Minutes:
1. The Leader began by placing on record her thanks to the outgoing Chairman and Vice Chairman for their service over the past year, recognising their contribution to the work of the Council and their representation at civic events. A welcome was also extended to the newly appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman.
2. The Leader stated that the Administration had focused on delivering improved accountability, service delivery and value for money. This had included the introduction of strengthened financial oversight and the launch of the Council’s first commercial strategy in January 2026, intended to maximise value from Council expenditure.
3. It was reported that the Council had inherited long-term debt of £732 million, with daily interest payments of approximately £84,000. Over the last year, this had been reduced by £142 million to £590 million, resulting in savings of approximately £1.2 million per year, equivalent to around £3,200 per day in interest costs. A balanced budget for 2026/27 had been achieved, and the Administration had not increased council tax to the maximum level, instead had identified in-year savings while maintaining investment in frontline services.
4. In relation to highways, the Leader advised that £67 million had been invested, with over 50,000 pothole repairs completed and resurfacing programmes accelerated.
5. The Leader outlined progress in education and children’s services, including expanded support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), reduced waiting times for assessments and strengthened partnership working with schools to improve outcomes for children and young people.
6. The Leader referred to adult social care, explaining that it accounted for a significant proportion of the Council’s budget. It was reported that improved financial management had reduced overspending and strengthened budgetary control.
7. Governance and operational changes were highlighted, including the removal of duplication in committee structures and modernisation of meeting arrangements. These changes were reported to deliver savings of approximately £75,000 annually, alongside improvements to transparency through enhanced access to information on the Council’s website.
8. The Leader reported that KCC’s Climate Emergency Declaration had been removed, enabling the reallocation of approximately £39 million of planned expenditure. Work had commenced on the development of a new energy strategy, including consideration of alternative energy solutions and the protection of agricultural land.
9. The Leader highlighted rural issues, including fly-tipping and waste crime. The Leader advised that a county-wide Waste and Fly Tipping Conference would be held in July. This aimed to bring together stakeholders and enforcement agencies to address these challenges.
10. The Leader outlined activity to support economic growth and connectivity, including engagement with rail operators and infrastructure partners to encourage competition on international rail services and the reinstatement of services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations.
11. The Leader referenced regeneration initiatives, including partnership working to designate East Kent as a Marmot Coastal Region, aimed at improving life chances and opportunities for residents in coastal communities.
12. The Leader highlighted the declaration of an illegal migration emergency in Kent, sharing that a detailed report on associated impacts on services and communities had been produced and there was continued engagement planned with Central Government.
13. The Leader referred to the publication of the “Reforming Kent” plan in November 2025, which set out the Council’s strategic direction including financial sustainability, service delivery and support for residents and businesses.
14. An update was provided on Local Government Reorganisation proposals, with the Leader explaining that the KCC’s submission intended to minimise cost and disruption whilst maintaining effective service delivery.
15. In conclusion, the Leader stated that, while progress had been made during the first year, further work remained. The Administration remained committed to maintaining financial stability, improving services and delivering for residents.
16. Mr Hook, Leader of the Opposition, began by thanking the outgoing Chairman and Vice- Chairman for their service, congratulating the new Chairman and Vice- Chairman on their election and welcoming Mr Rob Yates as the newly elected Member for Cliftonville.
17.Mr Hook commented on the recent local elections, congratulating Liberal Democrat colleagues in Tunbridge Wells on their strong results. He asserted that despite facing a well- resourced opposition, the party’s success reflected their commitment to local communities and growing frustration with the Reform party.
18.Mr Hook criticised the Leader’s opposition to free breakfast clubs, arguing that they provided clear social and economic benefits. He emphasised that supporting children through measures like free school meals helped families, improved outcomes and reflected the importance of society contributing to the wellbeing of future generations.
19.Turning to the Kent Travel Saver, Mr Hook criticised the Administration’s proposed price increase, stating that made travel for young people more expensive and undermined claims of putting residents first.
20.In relation to fly tipping, Mr Hook asserted that while advising residents to check with tradespeople was a positive step, it was insufficient on its own. He argued that stronger action was needed, including possible legislative measures and better systems to track waste. Mr Hook endorsed the idea of a multi- agency hub to tackle what he described as serious, financially motivated crimes.
