Minutes:
(1) The Leader updated the Council on events since the previous meeting, referring specifically to the general election and its implications. He stated that his new administration had been focusing on the Council’s most visible services which helped to shape amenity and the quality of life across Kent
(2) Mr Gough referred to the public engagement which was taking place in relation to Kent’s Strategic Statement and stated that the draft budget for 2020-21 would give added priority to focusing on improving outcomes for Kent’s residents. Mr Gough emphasised the importance of the Strategic Statement and added that whilst many Members had taken part in a workshop to aid its development, further opportunities to shape it would arise in due course.
(3) Mr Gough commended the positive work which had been undertaken in relation to the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy and the strategy’s vision to reduce emissions in Kent to zero. He stated that equally important was adaptation and resilience which was being led by the Cabinet Member for the new Environment portfolio.
(4) Mr Gough stated that he would be attending the first meeting of the Thames Estuary Growth Board on 18 December 2020 and would meet with Kate Willard, the newly appointed Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board. He added that Kent would continue to lobby government for funding to address economic, housing and infrastructure related issues in Kent, including the Crossrail extension to Ebbsfleet.
(5) Mr Gough referred to the Kent and Medway Enterprise & Productivity Strategy which was a vital document in ensuring balanced growth across Kent and achieving the right relationship with London boroughs.
(6) Mr Gough congratulated the new Kent Members of Parliament and emphasised that he would continue to work very closely with them to present Kent’s interests to Government.
(7) Mr Gough referred to the likely departure of the UK from the EU on 31 January 2020. He emphasised the huge amount of work that the County Council had put into preparedness for Brexit and the importance of continuing to be prepared for a range of eventualities post Brexit. He stated that he would write to government to urge at least a review of the Operation Brock barrier between junctions 8 and 9 of the M20. He referred to smart borders in relation to trade, security and migration and the opportunity to ensure that there were benefits for Kent. He added that Kent’s relationship with its Continental neighbours would become increasingly important following Brexit.
(8) Mr Gough emphasised the importance of ensuring that Kent’s interests were not taken for granted by Government when they were addressing the interests of other parts of the Country. He specifically referred to building upon the vital work relating to the Fair Funding Review, and the significant progress made with Ministers by Mr Carter, former Leader of the Council and Chairman of The County Councils Network.
(9) Mr Gough referred to the 2% Adults Social Care Council Tax precept which was welcomed, but which still left a significant funding gap and national policy change was awaited.
(10) In relation to devolution, Mr Gough stated that there was a need to make sure that Kent’s two-tier system worked effectively and he emphasised the importance of delivering the County and District shared agenda.
(11) Mr Gough highlighted the significant work that had been undertaken in relation to addressing areas of concern and responding to the Kent Local Area SEND Written Statement of Action. He emphasised the importance of parental engagement and working closely with schools to ensure a greater focus of inclusion within mainstream education, stronger partnership working with colleagues in Health and the development of a joint commissioning strategy.
(12) Mr Gough welcomed the 1% transfer of funding from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, which was supported by the Schools Funding Forum. He added that strong representations would continue to be made to government in relation to SEND funding and that structural change was required in that area is as well.
(13) In conclusion, Mr Gough thanked staff for their efforts throughout 2019 and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
(14) Mrs Dean, on behalf of Mr Bird, the Leader of the Opposition, started by welcoming Mr Gough’s speech and the collaborative work that he had undertaken as former Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education.
(15) Mrs Dean welcomed the positive work which had been undertaken in relation to the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that new buildings were built in a sustainable way. She also referred to the need for sufficient charging points in Kent for electric vehicles.
(16) Mrs Dean referred to Brexit and the need to be prepared for a range of eventualities.
(17) Mrs Dean emphasised the importance of the Fair Funding Review and ensuring that the right level of funding was allocated to Kent.
(18) Mrs Dean reiterated Mr Gough’s comments in relation to the additional funding from government to deliver essential services for local communities, including social care.
(19) Mrs Dean emphasised the importance of structural reform of the planning system and continuing to strengthen relationships between central government, local authorities and residents, referring specifically to differing housing targets.
(20) Mr Farrell, Leader of the Labour Group, started by thanking all of Kent County Council’s Members and staff for their hard work, dedication and service to Kent’s residents throughout the year.
(21) Mr Farrell emphasised the importance of cross-party lobbying and continuing to ensure that Kent and the financing of local Councils was at the forefront of Ministers' minds. Mr Farrell highlighted the need for planning for the Government to address the issue of long-term funding of adult social care. He also referred to the importance of taking an evidence-based and pragmatic approach in relation to stabilising Kent’s agricultural sector.
(22) Mr Whybrow, Leader of the Independents Group, supported Mr Gough’s comments in relation to the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy and the strategy’s vision to reduce emissions in Kent to zero. He added that the strategy had recently been finalised and a public consultation had been launched. Mr Whybrow expressed his concerns in relation to the climate crisis and emphasised the significant need to tackle climate change.
(23) Mr Whybrow emphasised the importance of nurturing green businesses in Kent with the help of Regional Growth Funds and prioritising public transport, walking and cycling with future LEPs and other capital bids.
(24) Mr Whybrow commended the positive work that had been undertaken by Members and officers in relation to Kent’s Pollinator Action Plan.
(25) Mr Whybrow concluded by wishing all of Kent County Council’s Members and staff well over the festive period.
(26) In replying to the other Leaders’ comments, Mr Gough referred to Mrs Dean’s comments in relation to ensuring that new buildings were built in a sustainable way. He confirmed that a report would be submitted to Full Council in May 2020 relating to Kent’s Environmental Strategy, which would focus on addressing environmental issues with regards to Kent’s new and existing estate.
(27) Mr Gough re-emphasised the importance of Brexit preparedness, focusing on longer-term issues in relation to potential Brexit implications. He expressed the view that a World Trade Organisation (WTO) relationship with the EU after December 2020 was relatively unlikely to happen.
(28) Mr Gough responded to comments made by Mrs Dean and Mr Farrell in relation to fair funding and reiterated the importance of ensuring that Kent's interests were well looked after. He expressed his views in relation to the sustainability of highways expenditure and the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Ministers in central government. He also emphasised the importance of working closely with Kent’s district and borough councils in relation to Kent’s infrastructure.
(29) Mr Gough referred to the comments that had been made in relation to social care and commended the cross-party approach taken by government in seeking to address the significant issues within the social care sector across the country.