Minutes:
1) The Leader contrasted the recent success of Team GB in the Olympics and Paralympics with the recent riots that had taken place across the country. He explained that the Council worked closely with colleagues in Kent Police, and other partners, to ensure that it was prepared for any threats to Kent’s facilities and communities.
2) Mr Gough expressed concern about the government’s emerging housing policy and its impact on Kent, commenting that the infrastructure to ensure support for any further and accelerated housing development had yet to be clarified.
3) The Leader explained that the introduction of VAT in relation to independent schools was being monitored carefully. He noted the potential impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and commented that although there was spare capacity in the county’s primary schools this was not necessarily the case for secondary schools.
4) The Leader turned to the cancelling of Winter Fuel payments, the increase in the fuel price gap, and the future of the Council Tax single person discount. He said the Council would be working with district colleagues in relation to pension credit take up as part of the Financial Hardship Program and would see how the Household Support Grant could provide further support as winter approached.
5) In relation to the Council’s financial position and the Autumn Statement, Mr Gough said that clarity in terms of support for local government on major areas of financial pressure was unlikely. In terms of adult social care Mr Gough acknowledged the government’s cancelation of social care reforms including a cap on care costs, and accepted that, while disappointing, this removed an unfunded pressure facing local authorities. He said the wider social care reform agenda remained in an unsustainable position.
6) The Leader welcomed the lifting of the Council’s SEND Improvement Notice and highlighted Janet Daby MP’s references to strengthened capacity and stronger governance arrangements, alongside renewed commitment from senior leaders and improved partnership work.
7) Turning to bus transport and new powers for local authorities, Mr Gough said funding was unclear and there would be transferred risks under any new arrangements. He confirmed that the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) remained vital.
8) Regarding the Entry Exit System (EES) Kent Leaders had collectively written to government. Operation Brock had operated throughout the summer and was finally lifted on 1 September. Mr Gough highlighted progress in data sharing and measures to reduce pressures on the eastern docks.
9) Mr Gough confirmed that severe pressure remained in relation to unaccompanied minors. The Council would welcome the Minister for Border Security and Asylum and the Minister for Children and Families to see the excellent work being undertaken. He referred to the number of referrals against transfers under the National Transfer Scheme and said the gap was more than the level that was supposed to be the Council’s responsibility. He said if this continued, even with the opening of reception centres, pressures would increase.
10) Regarding devolution, Mr Gough said there was a deadline at the end of September for expressions of interest and the Council was seeking to engage with district leaders and other key stakeholders.
11) Finally, the Leader returned to Team GB’s success at the Olympics and Paralympics and said there was a record of 11 Kent participants in the Olympic team and 8 on the Paralympic team. He congratulated all those from Kent who had participated in the games.
12) The Leader of the Labour Group, Mr Brady, also congratulated all Kent Olympians and Paralympians on their success.
13) In relation to the recent riots Mr Brady thanked those who had worked to keep communities and Kent residents safe. He said protests and demonstration were central to a functioning democracy but violence and damage to property was not and this behaviour was not welcome in a civilized society.
14) Mr Brady spoke about the Winter Fuel Payments and said the Warm Homes Discount Scheme would come into effect from October, and he welcomed the extension of the Household Support Fund. He said his group would work with the Administration to ensure support for pensioners who needed it.
15) Turning to the new Buses Bill Mr Brady noted with concern the reduction in bus routes across the county and he hoped the Leader would engage in the consultation. He said Kent residents deserved a better service than the one they were already receiving.
16) Mr Brady referred to the EES and said this was an aftereffect of the last government and was a problem that needed fixing.
17) Mr Brady praised Council staff members who had been working tirelessly to improve SEND provision under difficult circumstances and acknowledged that more needed to be done to support families and children. He highlighted that there were families who had not been given a permanent education setting and thanked Members who were supporting these families. Mr Brady said he understood that the lifting of the Improvement Notice came with requirements and asked for these to be shared by the Leader. He hoped that with the new government's leadership the local position would start to improve.
18) On devolution Mr Brady hoped that the expression of interest submission would be shared and discussed with Members and said engagement with stakeholders was key.
19) Finally, Mr Brady referred to the new government’s proposals and said he hoped the Administration was open to change, and would positively engage for the sake of Kent residents.
