updates be noted.

Mrs C Valentine (Highway Manager), Andrew Loosemore, Head of Highways Asset Management and Joe Kimberley Project Manager – Amey PLC) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne gave an overview of the Kent Vivacity Labs Sensor System trial. He said the objective of the trials was to provide enhanced survey and project monitoring capabilities, and reassured members that all system data was anonymised. Mr Jones confirmed that the cameras used in the trial were used exclusively to monitor traffic and that no cameras had been deployed for enforcement purposes.

2.    Mrs Valentine provided a technical summary of the Vivacity camera operations. A confirmation was made that the cameras had been deployed in all recent safety schemes to monitor pedestrian and vehicle movements. She reiterated the fact that no personal data was used or stored by the system. Mrs Valentine added that the trial had allowed Kent to trial innovative project solutions.

3.    The commitment to protect personal privacy was commended by members. Improvements to productivity were also highlighted and in particular the potential for staff hour savings that might be enabled by the technology  .

4.    A Member acknowledged the benefits that the Live Labs programme had on the accuracy and depth of information Highways had at its disposal, when considering future projects.

5.    RESOLVED that the report be noted.

1.    Mrs Holt-Castle gave a short presentation about the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of services, a copy of which is at an appendix to the minutes.  She said that, despite national and local restrictions, Environment, Planning and Enforcement teams had continued to operate services, however a reduction in income was projected. She outlined the impact of Covid-19 on staff which included longer periods of sickness and the pressures arising from additional caring responsibilities. She said that communities and residents had high  expectations of swift service responses and resolutions despite Covid-19 restrictions.

2.    Mr Jones informed the cabinet committee that  the Highways team had continued to operate an effective emergency response service throughout the pandemic. He addressed winter services, confirming that despite social restrictions operations had continued to the fullest extent. Mr Jones said that members of the public and staff had not conducted public meetings or visits during the restrictions. He stated that flexible staff working arrangements were encouraged wherever possible.

3.    Mr Jones confirmed that school crossing patrol services has been halted and that Kent Travel Saver direct debits had been ceased for January and February 2021 following the nationwide closure of schools.

4.    In response to a question about reductions in bus services not considered socially necessary, Mr Jones said that bus operators had suffered high staff Covid-19 illness rates, which affected their capacity to provide services which considered not to be socially necessary, however, the Public Transport team continued to cooperate with service providers to increase service capacity.

5.    Mr Jones and Mr Lightowler were thanked for work in supporting public transport on the Romney Marsh during the pandemic.

6.    RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Mr P Oakford (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services); Zena Cooke (Corporate Director of Finance) and Dave Shipton (Head of Finance Policy, Planning and Strategy) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Oakford introduced the report on the proposed draft capital and revenue budgets. The future challenges and uncertainties which had impacted corporate finances were highlighted and included future central government financial settlements, ongoing Covid-19 response costs and a decrease in Kent’s Council Tax base.

2.    Mr Oakford confirmed that the recommended Council Tax increase for 2021-2022 was 5%. He added that the significant increase resulted from substantial Covid-19 induced financial burdens and added risks. It was said a 5% increase had been recommended by central government and that future government grant support could be negatively impacted without the implementation of the recommendation. He also said that costs incurred during the third national lockdown were not addressed in the draft budgets.

3.    Mr Shipton drew attention to the proposed changes in revenue expenditure and said that strategic and service considerations had been the key drivers of financial adjustments. He provided a detailed overview of the impact tax base uncertainties had on the County Council’s finances, a -1% decline in the overall tax base had been predicted, this was compared to a previous annual average growth of 2%, it was noted that Council Tax had previously encompassed ~70% of funding which was predicted to fall proportionally due to increased central government grant funding.

4.    In response to a concern raised about the financial risk of uncertain tax yields, Mrs Cooke said that Kent’s local authority trading company dividends had been removed from supporting the base budget to strengthen County Council finances in the event of lower than expected returns.

5.    In response to a question Mrs Cooke said that the Thanet Parkway capital programme included £28m external funding plus KCC funding of £6m and that a detailed breakdown of individual schemes had not been shown in the capital budget for several years.

