Minutes:
Georgia Foster (Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services), Jamie Henderson (Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health), David Wimble (Cabinet Member for Economic Developments and Special Projects), Peter Osborne (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport) Provided an update on the Following:
1.Mr Osborne, delivered his verbal update:
a) Groundwork for the installation of electric chargers had commenced and work had also begun to support the Thameside Fastrack network. Once fully completed the entire network would be operating with electric vehicles.
b) The Strategic Resilience Team (SRT) had commenced work with the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum, partner agencies, the Police, National Highways, and other authorities to develop plans for traffic management on the approaches to the Kents ports and Channel crossings.
c) All UK nationals travelling to the EU were required to register under the Exit/Entry System (EES), which was likely to increase crossing times for those travelling across the Channel. It was noted that the full biometric system had not yet been implemented, with registration currently taking place at customs booths. These impacts were expected to add additional processing time for Operation Brock.
d) Operation Brock would continue to be used for the foreseeable future with no viable alternative having yet to be identified. The SRT had been working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to explore technological alternatives, and it was suggested that any solution explored would unlikely provide a quick fix.
e) Members were informed that Telent Technology Services (TTS) had successfully retained the maintenance contract for traffic systems assets across Kent following a comprehensive bidding and assessment process.
f) The new contract had commenced on 1st April. The SRT had been working with TTS to align new processes and develop the associated performance measures. The transition was well underway and had progressed smoothly. No disruption to service delivery had been observed and positive engagement from Telent staff and strong leadership from the local contract manager were noted.
g) The update highlighted that the previous Winter had been relatively mild. However, there had still been a spike in salt runs in January 2026 which had remained consistent with patterns observed in previous years.
h) Between April 2025 and March 2026, more than 50,000 potholes had been repaired. A total of 35,000 potholes had been formally reported with 22,500 of those reports being submitted between January and March 2026.
i) Despite unprecedented demand and significant pressure on services it was indicated that teams had demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and a strong commitment throughout the period. It was discussed that reducing the overall number of potholes remained challenging due to ongoing underlying factors.
j) The new local highways maintenance contract had been launched with four new suppliers appointed to support patching and repair works. The Structures Fund had opened for scheme submissions. Only one bid per authority was permitted except in exceptional circumstances. KCC had submitted two bids: the primary bid for Galley Hill and a secondary bid for the A299 structures, tunnels and carriageway reconstruction.
k) The Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP) was commencing. A revision had been due this year and would now be required following the DfT letter on revised transparency reporting requirements and was to be expected to be released within the month.
l) A new School Street trial had been launched at Snodland C of E Primary School to improve safety and the environment during drop off and pick up times. Temporary vehicle restrictions operated between 08:00–09:00 and 14:30–15:30, Monday to Friday and during term time.
m) The Road Safety and Active Travel Group parish seminar had recently taken place. The session had provided practical content to support local engagement, and the team had shared resources and toolkits for parish use. Discussions throughout had been constructive and insightful.
2.Mr Wimble, delivered his verbal update:
a) The Committee received an update on Skills Bootcamps. Strong outcomes continued to be achieved and during Wave 6 of the programme between July 2025 and March 2026, the programme had seen 500 learners enrolled. Of these, 92% had completed the bootcamp and gained a qualification. This had significantly exceeded the national average and outperformed set targets.
b) It was reported that 43% of learners had already secured positive outcomes, including new employment, improved roles, or contracts for those who were self-employed. Members were advised that further outcomes were expected in the coming months. The remaining 8% who did not complete, most had left early due to securing employment which was discussed as an overall positive outcome.
c) Members were informed that Wave 7 had commenced and had provided over 400 new learner places, supported by £1.5 million of funding from the Department for Work and Pensions. The programme covered priority sectors including health, construction, social care, and early years support. This had resulted in an aligning of the training provision with current labour market demands.
d) The Committee also received an update on the first 9 months of delivery for the Connect to Work programme where the number of people reporting employment outcomes was increasing.
e) From April 2026 delivery had been strengthened through the addition of two new partners. The Shore Trust and Forward Trust would work alongside existing education providers. The partnership aimed to support 9,000 individuals over the lifetime of the programme. The Cabinet Member indicated that this was a firm commitment rather than a target.
f) The Kent and Medway Growth Hub had supported 1,400 businesses in the previous year, providing advice, guidance, and confidence to enable growth. Further updates were provided on financial support, noting that the Kent and Medway Business Fund had issued 38 loans totalling £5 million. This was recognised as direct investment into businesses, supporting job creation. Members were advised that the maximum loan value would be increased from £600,000 to £750,000 in the following year to further support business growth.
