Cabinet Member decisions

Proposed decision –To implement agreements between Kent County Council and mainstream schools for the delivery of Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) in Kent, to implement agreements between Kent County Council and providers for the delivery of Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) and to implement agreements between Kent County Council and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). 

Reason for the decision

Current Service Level Agreements and contracts between Kent County Council and mainstream maintained and academy trusts related to the provision of Special Resource Provisions (SRPs) in Kent are due to end 31 August 2026.

The Council is required to have a legally binding agreement in place for the provision of these services that outlines the Council’s expectations in relation to the delivery of this provision. Given that the current agreements will end, with no scope to extend, a Key Decision is required to enter into new agreements.

Comparable legally binding agreements are required between the Council and organisations delivering Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). Historic agreements in relation to these provisions have expired and need to be updated to reflect current national legislation and local policy.

Given that children and young people are placed in all three provisions as part of statutory processes, and funding is allocated through national and local funding formulas the agreements will focus on a quality standards and service expectations.

Background

Following a comprehensive review of SRPs in Kent, a Key Decision was taken to implement legally binding agreements between the Council and mainstream schools for the provision of SRP’s in Kent Decision - 23/00128 - Specialist Resource Provision Contracts & Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Contracts between the Council and academy trusts and Service Level Agreements between the Council and maintained schools where subsequently implemented. These agreements end 31 August 2026 with no scope to extend.

SRPs are a key provision in ensuring that the Council can meet its statutory duty for education provision for children and young people with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) and form part of a continuum of Special Education Needs (SEN) provision that includes mainstream, specialist in mainstream and special school provision. They are expected to form a cornerstone of the Government’s SEN reforms, expected this year. SPI’s form part of the continuum of need for post-16 students.

A recent Key Decision agreed the expansion of SRPs in Kent to meet evidenced gaps. Decision - 25/00085 - Specialist Resource Provision Review and Commissioning Intentions. This included the agreement to commission new SRPs and / or expand existing SRPs to meet provision pathway and geographic gaps and the growth in demand.

Given that SRPs are delivered as additional provision within mainstream settings in exchange for additional high needs funding from within the Designated Schools Grant, legally binding agreements are required to be in place.

The agreements will not specify the number of commissioned places in SRPs as this is addressed in the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent, also subject to a separate Key Decision. It will not include  funding arrangements, or specify a financial value, as funding allocated is subject to statutory processes. Rather, the focus of the agreements is to outline expectations regarding both the delivery and monitoring of the provision delivered.

Feedback from headteachers and SRP leads has been that the current agreements are too long, overly complex and lacking in detail in specific areas. Engagement has led to a revision of the existing agreements with a focus on creating a single agreement regardless of the status of the school delivering, streamlining the agreement to remove extraneous content, clarifying areas and adding detail where needed. A current draft has been shared with schools delivering SRPs for comment.

Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) provide educational provision for young people with an EHCP who are age 16 and above, for whom mainstream support is not sufficient to meet need, but who do not require a special school. SPIs are delivered by independent organisations, rather than school. Placements are identified through the EHCP process and are made possible by Section 41 of the Children and Families Act. SPIs must be registered through  OFSTED registration for the EFSA funding.

Pupil Referral Units provide education to children and young people who are at risk of or have been permanently excluded or who are unable to attend their usual school due to health issues (Rosewood School). Placements at PRUs enable the Council to meet statutory duties and are agreed through local discussions between schools and PRU headteachers.

All three provisions support the Council’s statutory duty to provide education for children and young people whose needs cannot be met solely within a mainstream provision. Placements are made as a result of needs assessments and statutory processes. Funding is allocated through national and local formulas. Consequently, for all three provisions revised legally binding agreements will focus on ensuring delivery of the outcomes expected and providing best value.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Options considered and discarded:

1)    Extend existing agreements (SRPs only). This option was discarded as there are no extension clauses within the current agreements to allow for this.

