Agenda item

1. The Leader began by providing an update on key activities and developments since the previous meeting. The Leader explained that, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation, Members and officers had continued to focus on the delivery of services to residents across Kent. 

 

2. The Leader reported that the Council had continued to prioritise service delivery, including the maintenance of highways, support for vulnerable children, provision of adult social care, operation of libraries, and wider community services. 

 

3. The public budget consultation had been launched to seek residents' views on spending priorities and the allocation of approximately £2.8 billion of public funding. The consultation was intended to inform future financial planning and ensure that residents' views were reflected in decision-making. 

 

4. An update was provided on matters affecting Kent's tourism sector. The Leader reported that representations had been made to Government regarding support for businesses and the wider visitor economy. 

 

5. The Leader advised that correspondence had been sent to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding anticipated impacts of the European Union Entry/Exit System and the effect of traffic management arrangements on Kent residents, businesses and visitors. Efforts to identify alternative arrangements and reduce disruption were continuing. 

 

6. There was ongoing engagement with Government and rail operators to explore opportunities for the return of international rail services to Kent stations, including discussions regarding the installation of Entry/Exit System facilities. 

 

7. The Leader reported that disruptions to water supplies experienced in parts of Kent during May had prompted the establishment of the Kent Water Resilience Partnership. The partnership would meet for the first time in October and would provide strategic leadership and coordination to improve water resilience across the county. 

 

8. The Leader noted that discussions had been arranged with the newly appointed leadership of the local water provider to support collaborative working on water resilience issues. 

 

9. Councillors had participated in community litter-picking activities and that the Council continued to promote environmental responsibility and cleaner public spaces. 

 

10. The Leader advised that the first Kent County Council Fly-Tipping and Waste Conference had been held in Ashford. The event brought together partner organisations to share expertise and support the development of a county-wide fly-tipping action plan. A partnership would continue to meet regularly to monitor progress and address emerging issues. 

 

11. The Leader highlighted activities undertaken during Armed Forces Week and Armed Forces Day, including attendance at events across Kent and a visit to a veterans' support facility near Maidstone. The facility was intended to provide support and assistance to military veterans experiencing a range of challenges. 

 

12. The Council had hosted representatives from other local authorities following local elections, providing an opportunity to share experience and learning relating to council governance and efficiency. 

 

13. The Leader reported on continued development of the Council's efficiency and organisational improvement work, noting that its approach had attracted interest from local government organisations more widely. 

 

14. The Leader provided feedback from attendance at the Local Government Association Conference, including participation in a session regarding opportunities for young people to engage with and work in local government. 

 

15. An update was given following a visit to a Family Hub in Maidstone. Members were informed of the range of support services available to families, children and young people, including support from pregnancy through to early adulthood, with additional provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities. 

 

16. The Leader reported that correspondence had been exchanged with Kent Police regarding policing matters and community confidence. 

 

17. Kent County Council had attended the Kent County Show under the theme of supporting families and shaping futures. Council staff had engaged with residents and provided information on a wide range of services, including family support, fostering, adult social care, libraries, skills training, community wellbeing and trading standards. 

 

18. Mr Hook, Leader of the Opposition, began by criticising the decision to reduce the time allocated for Opposition Group Leaders to respond to the Leader's Report. 

 

19. Mr Hook welcomed the Chairman’s decision to mark Battle of Britain Day and Waterloo Day, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in both events. He also congratulated the England football team and praised Gravesend-raised Marc Guéhi for his contribution to the national side. 

 

 

20. Mr Hook referred to the unanimously agreed Entry/ Exit System (EES) motion passed at the previous meeting and expressed disappointment that no action plan had been produced ahead of the summer period. He criticised the Administration’s response to the issue and stated that responsibility for any resulting disruption on Kent’s roads would rest with the Administration. 

 

21. Mr Hook spoke about the importance of inclusion in achieving community unity and highlighted support for local Pride events. He expressed support for LGBT residents and called for the Council to reinstate the practice of flying the Pride flag, highlighting that a petition in support of this had been signed at Canterbury Pride. 

 

22. Mr Hook stressed the importance of supporting vulnerable residents requiring medical care and referred to discussion at the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) on proposed In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) service changes. He criticised comments made by a member of the Administration regarding IVF and called on the Leader to condemn those remarks and distance herself from them. 

 

23. Finally, Mr Hook referred to the recent Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection and commended the work of teachers, SENCOs and headteachers. He welcomed the forthcoming publication of the Ofsted report and its assessment of progress and areas for further improvement. 

 

24. Mr Thomas, Leader of the Restore Britain Kent Group, began by emphasising the importance of constructive dialogue and good working relationships between political groups. 

 

25. Referring to the Quarterly Performance Report, Mr Thomas welcomed the Section 25 Assurance Statement and its recognition of the need for members to address the Council’s financial challenges and ensure the authority’s finances remain robust. 

 

26. On the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), Mr Thomas highlighted risks identified in relation to funding gaps, the unapproved SEND Reform Plan and the need to deliver significant savings. He warned that failure to address these issues could have serious implications for the Dedicated Schools Grant and the Council’s reserve levels. 

 

27. Regarding water resilience in Kent, Mr Thomas stressed the need for investment in underground pipe infrastructure, surface reservoirs and boosters, arguing that tangible action was required to address long-term water supply challenges. 