6.    RESOLVED that the draft capital and revenue budgets including the responses to the budget consultation be noted .

Lee Burchill (Major Capital Programme Manager) and Toby Butler (Traffic & Network Solutions Asset Manager)  were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne gave a verbal overview of the Urban Traffic Management and Control project and confirmed that the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) were providing all project funding. The cooperation between local authorities and stakeholders was commended, as was the overall positive impact infrastructure improvements were predicted to have on the wider Dartford and Gravesham districts.

2.  RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to accept the capital grant from Ebbsfleet Development Company, to take the UTMC project through the stages of development and delivery and specifically for approval:

(a)         for KCC to enter into a funding agreement with EDC subject to the approval of the Corporate Director of Finance, Corporate and Strategic Services;

(b)         to undertake the design and surveys for the UTMC project. The design work will be undertaken by the KCC Traffic and Network Solutions team;

(c)          to progress all statutory approvals or consents required for the schemes, including transfer of land and rights;

(d)         to carry out any additional consultation required for the scheme;

(e)         to enter into construction contracts as necessary for the delivery and future maintenance of the scheme;

(f)           for any further decisions required to allow the scheme to proceed through to delivery to be taken by the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member.

Joe Ratcliffe (Transport Strategy Manage) was in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne outlined the timeframe of the consultation, confirmed that a draft officer holding response had been submitted. He also said that the Department for Transport had proposed a four-year trial however the draft  response had recommended a two-year trial.

2.    Mr Ratcliffe explained the proposed changes to haulage usage and limits, to encourage a greater adoption of rail and water freight. He confirmed that the trial had proposed using a limited number of specially selected routes and that operators would need to apply to the Department for Transport in order to participate.

3.    Members said that HGVs had a disproportionately negative impact on Kent’s highway infrastructure and that future tonnage increases could have adverse cost implications for the County Council. Concerns were raised regarding the possible impact of larger HGVs on country and residential roads, in the event of traffic diversions away from the specified routes.

4.    A member noted that sufficient breakdown support for the proposed freight classification had not been addressed in the consultation document and that a failure to do so could negatively impact traffic and logistics. Members suggested that participating vehicles be required to display visual markers to distinguish them from ordinary freight.

5.    Mr Payne said he had yet to be convinced that an increase in intermodal freight tonnage to 48 tonnes would lead to greater rail freight use. He said he was opposed to the trial in Kent and suggested that local trials in areas of the country with greater container-focused transport infrastructure could be beneficial.

6.    Mr Ratcliffe noted the committee’s responses and confirmed that future trial routes would involve further consultation.

7.    RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport includes the committee’s opposition to the trail in his response to the DfT consultation on a 48 Tonne Intermodal Freight trial

Nikola Floodgate, Schemes Planning & Delivery Manager was in attendance for this item.

1.    The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations on a proposed decision to proceed to the next stages of the project by commissioning consultants to progress to detailed design and further consultation.  Members said that the proposed reduction in parking spaces might have a negative impact on secondary high streets which did not have a critical mass to draw significant numbers of Saturday shoppers.  Mrs Floodgate answered members’ questions about proposals to improve cycle and pedestrian routes in Kent.

2.    RESOLVED that the proposed decision to proceed to the next stages of commissioning consultants to progress to detailed design and further consultation be endorsed.

Sharon Thompson,(Head of Planning Applications Group) was in attendance for this item.

1.     Miss Carey introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations on a proposed Kent Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2021 which included a review of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2013-2030, updates to the Kent Minerals and Waste Safeguarding Supplementary Planning Document and an update of the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.

2.     Mrs Thompson provided greater detail about the report and issues related to the documents to be updated.

3.     RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment that concerns:

(a)          the review of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2013-30

(b)          updates to the Kent Minerals and Waste Safeguarding Supplementary Planning Document

(c)        the review and update of the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.

Phil Lightowler (Head of Public Transport) and Shane Hymers (Fastrack Development Manager) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations on a proposed decision to approve  the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to enforce bus priority measures, specifically bus gates.  Mr Payne said the policy was initially intended for Dover and Kent Thameside Fastrack services, but consideration would also be given to extending such methods of enforcement across the county.