2)    Reinstate expired agreements (SPIs and PRUs only). This option was discarded because former agreements are outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

3)    Not implementing an agreement (all). This option was discarded because of the need to document the terms in a written agreement

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

This decision supports Reforming Kent 2025 – 2028 Aim 3: Supporting Residents that Need Help, specifically in relation to Objective 6: Improve processes and outcomes for our SEND services while tackling the unsustainable growth in demand, priority: Expand Specialist Resource Units. 

Financial Implications

The Council meets the cost of SRPs, SPI’s and PRUs through paying a pre-agreed rate per place, agreed by the Council in accordance with the prevailing Department for Education High Needs Funding Guidance. The 2025-26 forecast revenue cost for SRPs is £25m, £16m for SPIs and £9m for PRUs. This is just the amount paying directly for PRU places and does not include the devolved money going to secondary schools, which may be used to be pay for additional PRU places by the school.

Funding for SRPs, SPIs and PRUs come from the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant, a specific ring-fenced revenue grant from the Department for Education.

The Kent Commissioning Plan for Education (KCP) 2026-30 outlines how the Council will meet its statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The KCP is a five-year rolling plan which is updated and subject to a Key Decision annually.

The plan sets out how the Council will ensure there are sufficient high quality places, the right locations for all learners and provides an overarching framework for determining when and where education may be needed in the future. This includes the commissioning of SRPs across the county. Decision - 25/00099 - Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2026-30

Consequently, the financial implications related to the provision of SRPs have been identified and agreed as part of Decision 25/00099 and this decision relates solely to securing best value through the implementation of an agreement between the Council and mainstream schools delivering this provision ensuring effectiveness.

Legal Implications  

• Kent County Council (KCC) has a statutory responsibility under Section 13 of the Education Act 1996 to provide suitable education for all children and young people until age 19 and for those with Education and Health Care (EHC) Plans to 25.
• Similarly, under Section 19 of the same Act, KCC has a duty to arrange suitable education for children of compulsory schools age who may not receive it due to illness or exclusion.
• Under Children and Families Act 2014 KCC has a duty ‘to support the child and his or her parent, or the young person, in order to facilitate the development of the child or young person and to help him or her achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes’.
• Under section 27 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (“the 2014 Act”), KCC is under a duty to keep under review the educational provision, training provision and social care provision made in its area (and outside it) for children and young people who have special educational needs or a disability. KCC must consider the extent to which its provision is sufficient to meet the educational needs, training needs and social care needs of the children and young people concerned.
• The SEND Code of Practice (2015) places requirements on Local Authorities to provide access to advice from a suitably qualified person as part of the EHCP process and make appropriate provision for those with an EHC plan in the 0-25 range.
• DfE Arranging Alternative Provision Guidance (2025)
• Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper (2025).
• Schools White Paper (2026): pending

All individual proposals to either establish new, expand current or cease current provision will be required to go through the statutory process under the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schols) (England) Regulations 2013, Making Significant Changes to Maintained Schools (statutory guidance August 2025) and Making Significant Changes to an Academy (non-statutory guidance on collaborative school place planning, August 2025).

As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I:

APPROVE the implementation of agreements in relation to the delivery of Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs), Specialist Post-16 Institutions (SPIs) and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision.

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to act as the Local Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to agree any non?substantive variations permitted under the contracts and SLAs, provided such variations to not require further governance.

Proposed decision –The Deputy Leader of Kent County Council to agree a 2-year extension for the Council’s existing insurance arrangements. 

Reason for the decision

-      Kent County Council’s main insurance programme is held under a 5-year Long Term Agreement.  This agreement is due to end on 31^st December 2026 and a new programme is due to be tendered for 2027 onwards.  Due to the impending changes arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it is anticipated that a tender would not attract competitive prices and a 2-year extension should be sought.  This extension would not alter the nature of the contract and would provide the Council with continued insurance cover through to 31^st December 2028 and therefore past the anticipated LGR implementation date (April 2028). 