g) The Committee received an update on tourism. In 2024 there had been 66 million visits and generating £4.1 billion for the local economy. This represented a return to pre-pandemic levels and had been achieved more quickly than been previously widely anticipated.
h) It was reported that tourism supported over 82,000 jobs in Kent, accounting for 11% of total employment, and was therefore considered a key component of the local economy. Members were advised that promotional activity was ongoing. A recent St Pancras campaign had reached 13 million people through outdoor advertising, with a further 1.7 million reached digitally, promoting Kent’s coast, countryside and gardens to London audiences. A dedicated campaign focusing on coastal towns was scheduled as the next phase of activity.
i) Kent would be showcased nationally at the UK Real Estate Investment Forum in Leeds, alongside the Gatwick Economic Zone. It was emphasised that the area was not only open for business but was actively seeking inward investment.
j) The continued importance of Kent’s food and drink sector was discussed. The Taste of Kent Awards were confirmed to be returning for their 20th year, celebrating local producers and recognising the importance of identity, quality, and support for the county’s businesses.
k) An update was also provided on the No Use Empty programme. Over 9,000 empty properties had been brought back into use, creating homes and opportunities that would otherwise have remained vacant.
l) It was further reported that the programme was now working in partnership with the Kent & Medway Business Fund. £3.8 million was being invested into two new projects to deliver 25 commercial units in New Romney and Thanet.
3. Mrs Foster delivered her verbal update.
a) The Cabinet Member gave thanks to officers, recognising that briefings had been delivered with enthusiasm and that officers had been working diligently to arrange visits as part of the Member’s induction into the portfolio. Appreciation was also recorded for the work undertaken by the previous Cabinet Member Mr Webb.
b) The Committee was informed that Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre had confirmed its opening date as Tuesday 29th May. The new facility was located in the town centre on Sandgate Road.
c) The centre would provide modern classrooms and teaching spaces for adult learning courses, alongside both adult and children’s library services, including access to the local history collection.
d) The facility would also offer accessible spaces for reading, studying, learning and community events, as well as digital facilities, including free public WiFi, computer access and would also accommodate birth and death registration appointments.
e) Co-location projects in Kent had remained on track. Already completed were Stanhope, Temple Hill, Cranbrook and Sittingbourne, which were all co -located with family centres. The final two in the phase would be Queenborough and Cliftonville, which had progressed well and was expected to reopen in early June.
f) Technology Enabled Live service (TELs) would again hosting drop-in sessions in libraries. Dates and locations for those would be announced soon.
g) The Committee received a progress update on the refurbishment works at Manor Gate House Registry Office in Dartford. It was reported that the works had delivered a new ceremony space and improved office accommodation for staff.
h) As a result, the service would require less space within the building. Ceremonies had already recommenced at the refurbished venue and that the service would now be actively promoting it as a ceremony location within Dartford.
i) Positive updates were provided in relation to library services. The Committee was informed that James Fisher and Zachary Wells, who worked across libraries in Thanet, had been shortlisted in the Libraries Connected Awards in the Children and Young People category.
j) The Committee was informed that the Culture and Creative Economy Service had secured a capital grant of £865,000 from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund.
k) Funding had been allocated to essential maintenance and capital works to safeguard the Turner Contemporary building. Investment would ensure that the gallery remained safe, accessible, and operational in the long term. The works were also expected to protect the building’s infrastructure and support its continued ability to host exhibitions.
l) The Committee received an update from Trading Standards regarding a significant fraud case which had recently concluded following several years within the court system.
m) Members were informed that two individuals, operating as builders, had been found guilty after a nine?week trial at Crown Court. The case had involved 19 victims across Kent, with fraud totalling approximately £1.4 million. Sentencing was scheduled to take place later in the month.
n) It was reported that a new Vape Compliance Officer had been appointed, with the role fully funded by Public Health. The officer would work in close partnership with the Illegal Tobacco Officer, the Youth Harm Reduction Officer, and apprentices funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to address underage sales and tackle illegal tobacco and vape activity across the County.
o) Officers had also supported Kent Police in the closure of an illegal tobacco shop in Maidstone. It was highlighted that this action had been made possible through timely intelligence checks undertaken by the Innovation and Business Intelligence team. The team had played a major role in the identification of the landlords involved.
p) Trading Standards activities at Kents ports were discussed. Joint working in partnership with the UK Border Force had resulted in the interception of two lorry loads containing over 300,000 illegal disposable vapes being smuggled through Kent.
q) Members were also made aware of wider sector challenges, including reports in the press regarding abuse and threats of violence faced by Trading Standards officers from criminal gangs. Whilst it was acknowledged that these particular incidents had not occurred within Kent, the Committee recognised the risks and challenges faced by officers in carrying out their duties.