2.    In response to members questions and concerns Mr Lightowler said that the design of schemes was such that it was impossible for other motorists to accidentally stray into routes designed specifically for buses and, like all other enforcement, there was an appeals process.

3.   RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to approve:

(a)      the use of ANPR enforcement of bus gates for Dover and Kent Thameside Fastrack services and

(b)     and support the wider use of ANPR enforcement of bus priority measures county wide, allowing officers to approve enforcement of new schemes.

Lis Dyson (Heritage Conservation Manager) was in attendance for this item.

1.            Miss Carey introduced the report which provided an update on the development of a draft strategy and medium-term plan for the County Council’s Heritage Conservation Service. She said that the cabinet committee had requested sight of the strategy at its meeting in October 2019.  The development of the strategy had been supported by a cross-party member working group and that it was intended to present the final draft strategy and medium-term plan to the Environment and Transport Committee in March 2021, ahead of public consultation.

2.            Ms Dyson gave an overview of the proposed strategy and the report.  She also answered members’ questions relating to the recovering costs, charging for advice, the future of historic windmills in Kent, the storage of artefacts which could not be displayed, the benefits and future of community archaeological digs.

3.            RESOLVED that he draft vision, strategic aims and objectives for the Heritage Conservation Strategy and associated medium-term plan be endorsed.

Rory McMullan (Casualty Reduction Manager)  was in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider, and endorse, or make recommendations on his proposed decision to approve the draft Road Casualty Reduction Strategy 2021 - 2026  and to proceed  to full public consultation.  Mr Payne said that the strategy was proposing a different approach to highway safety and had the support of Kent Police and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

2.    Mr McMullan responded to members’ questions and comments which included comments about the cost to Kent’s industry and commerce  of traffic jams following highways incidents; the likelihood of ever reaching a point where there were no fatalities on Kent’s roads, the potential of making 20 miles per hour the default speed limit in residential areas; the need to target fleet operators, the process for having speed cameras repaired and the operation of the Speedwatch scheme.

3.    RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision to be made by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to approve the draft Road Casualty Reduction Strategy 2021 - 2026  and to proceed to full public consultation.

David Beaver  (Head of Waste & Business Services) and Kay Groves ( Waste Services Manager) were in attendance for this item.

1.    The chairman said that items 16a to 16e inclusive would be considered together.  Miss Carey introduced the reports on the proposed decisions relating to the letting of contracts for the receipt and processing of dry mixed recyclables (21/00006); highways mechanical arisings (20/00121), waste metal (20/00129), paper and card (20/00128) and wood waste (20/00122).

2.    In response to members’ questions, Miss Carey said the contracts being proposed supported the ambition of recycling Kent’s waste in Kent, most of Kent’s waste was recycled and that which went to landfill was mostly asbestos waste.  She also said that the feasibility of developing recycling sites which could be accessed by ships and boats costs could be discussed at a later date. 

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to commission and award a contract for the receipt and processing of dry mixed recyclables for Mid and West Kent for up 39 months.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to commission and award a contract for the receipt and processing of highway mechanical arisings for up to five years.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to commission and award a contract for the receipt and processing of metal waste for up to five years.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to commission and award a contract for the receipt and processing of paper and card for up to 5 years.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to commission and award a new contractual arrangement for the receipt and processing of wood waste.

David Beaver – Head of Waste & Business Services was in attendance for this item.

1.            Miss Carey introduced the report which sought approval to provide continued financial support for the kerbside collection systems, through Inter Authority Agreements which detail a performance-based payment scheme. Miss Carey said that Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council had arranged renewed kerbside model of waste collection to sustain increased recycling and composting levels and that this report and proposed decision followed from principles previously endorsed by the cabinet committee.

2.         Mr Cook abstained from voting on this matter as he was the portfolio holder with responsibility for waste and recycling at Canterbury City Council. 

3.         Resolved to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to enter into an Inter Authority Agreement) with Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council in full to make performance payments to increase levels of recycling and reduce disposal costs for KCC.