Background – Provide brief additional context

-      Insurance cover is required to protect the Council’s financial position in respect of losses it may suffer when undertaking its business. Kent County Council’s current 5-year Long Term Agreement is shared across multiple insurers.  The main policies are currently held with Risk Management Partners (RMP).  The agreement requires RMP to provide the Council’s insurance programme via insurers within their portfolio.  

Options (other options considered but discarded)

-      Kent County Council has two options to ensure insurance cover continues after 31^st December 2026, -

1. To undertake a full tender exercise to procure a new insurance programme
2. To agree a 2-year extension to provide cover through to 31^st December 2028

A 2-year extension is recommended under PCR 2015 regulation 72. Whilst it would be possible to undertake a full tender exercise, it is anticipated that insurers would offer higher premiums or even choose not to bid, due to the likely short timeframe of the arrangement.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

-      The proposed decision responds to the Council’s financial outlook, as the extension will produce savings on the current premium and thus secure value for money.

As Deputy Leader of Kent County Council,  I agree to:

(a)     Extend the Council’s current insurance arrangements for a further two years, through to 31st December 2028.

(b)     Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance, in consultation with the Deputy Leader of Kent County Council to, take relevant actions, including but not limited to negotiating, entering into and finalising the terms of relevant contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision.

Proposed decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, be asked to:

1) APPROVE the allocation of £1,400,000 from the Children’s, Young People and Education Modernisation Capital Programme to enable the replacement of mobile buildings at Dover Grammar School for Girls.

2) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Education and SEND, /Head of Law (or other officer with delegated authority) to enter into any negotiations, and contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision

3) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contractual agreements and to enter into such variations as envisaged under any of these contracts.

Reason for the decision

The cost of the proposal will be in excess of £1,000,000.

The replacement of two existing mobile buildings is required to ensure that the school can continue to provide education in safe, fit-for-purpose accommodation.

Replacement of the modular builds supports KCC’s statutory duty regarding ensuring there are sufficient school places for all who require one.

Background

KCC has a mobile refurbishment/replacement programme as part of the modernisation programme. The condition of each mobile building on a maintained school site has been assessed. From the assessment, the refurbishment or replacement of each modular building has been prioritised.  Two mobile blocks at Dover Grammar School for Girls have been identified as needing replacement in the next 12 months.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Refurbishing the mobile units was considered and rejected. The condition of the buildings is such that refurbishment works would not provide good value for money. 

The option of doing nothing was discarded. The buildings are life-expired and the space they provide is required by the school.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The proposal supports the following:

Aim 2 objective 2 in that the rebuilding of the mobile classrooms with fit for purpose facility is a responsibility expected by, and is in the best interest of Kent residents.

Aim 2 objective 2 in that this proposal is part of a strictly managed capital programme.

As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills,  I:

1) APPROVE the allocation of £1,400,000 from the Children, Young People and Education Modernisation Capital Programme to enable the replacement of mobile buildings at Dover Grammar School for Girls;

2) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Education and SEND, and the Head of Law to take relevant actions, including but not limited to negotiating, entering into and finalising the terms of  relevant contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision; and

3) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contractual agreements and to enter into such variations as envisaged under any of these contracts.

Proposed decision

To agree improvements and changes to the Kent & Medway Business Fund (KMBF) on 1 April 2026 with a revised loan offer, terms and eligibility to businesses within Kent & Medway.

Reason for the decision

Kent County Council (KCC) had two contracts with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) (now Department of Business and Trade (DBT)), which enabled KCC to offer grants, loans, and equity finance to enable businesses in Kent and Medway to create new jobs and increase business investment. Funding was originally obtained through these contracts from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). Both contracts ended on the 31 March 2023.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), now the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and at the direct invitation of DLUHC, KCC applied to extend both contracts beyond 31 March 2023 and to retain the recycled KMBF/RGF investments.

On 12 June 2023, formal written approval was received from the Head of Regional Growth Fund, Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, which permits KCC to continue to provide loans to local businesses until March 2032.

A Key Decision is now required to approve the continuation of the Kent & Medway Business Fund, with a revised offer, terms and eligibility criteria.