20) Mr Hood, on behalf of the Green and Independents Group, spoke about the lifting of the SEND Improvement Notice and financial repercussions relating to the Safety Valve Agreement. He noted there was still a long way to go and said it was right that stakeholders were being invited to feedback on how the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service could best serve young people.
21) Mr Hood spoke about the recent riots. He said everyone had a part to play in bringing communities together and he condemned those who had deliberately misdirected and divided communities via social media.
22) Mr Hood referred to the potential expansion of London City Airport and its effect on pollution noting that a majority of flights could be made by train. He said he hoped the Council would engage with the consultation regarding buses to ensure continued financial support and greater control for Kent’s network.
23) Mr Hood turned to the sustainability challenges faced by Kent’s councils as a result of high housing targets. He referred to the reduction in housing targets for the county’s metropolitan neighbours and said this was difficult to justify when considering the number of empty homes. He said districts (which had the constraints of the Green Belt and National Landscapes designations) were expected to sacrifice productive agricultural land to facilitate unsustainable levels of housing. He commented on the cost of rent and mortgages for first time buyers and said the announcement that no fault evictions would be addressed would be reassuring for many Kent residents.
24) Mr Hook, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, also congratulated Kent’s Olympians and Paralympians. He condemned the riots which took place over the summer and thanked Police Officers for their involvement and said anyone who had spread false information needed to be held to account. In contrast, Mr Hook referred to members of the Faversham community who had offered their support to the UASC Reception Centre.
25) Turning to the Winter Fuel Payments, Mr Hook said his party believed the government’s decision was wrong. He said many pensioners needed the allowance to stay warm over the winter and would be in serious trouble as a result. Mr Hook pointed out that many families struggled with energy bills and suggested that the income tax threshold be raised to help working families, and dividends to shareholders of energy companies be reviewed.
26) Regarding VAT on private schools, Mr Hook said pressure should be put on government to see that extra money comes to schools in Kent as soon as possible, and plans as a consequence were needed to accommodate children in primary and secondary schools in Kent. Mr Hook said the Council had a commitment to build two new special schools and that work should be accelerated. He also emphasised the importance of listening to the views of headteachers.
27) In relation to buses, Mr Hook spoke positively about local authorities running their own bus network and said it may be an opportunity to save money on school transport costs. Mr Hook referred to the success of a community bus service in Faversham and Swale East and said he hoped the Council could do more to promote community buses throughout the county.
28) The Leader responded to some of the points raised by the Group Leaders, in which there was agreement in relation to the success of the Olympics and Paralympics. He agreed with Mr Hood’s comments about housing and the imbalance between a county like Kent and the metropolitan areas.
29) Turning to winter fuel Mr Gough said it was an area of concern and agreed with some of the comments made. He said he was not completely against means testing but believed that the government had set the level too low. He said there would be a focus during the months ahead on winter preparations, considering also the increase in the fuel price cap.
30) Mr Gough referred to constructive engagement with government and by way of example to the Economic Strategy (ES) and the Buses Bill. He said the Council was committed to a strong, effective, and sustainable bus network. Mr Gough highlighted the uncertainty of future funding and emphasised that the Council would stand up to government, regardless of party, for the interests of Kent residents.
31) In response to Mr Hook’s comments on community buses, Mr Gough reminded Members that, as part of the bus subsidy changes, support had helpfully been given to community and transport initiatives.
32) Regarding the Entry Exit System (EES) Mr Gough said there had been progress but there were also risks. He highlighted that there was a better shared understanding with government which was needed to work with district colleagues and other partners to tackle potential problems as quickly and effectively as possible.
33) Mr Gough said there was transparency regarding the SEND position and reminded Members that a year ago fewer than two and a half percent of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) were issued within the statutory deadline, compared to today, where the Council was outperforming the national average. However, the Leader agreed with Group Leaders that there was a lot more to do in terms of the Council’s responsibilities within Kent, and also through national systemic change on which the Council was willing to engage.
34) Finally, on devolution, Mr Gough said an expression of interest would be submitted by the end of September and emphasised this was just the beginning of the process. He highlighted that devolution and local government reorganisation were not synonymous and engagement with Members would take place on a range of issues.
35) RESOLVED that the Leader’s Report be noted.