Lee Burchill (Major Capital Programme Manager) and Russell Boorman (Senior Major Capital Programme Project Manager) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne introduced the report which provided an update on the A229 Loose Corridor Junction Improvement schemes that were part of the Maidstone Integrated Transport Programme  He said that KCC had secured funding from the Local Growth Fund for their delivery and that the  report sought the cabinet committee’s endorsement to proceed through the next stages of development and delivery including authority to progress statutory approvals and to enter into funding, land and construction contracts. 

2.    RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the  Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to give approval:

(a)     to undertake the design and surveys for the schemes, including development control and land charge disclosures

(b)     to progress all statutory approvals or consents required for the schemes

(c)     to enter into land agreements with third parties as necessary

(d)     to enter into construction contracts as necessary for the delivery of the scheme subject to the approval of the recommended procurement strategy

 (e)    to undertake engagement with all relevant stakeholders as identified in the communication plan

(f)      for any further decisions required to allow the schemes to proceed through to delivery to be taken by the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the cabinet member.

Lee Burchill – Major Capital Programme Manager and Barry Stiff, Project Manager, Major Capital Programme Team were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Payne introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations on a proposed decision to enter into a legal agreement with Dover District Council to act as an infrastructure delivery partner at no cost or risk to the County Council and to take the project through detailed design, statutory approvals and to enter into a construction contract.

2.    RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to give approval:

(a)             to enter into legal agreements with Dover District Council to undertake the delivery of the Infrastructure Works at no cost or risk to the County Council. 

(b)             for KCC officers to project manage, input into the delivery and supervision of the project, with the cost of all staff and consultant time being recoverable against the project funding.

(c)             to complete the detailed design for the project. This work will be undertaken by a design consultant appointed through the Medway Professional Services Framework Contract.

(d)              to progress all consents required for the scheme including Traffic Regulation Orders.

(e)             to enter into a construction contract through an external competitive tender.

(f)              for any further decisions required to allow the scheme to proceed through to delivery to be taken by the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member.

Robert Clark (Contract and Commissioning Support Manager) was in attendance for this item.

1.         Mr Payne introduced the report which asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse, or make recommendations on a proposed decision to procure, and delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport to award and commission the Highway Civils Framework.

2.         In response to a question, Mr Jones said he would like to see some secondary competition within the framework when work was being awarded but on some occasions it might depend on capacity and capability of contractors.

3.         RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to procure and delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport to award and commission the Highway Civils Framework.

Rachel Kennard (Chief Analyst) was in attendance for this item.

1.    Ms Kennard introduced the report by saying that twelve of the eighteen KPIs in the Growth Environment and Transport directorate had achieved target and were RAG rated green, four KPIs were below target, but had achieved the floor standard, and were RAG rated amber and the two KPIs which had not achieved the floor standard were RAG rated red.

2.    RESOLVED that the report be noted.

RESOLVED to note:

(a)         the work programme subject to the inclusion of updates on neonicotinoids and on KCC’s response to the Department for Transport’s consultation on its 48 tonne Intermodal Freight Trial on the agenda for the meeting of the cabinet committee in March 2021; and

(b)         that Mr Rayner and the chairman would discuss the inclusion of  an item, on using water transport to move waste to recycling centres, on an agenda for a future meeting of the cabinet committee.

David Beaver – Head of Waste & Business Services was in attendance for this item.

1.    Miss Carey introduced the report which report asked the cabinet committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations on a  proposed decision to enter into a lease for the provision of a new waste transfer station.  She said the site mentioned in the report was a good one and would enable KCC to recycle more of the waste collected in the Sevenoaks area.  Mr Beaver said that moving to the larger site would enable the authority to move waste up through the hierarchy which would result in commercial savings, enable the processing of trade waste, and have benefits for Sevenoaks District Council who wished to part their fleet of waste collection lorries on the site.

2.    RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to enter into a lease for the provision of a new Waste Transfer Station at Dunbrik, Sundridge for up to 30 years, to provide bulking facilities for household waste collected by Sevenoaks District Council.