21.Mr Hook questioned the Leader’s comments on the Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE), citing previous statements that it had not delivered savings. He argued that reductions in debt were largely due to maturing liabilities rather than policy changes and raised concerns about the Council’s financial position. Mr Hook highlighted increased risk exposure, reduced reserves, and a reliance on asset sales to balance the budget.
22.Mr Hook expressed concern about the condition of Kent’s roads, stating that the county had experienced its worst pothole situation despite increased funding. He also criticised comments made towards Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) campaigners, urging the Administration to listen more carefully to the concerns of teachers and those advocating for children with additional needs.
23. Finally, Mr Hook thanked colleagues across the Council and expressed his hope that the coming Civic Year would ensure that every Member had a strong voice and would work to make Kent proud of its Council.
24. Mr Thomas, Leader of the Restore Britain Kent Group, began his speech by recognising certain positive changes, while urging the Leader to consider developments elsewhere, where Reform groups were challenging the legal basis of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
25.Mr Thomas called for greater reflection and humility, clarifying that his group’s previous walkout was not due to a disagreement on the national issue, but because the previous meeting’s motion was predominately national politics and adversarial comments which detracted from a focus on local issues affecting Kent especially during a by-election period.
26.Mr Thomas criticised claims about protecting heritage in the light of asset sales and urged the Administration to reflect on the impact of its decisions on residents. He continued by questioning the decision to prioritise a political assistant over crisis funding, raising concerns about the leadership’s judgement and transparency around such appointments.
27.Concerning international stations, Mr Thomas welcomed progress and thanked officers and campaigners for their efforts but stressed that further cross- party cooperation was needed to best serve the interests of Kent residents in order to expedite the international trains stopping in Kent.
28. Mr Thomas raised concerns about the handling of the Tilbury- Gravesend Ferry, stating a request for the Cabinet Member to pass over to Economic Development and revisit the issue if funding became available was rejected. He suggested that Member’s views were being overlooked, compounded by proposed constitutional changes, which he argued could limit open debate and restrict Member’s ability to challenge the Administration.
29. Finally, Mr Thomas commented on the approach to Galley Hill, stating that while the ambition was welcome, potential funding had been used to repay debt instead of supporting a significant economic development opportunity.
30. Mr Rayner, Leader of the Conservative Group, began by expressing concern that the Leader’s Report did not adequately address preparations for rising food and fuel costs, urging the Administration to mitigate their impact. He suggested reducing unnecessary travel, including greater use of remote Cabinet Committee meetings where appropriate. He also emphasised the need to ensure sufficient resources for frontline services, particularly in light of increasing financial pressures.
31. Mr Rayner warned that the Administration was falling behind in responding to rising inflationary pressures, highlighting concerns raised about potential budgetary overspends. He called for urgent updates to the corporate risk register and for decisive action to address the situation to provide clear leadership to Kent residents.
32. Concerning LGR, Mr Rayner referenced commentary from the Institute for Government expressing scepticism about the proposed timetable. He stated that while the Administration had supported a single unitary authority, it had not clearly set out its position on alternative proposals or addressed concerns about the viability of the current plans. Mr Rayner finished by thanking his group for their work supporting residents over the past year and for the support they had given him personally.
33. Mr Hood, Leader of the Green Group, referred to the previous Full Council meeting and outlined the Green Group’s position in relation to the decision to leave the Chamber. Mr Hood explained that this action had been taken due to concerns regarding the legality of the Reform Groups’ Motion for Time Limited Debate and the process followed in relation to advice provided at that time. Additionally, Mr Hood raised concerns that his group had not yet seen the legal advice associated with that matter.
34. Mr Hood made reference to recent media appearances following the elections, including the Leader’s participation on BBC Politics South East alongside the Deputy Leader of the Green Party.
35. Concerns were raised regarding the Administration’s approach to culture and heritage, including the disposal of artworks and assets. Mr Hood made reference to the sale of items from the Council’s art collection and the proposed disposal of heritage properties, including windmills, highlighting concerns about long-term preservation and support for volunteer organisations.
36. Mr Hood commented on Council spending priorities, including reference to administrative and support costs, and how these were balanced against the maintenance of assets and services.
37. Mr Hood highlighted the absence of reference within the Leader’s statement to the celebration of Kent Day and related activity to promote the county’s heritage and identity. The importance of promoting Kent’s cultural identity, heritage, and local produce was highlighted, alongside the potential for increased civic engagement and public participation. Mr Hood advised that he and Mr Stepto would ensure the county’s flag was flown above Tonbridge Castle on Kent Day. He also referred to previous initiatives aimed at promoting Kent-related items and branding, adding that such initiatives could support engagement with residents and visitors.