4.Mr Henderson delivered his verbal update.
a) Kent County Council was developing a Coastal Regeneration Strategy aimed at bringing together existing programmes and partners to more effectively target support for coastal communities facing long?term challenges. The new strategy would focus on improving locations, strengthening town centres, visitor economy, and supporting jobs and skills through a coordinated approach.
b) May was National Walking Month with a number of activities being promoted through Explore Kent to encourage walking for wellbeing and connection with nature. It was reported that efforts were being made to ensure accessibility across routes and Country parks. Work at Trosley Country Park to reduce health inequalities by removing barriers to outdoor activity for disabled people and those with long term conditions was a notable example of the work that had been undertaken.
c) Explore Kent had completed joint works to redesign the Ramsgate to Broadstairs section of the King Charles III England Coast Path map. The work had focused on addressing practical issues such as safety, obstacles and user confidence. Feedback would be used to inform a more accessible map and in addition 12 participants were being trained as volunteer walk leaders to support inclusive local walks.
d) Members were also informed that short accessibility videos, tailored walking guides and 360 degree imagery for the coastal path had been launched to aid users plan journeys and select suitable routes.
5. In response to comments and questions from Members, the discussion covered the following:
a) Members queried if more funds could be allocated to the ‘No use empty’ initiative. The relevant Cabinet Member responded that they would look to explore the request and indicated that further discussions would take place with Mr Collins (Deputy Leader) to explore the potential reallocation of funding.
b) Officers responded to question on the numbers of care leavers that were attending Skills boot camps and advised Members that a specific figure relating to care leavers was not available at the time. Officers discussed the close working arrangements that were in place with the Adult Social Care leavers team to ensure that opportunities through Connect to Work and Skills Bootcamps were effectively promoted to this cohort.
c) Concerns were raised on the impact of EES, and the traffic throttling measures in place to mitigate the impact to coastal areas. Officers highlighted that there were no legislative powers available to direct or redirect tourist traffic. Existing powers had allowed only for the holding of HGV traffic under Operation Brock; equivalent measures were not in place for general traffic management.
d) The primary approach would therefore focus on providing timely information and guidance to the public, including journey planning, awareness of disruption, and identification of safe routes. It was further reported that contingency sites were under consideration should conditions worsen. Overall, the current position remained one of warning and informing to ensure that residents and visitors were aware of the prevailing situation.
e) Members observed that provisions for the current financial year had reduced to 400 learner places and represented a decrease of around 20%. Officers explained that figures had been reconfigured due to a reduction of funding from the Department of Education.
f) Queries on what lesson learnt had been garnered from the increased cost of maintaining the Turner Contemporary building. Officers advised that the KCC Infrastructure team would be responsible for overseeing and managing the Turner Contemporary building. It was further highlighted that lessons relating to the management and maintenance of the facility continued to be addressed on an ongoing basis by the infrastructure team.
g) The Committee sought clarification on updated figures relating to the highway asset management backlog. Members were informed that the total backlog for all highway assets was currently estimated at just over £1 billion. This compared to a previous figure of £770 million, which related solely to the highway network rather than all associated assets.
h) Additionally, the estimate was being reassessed through a new asset condition survey. Based on earlier analysis, an indicative annual investment of approximately £150 million would be required to address the backlog.
i) In response to further questions, it was clarified that the £1 billion figure had been rounded for simplicity and did not indicate a significant improvement from the previously reported total of £1.3 billion. A request was made for a detailed breakdown of the figures to be provided separately.
j) Pothole repairs were discussed and Members asked if data was being collected on the outcomes of interventions, including the number of temporary measures in place, instances of failure were being collected by Officers. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the data set were collected.
k) Returning to skills bootcamps, Members asked if the monitoring was undertaken over the short, medium and long term to track participant outcomes. Members urged the importance of following up on individuals who had completed the programme in order to assess the longevity of the impact and to inform continuous improvement, ensuring the programme delivered maximum value.
l) The Committee was advised that there was a requirement, now overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions, to monitor learner outcomes for a period of six months following completion of Skills Bootcamps.
m) Monitoring encompassed course completion and qualifications achieved. Key outcome measures such as job interviews for those unemployed, progression into enhanced roles for those already in work, and new contracts secured by self employed participants were also captured.
n) The Committee enquired if there were plans to further maximise the use of library assets through additional co location opportunities. Reference was made to existing examples such as Temple Hill and the potential for integrating libraries with services including family hubs, skills provisions and care services.
o) The associated Cabinet Member confirmed that co-location had remained an ongoing initiative, with sites being continually reviewed to assess their suitability for accommodating multiple services within a single building.
RESOLVED to note the Verbal Updates