 

28. Mr Thomas welcomed recent engagement on tackling fly- tipping and argued that the perpetrators, rather than innocent landowners and farmers, should bear the cost of the clean-up. Referring to the Kent County Show, he also highlighted the value of school farms and called for continued support to help them grow and reopen where they had closed. 

 

29. Mr Thomas highlighted the potential financial impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the associated pressure on reserves in the short term. 

 

30. Finally, Mr Thomas raised concerns about the employment of political assistants and referred to a recent funding request from within his group that had been declined. 

 

31. Mr Rayner, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns on the potential impact of future hostilities on critical infrastructure, particularly electricity generation and freshwater supplies in Kent. He encouraged the Administration to support training for Members and communities to improve resilience and preparedness in the event of disruption to local electrical infrastructure. 

 

32. Mr Rayner also referred to the importance of household and community resilience during periods of disruption to food supply and distribution networks. He encouraged the Administration to work with parish and town councils and other community organisations to provide guidance and support to residents in the event of disruption to essential services, including communications and internet connectivity. 

 

33. Finally, in reference to LGR, Mr Rayner expressed the hope that any future changes to local government structures would be supported by effective coordination between authorities on matters such as highways and related services. 

 

34. The Leader of the Council addressed the Chamber explaining that the Government had announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway. She advised that the area would be served by four new unitary councils from April 2028 under the model referred to as Option 4B. 

 

35. The Leader expressed disappointment that details of the announcement had entered the public domain before being formally presented to the Council and highlighted that the information had been subject to a strict embargo. 

 

36. The Leader offered an apology to staff who had become aware of the announcement through media reporting rather than through official Council communications. 

 

37. Members were informed that the Government’s decision did not reflect the option previously supported by Kent County Council. 

 

38. The Leader advised that the Council would take time to consider the implications of the decision for Kent, including the proposed implementation arrangements and timescales. 

 

39. It was emphasised that the Council’s immediate priority remained the delivery of services to residents, the continued support of its workforce throughout the transition period, and the maintenance of services relied upon by the public. 

 

40. Members were advised that information relating to the announcement would be published on the Council’s website and social media channels. 

 

41. The Leader considered that it would be inappropriate for detailed debate on the matter to take place at the meeting, highlighting that there was a dedicated Cabinet Committee to consider issues relating to Local Government Reorganisation. 

 

42. Mr Hood, Leader of the Green Group, addressed the Council and referred to recent county events and issues affecting the authority. 

 

43. He explained that, although advance briefings for opposition leaders were no longer provided prior to meetings of the full Council, he had attended a number of recent engagements and events which had informed his understanding of current matters affecting the authority. 

 

44. He referred to attendance at the Kent County Show and welcomed the wide range of livestock, produce, food and drink on display, highlighting the importance of Kent’s agricultural sector and local producers. 

 

45. He also referred to attending a conference on fly-tipping, where discussion had focused on partnership working between agencies to address environmental crime and the impact of organised criminal activity on communities and the environment. 

 

46. Reference was made to community clean-up initiatives undertaken by local groups and volunteers and the contribution these activities made to local environmental improvements. 

 

47. Mr Hood commented on proposals relating to Local Government Reorganisation and expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on local democratic representation and the size of electoral divisions. 

 

48. He paid tribute to officers of the Council and acknowledged the uncertainty that proposed local government changes could create for employees. He recognised the contribution made by staff in delivering services to residents across the county. 

 

49. He expressed the hope that forthcoming announcements regarding local government arrangements would provide greater certainty for officers and support the continued resilience and quality of public services. 

 

50. Mr Brady, Leader of the Labour Group, began by emphasising the importance of recognising positive developments locally and nationally. He highlighted various key achievements of the Labour Government over the previous 2 years, including record investment in public services, reductions in NHS waiting times, falls in net migration and knife crime and lower childcare costs.

 

51.Mr Brady stated that debate should allow for the consideration of alternative viewpoints and that Members should be able to challenge differing perspectives respectfully and without disruption. Finally, he advocated for respectful and balanced discussion within the chamber, with a focus on constructive challenge and avoiding personal criticism of Members.

52.The Leader of the Council responded to comments made during the preceding debate and provided closing remarks on a range of matters raised by Members. 

53.The Leader explained that a number of issues had been raised by different political groups and observed that several points appeared contradictory. Reference was made to comments concerning attendance at events and engagement with Members, with the Leader highlighting that concerns about limited contact were raised alongside examples of regular attendance and invitations to various events and meetings. 

54.The Leader also commented on references made to Local Government Reorganisation and expressed the view that conclusions regarding the future of council staff were premature, given that the process had only recently been announced. 

55.In response to comments relating to invitations to council events and forums, the Leader stated that examples had been provided of invitations and attendance at a number of council-led events and activities. 

56.The Leader further responded to comments regarding achievements and performance, noting that a number of achievements had been cited during the debate. 

57.The Leader concluded by addressing the Administration's approach to inclusivity and explained the council's flag-flying policy. It was stated that the flag of Kent was flown to represent all residents of Kent, the flag of St George was flown to represent England and the Union Flag was flown to represent the United Kingdom. The Leader stated that this was intended to ensure that all residents were represented and included.