Background

Since January 2017, KCC has used the recycled KMBF\RGF investments (loan repayments and sale of shares in equity stakes) to enable the KMBF to provide new loans ranging between £26,000-£600,000 to eligible businesses across Kent and Medway in addition to a small number of equity investments managed separately by an external supplier. Most funding recipients receive interest-free loans, with a repayment period of up to five years. The recycled KMBF/RGF investments were also used to finance the Kent Life Sciences (KLS) Fund, a sub-programme of the KMBF programme, which provides equity investments in companies predominantly in the life science sector to support their growth. Since 2017, KMBF has made the following investments:

·         No of Loan Investments: 161; Total Loan investment £17,693,327

·         No of Equity Investments: 9 companies; Total Equity Investment £4,350.000

·         KMBF Jobs created Full Time equivalent (FTE) 623.89

·         KMBF Jobs Protected Full Time equivalent (FTE) 135.62

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Options considered:

·         To close the Fund and return the recycled money to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.  This option was dismissed, as the funds are better utilised to support growth, increase productivity and job creation/protection within Kent & Medway.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The proposed decision supports the following priorities in the Council’s Strategic Statement:

·         4: Use Kent’s buying power to support local jobs and keep investment in the county:

·         5: Support local businesses to attract investment and create job opportunities for people in Kent.

·         6: Protect our countryside and give strong support to Kent’s farmers and rural pursuits and communities,

And the Kent & Medway Economic Framework (KMEF:

-          enable innovative, creative and productive businesses

-          widen opportunities and unlock talent

-          secure resilient infrastructure for planned, sustainable growth

-          place economic opportunity at the centre of community wellbeing and prosperity

-          create diverse, distinctive and vibrant places

As Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Special Projects, I agree to:

1. APPROVE the improvements and changes to the loan offer, terms, and eligibility criteria for the Kent & Medway Business Fund (KMBF), to take effect from 1 April 2026.

2. APPROVE the continued governance and administration arrangements for the KMBF, including the delegation of authority to the Director of Growth & Communities (and Head of Economy where appropriate) to approve individual loan and equity investment decisions in accordance with the Officers’ Scheme of Delegation

3. CONFIRM that the scheme will continue to operate until March 2032 under the approvals granted by DLUHC/MHCLG.

Proposed decision

To progress the Road of Remembrance embankment stabilisation works scheme through to delivery

Reason for the decision

On 27 January 2024, a major landslip occurred from a cliff north of the Road of Remembrance, blocking the road with a significant volume of fallen trees and soil. The road remains closed and there is a risk of further significant collapses with the potential to damage the road itself.  In order to stabilise the cliff to protect this historic road and be able to safety re-open it for public use, it is necessary to fund and carry out significant engineering works to the cliff.

Background

After the road was closed and works carried out to remove trees and soil and stabilise the cliff as far as that was possible, various geological, technical and legal investigations have taken place to understand the issues and in particular to identify risks to the road itself. That has led to an understanding of the risks of further collapse and the potential risks to properties at the top of the cliff and to anyone who chooses to ignore the formal road closure below. That has in turn led to an options appraisal and the formulation of an engineering solution to stabilise the cliff, protect the public highway and safely re-open the road for public use.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

We have looked at other options including ‘do nothing’ and lesser designs but these have all been ruled out largely because of safety reasons.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

Kent’s highways are a key enabler of all services and all economic activity that takes place in Kent, and therefore contribute significantly to all of the Council’s strategic aims. The proposed works to stabilise the cliff, protect the Road of Remembrance and safety re-open it, given the historic and local importance of this road, will contribute significantly to local regeneration and economic growth.

As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport I agree to:

(a)       Give approval to progress the construction of the embankment stabilisation and associated works utilising KCC capital funding as identified in the 26/27 H&T capital budget.

(b)       Accept a contribution from Folkestone and Hythe District Council to contribute towards funding the works.

