Committee Restructure to Improve Efficiency and Deliver £75,000 Savings

Under the proposals, some committees will be merged to reduce duplication and simplify governance.

The Selection and Member Services Committee and the Electoral and Boundary Review Committee would combine into a single Electoral and Member Arrangements Committee, bringing together responsibilities for Member appointments, constitutional changes, grants, and election arrangements.

The Member Development Sub-Committee would be discontinued, with Member development delivered through alternative engagement methods.

Similarly, the Planning Applications Committee and Regulation Committee would merge into a new Planning and Regulation Committee, reflecting the limited business of the main Regulation Committee and creating a more efficient structure.

Cabinet Committees will also be streamlined, with the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee and the Growth, Economic Development Cabinet Committee merging into a single Growth, Environment and Transport (GET) Cabinet Committee.

These changes are expected to deliver significant savings. The reduction in the number of Committees alongside further operational efficiencies including the use of AI-assisted generation of minutes will deliver £75,000 of savings annually.

The report will ask the Committee to recommend the changes to Full Council for decision at its 18 December meeting.

Brian Collins, Deputy Leader of Kent County Council, said:  "This is a bold step towards modernising how we govern. By merging committees, reducing duplication, and embracing technology like AI for minute generation, we can save taxpayers’ money while maintaining strong democratic oversight. These changes will make Kent County Council more efficient and better equipped to serve our communities."

ENDS