Decision details

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.

As Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste, I agree to approve the GIF 2017 Update.