(c)        Deliver the works via the Road Asset Renewal Contract that has provision and financial capacity to accommodate these works.

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

Proposed decision – Agree Amendments to the Heritage Conservation Strategy and delegate authority to review, refresh and/or make revisions to the strategy on an annual basis where changes do not require additional governance, to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport, or another Officer as required by the Corporate Director.

Reason for the decision

The update is required primarily to reflect the Executive Decision taken on 2 August 2024, which directed KCC to divest its windmills in a way that secures their sustainable future as community assets. This change is central to the revised strategy and responds to the need to reduce long-term financial obligations while working with communities and volunteers committed to heritage preservation.

In addition, the updated strategy incorporates other significant changes, including compliance with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 requirement for the County Council to maintain a Historic Environment Record, and alignment with current corporate priorities following the rescinding of the previous climate change emergency declaration.

These updates ensure the strategy remains legally compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with KCC’s strategic objectives for heritage management.

Background

The 2^nd August 2024 Executive Decision stated:

1.         KCC should seek to divest itself of the windmills it currently owns by a method that ensures that the windmills have a sustainable future in which they are appropriately cared for and maintained as community assets, and that

2.         The Heritage Conservation Strategy is updated to this effect.

The new and revised objectives covering this area are

Objective 6: KCC should seek to divest itself of the windmills it currently owns by a method that ensures that the windmills have a sustainable future in which they are appropriately cared for and maintained as community assets.

 Objective 7:  For any windmills remaining in KCC ownership and management, follow a management approach so that:

i) Mills capable of milling flour (Drapers Mill, Margate, and Cranbrook Mill) remain able to do so.

ii) The weatherproofing programme will be undertaken as needed on a rolling cycle.

iii) Static mills will be returned to visual completeness subject to funding

iv) Static mills will be made active wherever possible.

Objective 8: Strengthen support for windmill volunteer groups and other interested parties during the divestment process

In addition, the Strategy has been updated to include the requirement for the county council as relevant authority to maintain a Historic Environment Record for its area as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and to take account of KCC’s rescinding of the previous declaration of a climate change emergency.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Not updating the Heritage Conservation Strategy was considered but rejected due to strong support from members and senior management and the need to align with the Executive Decision

How the proposed decision supports the Strategic Statement – Reforming Kent:

• Supports the objective to build better communities and protecting our heritage by. .
  • Working with Kent Local Planning Authorities to facilitate heritage aspects of growth and infrastructure projects and meet the requirements of the NPPF and LURA 2023.
  • Contributing to KCC’s action to address adaptation to a changing climate.
  • Contributing to the creation of high quality, sustainable development and placemaking within Kent’s communities.

As Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration & Public Health, I agree to:

ADOPT proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Strategy.

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport or other officer as required by the Corporate Director to review the Strategy on an annual basis and revise the strategy where changes do not require additional governance.

DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director Growth, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Coastal Regeneration, Environment and Special Projects, to take the actions required to support the implementation of the strategy.

Proposed decision

The Deputy Leader to agree to:

1.    the disposal of Land at Former Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, CT2 0HD; and

2.    delegate authority to The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Reason for the decision

The property is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and due to its projected value, a key decision will be required as per Kent County Council’s Constitution.

Background

The property which extends to approximately 1.36 hectares is currently vacant on the south-west side of Bredlands Lane. The site previously formed part of a larger plot of land, including the former Spires Academy school buildings which was situated immediately to the south of the site.

The south part of the site comprising the former school buildings was sold to Matthew Homes in 2017 and has since been redeveloped to provide 80 dwellings (ref: CA/13/02349). A new Spires Academy was built situated to the east of the site on the opposite side of Bredlands Lane and benefits from an enhanced playing field provision.

The Council intends to market the site, and it is expected that the level of receipt will be in excess of the delegated threshold and that a Key Decision is required.

A decision is therefore sought to authorise the disposal of the site and to delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure to finalise the terms, subject to consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

-          Reuse the site.

-          Continue to hold the site vacant in case of a future requirement.

