In 2015, KCC published the Kent and Medway Growth and Infrastructure Framework (GIF) - a first of its kind assessment showing the predicted levels of housing and economic growth for the county and the infrastructure necessary to support this growth. The analysis showed a significant gap between the funding required and that anticipated/secured from central government, developer contributions and other forms of investment.
The 2017 Update represents a major step forward for KCC, as this is the first revision of the Framework since its launch.
The figures indicate that with a greater forecast rise in population and housing requirements across the same period (to 2031), there is even more pressure on infrastructure provision than reported in the 2015 GIF. However, these figures also reflect progress made in the attraction of investment to key strategic projects. Nonetheless, a significant infrastructure funding gap remains – the message delivered is that there is still considerable work needed by all partners to tackle the funding gap by exploring, increasing and innovating in the means of funding infrastructure, and identifying how to more efficiently deliver that infrastructure.
The GIF 2017 Update also looks to 2050, where the pressures are even greater. Hence there will be a call in the 2017 GIF for partners to support a vision for a Kent and Medway where infrastructure is future-proofed and the County is well positioned to take advantage of key opportunities.
The original GIF action plan has therefore been updated to reflect refreshed priorities, focusing on the development of strategic infrastructure funding mechanisms, how local planning authorities embed future-proofing in growth plans and how Kent positions itself to become a beacon of innovation in infrastructure.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 12/03/2018
Decision due: Not before 23rd Apr 2018 by Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be publsihed for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Lead director: Katie Stewart
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Sarah Platts, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Manager 03000 419225 Email: sarah.platts@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The document has been the subject of comprehensive engagement from April 2017 to December 2017, involving district council officers, Medway Council officers, Kent Leaders, and local and national partners and infrastructure providers.
This was considered and endorsed at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 20 March 2018.
Financial implications: The GIF 2017 Update has resulted in cost savings by carrying it out in-house and has been funded from existing budgets. In addition, once published, this latest version of the GIF will continue to be used as an evidence base with which to try to attract future funding to infrastructure priorities, many of which are either directly or indirectly delivered by KCC.
Legal implications: There are no legal implications.
Equalities implications: A screening opinion has been carried out, which determined that an Equalities Impact Assessment was not required for the GIF 2017 Update.