38. Mr Hood concluded by welcoming Mr Yates to his first full Council meeting and highlighted his attendance at committee meetings as part of his introduction to Council business.
39. Mr Brady, Leader of the Labour Group, highlighted that the King’s Speech set out a clear direction based on investment, long- term planning and partnership. He stated this approach was particularly important in Kent due to the county’s unique pressures as the UK’s gateway.
40. On transport, Mr Brady emphasised the importance of investment, highlighting the need for effective public transport and support for active travel to address congestion and air quality issues, particularly in areas like Canterbury. He also warned that alternative approaches that prioritised car travel, could worsen traffic and environmental pressures.
41. Turning to health and public services, Mr Brady stressed the need for improvement and welcomed reforms in the King’s Speech to reduce NHS bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and achieve better patient outcomes, benefitting KCC services without relying on privatisation.
42. On the economy, Mr Brady also emphasised the importance of improving trade links with Europe for Kent’s connectivity and businesses and highlighted KCC’s responsibility to deliver national commitments locally through the new national outcomes framework, by which KCC’s performance would be judged. He concluded with a call for honesty, criticising the Council’s current performance and warning that future funding would depend on results under this framework.
43. In response, the Leader made reference to Member conduct during the last meeting of Full Council, where Members had left the Chamber prior to the conclusion of proceedings. The Leader expressed concern regarding such actions and stated that they were not considered appropriate within the formal setting of Council meetings.
44. The Leader emphasised that all Members were expected to engage fully in debate and decision-making processes and to uphold standards of professionalism in carrying out their duties. The importance of maintaining constructive participation and fulfilling responsibilities to residents was highlighted.
45. The Leader commented on the recent local election results across the country, stating that these had been challenging for opposition parties and arguing that the outcomes reflected growing public support for Reform UK. The Leader referred to national voting trends and suggested that voters were increasingly turning away from other established parties in favour of alternative political representation. The Leader commented that the outcomes demonstrated public support for the Administrations approach to governance, including its focus on financial management, service delivery and policy direction.
46. The Leader raised concerns regarding the conduct and public statements of individuals associated with the Green Party, including comments made by the Party Leader in relation to the Golders Green incident. The Leader further clarified, in relation to a recent media appearance involving the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, that Wealden District Council held debt of £53 million. In addition, the Leader referenced reports of anti-Semitism within the Green Party and expressed the view that such reports raised concerns regarding the party’s governance and oversight.
47. The Leader expressed the view that the political group Restore Britain did not have a sufficient democratic mandate to represent residents within Kent. She stated that, to her knowledge, there were no formal agreements or arrangements in place between Reform UK and Restore Britain, either locally or elsewhere. The Leader further noted that current polling indicated limited electoral support for the group.
48. The Leader commented on developments within the Labour Party, referring to reports of internal divisions, including calls from Members of Parliament for the Party Leader to resign. Concerns were also expressed regarding governance and decision?making at a national level.
49. The Leader commented on the position of the Liberal Democrats within national politics, referring to perceptions of its leadership and public profile. Reference was also made to concerns regarding performance and accountability, including in relation to local government matters and the Party Leader’s handling of issues connected to the Post Office scandal.
50. Reference was made to the Council’s approach to council tax, the Leader highlighted that her Administration delivered the first reduction in Council Tax in Kent for over a decade.
51. The Leader outlined that the Administration had sought to prioritise a practical and delivery-focused approach, including the identification of cost savings and the implementation of measures intended to ensure value for money in service provision.
52. It was further stated that Members of the Administration were not career politicians but had sought election in response to concerns regarding the direction of local and national governance and with the intention of delivering change.
53. The Leader indicated that public response to the Administration’s work over the previous year had been positive, referencing continued electoral support and public engagement. The Leader explained that residents had been able to observe the Council’s work over the preceding year and form their own judgement on its performance and priorities.
54. The importance of continuing to deliver services effectively, maintaining financial discipline, and responding to residents’ concerns was emphasised.
55. The Leader concluded by reiterating that all Members had a responsibility to contribute constructively to Council business and to represent the interests of residents in a professional and accountable manner.
RESOLVED that the Leader’s Report be noted.