-          Lease the site.

-          Disposal of the asset. This is the recommended option.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement by raising capital for reinvestment to enable KCC to deliver improvements to visible community and infrastructure services, whilst also streamlining KCC’s property portfolio, contributing towards the reduction of KCCs’ debt burden and releasing monies back into front line services.

As Deputy Leader, I agree to:

1.       The disposal of Land at Former Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane, Westbere, Canterbury, CT2 0HD; and

2.       To delegate authority to The Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to finalise the terms of the disposal and execution of all necessary or desirable documentation required to implement the above.

Proposed decision –

Cabinet is asked to:

a)    AGREE the revised net revenue budget requirement for 2026-27, arising from the final funding announcements, as detailed in the Cabinet report.

b)    AGREE that the increase in net budget requirement is reflected in increased spending where funding is from a consolidated grant, transitional un-ring-fenced grant and any changes in retained business rate income is transferred to reserves

c)    AGREE technical changes to transfer remaining KCC Safety Valve contributions to new earmarked SEND reserve following the announcement that the Safety Valve will be ceased as a result of the new High Needs Sustainability Grant

Reason for the decision

The net revenue budget for 2026-27 is due to be approved by County Council on 12 February 2026. 

The Council has now received the following final funding announcements for 2026-27:

• Final Local Government Finance Settlement from Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities (MHCLG)
• Retained Business Rates and Business Rates collection fund balances from the 12 Kent District councils

These final announcements result in an increase in the overall net budget requirement for 2026-27and require some technical changes to the budget following the government’s announcement to cease the current Safety Valve agreement and replace it with the new High Needs Sustainability Grant.

Background

The report on late changes to the 2026-27 budget will be reported to Cabinet on 26^th March 2026 in accordance with the recommendations that will be presented to County Council on 12^th February 2026.

The Cabinet report provides detail of the additional funding arising from these final funding announcements, including technical changes regarding the funding of High Needs / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and recommends how this additional funding should be used. 

Options (other options considered but discarded)

N/A

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The Council’s strategic statement, Reforming Kent 2025-28, recognises the significant financial and demand pressures the Council faces, balancing the need to manage spending, deliver savings and generate income, whilst delivering positive outcomes for Kent residents, businesses and local communities.

The Cabinet agree to:

a)    APPROVE the revised net revenue budget for 2026-27 of £1,654.5m [one thousand, six hundred and fifty-four million, five hundred thousand pounds], arising from the final funding announcements.

b)   APPROVE that the increase in the net budget is reflected in increased spending where funding is from a consolidated grant (£115k [one hundred and fifteen thousand pounds] for Domestic Abuse and £0.3k [three hundred pounds]for Crisis and Resilience), with the transitional changes to the Revenue Support Grant of £6,570k [six thousand, five hundred and seventy thousand pounds] transferred to reserves.

c)    APPROVE the reduction in retained business rates income from renewable energy £169.6k [one hundred and sixty-nine thousand, six hundred pounds] and collection fund deficit of £151.7k are balanced with a drawdown of £321.3k [three hundred and twenty-one thousand, three hundred pounds] from the local taxation reserve.

d)   APPROVE the technical changes to transfer the residual balance of the £61.1m [sixty-one million, one hundred thousand pounds] previous years’ contributions and £20.2m [twenty million, two hundred thousand pounds] of future years’ KCC Safety Valve contributions to a new earmarked SEND reserve.  This follows the government’s announcement that the Safety Valve Programme will cease on 1st April 2026 as a result of the introduction of the new High Needs Sustainability Grant.

e)    APPROVE the one-off increase in member community grants for 2026-27 to £4,600 [four thousand six hundred pounds] per member.

f)     NOTE the other late changes to the specific grants and minor technical changes as reflected in the updated High level 2026-27 Budget & 2026-29 Medium Term Financial Plan at appendix A and Key Service analysis at appendix B to the Cabinet report.

g)   NOTE the impact of these late changes on the S25 assurance as shown in section 6 of the Cabinet report