At the start of the meeting, Leader of the Council, Linden Kemkaran, provided Council Members with an update on activity since the last County Council meeting, including preparations for Local Government Reorganisation, the launch of KCC’s budget consultation, action to strengthen Kent’s long-term water resilience, work to support the county’s economy and transport infrastructure, and initiatives to tackle fly-tipping and improve services for residents.
Among the items considered by Members was the updated Kent Minerals Sites Plan, with County Council agreeing to publish and submit the Plan for independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The Plan identifies a single proposed allocation of land near Hermitage Quarry for the extraction of hard rock from Kentish Ragstone.
Four motions for time limited debate were also discussed:
- The Green Party’s motion on water resilience received 71 votes in favour, no votes against or any abstentions, with a proposed amendment carried.
- The Reform UK motion on KCC’s approach to the Equality Act and the Public Sector Equality Duty received 48 votes in favour, 18 votes against and 2 abstentions.
- The Restore Britain motion on solar developments received 7 votes in favour, 54 votes against and 10 abstentions.
- The Liberal Democrat’s motion on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport received 70 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions, with a proposed amendment to the motion carried.
During the meeting, Members were informed of the Government’s announcement on the future shape of local government in Kent and Medway. The Leader of the Council addressed the Chamber, acknowledging the decision and confirming that the Council will now review the detail of the proposals while continuing to focus on delivering services for Kent residents.
“Although today's County Council meeting was interrupted by the Government's announcement on the future of local government in Kent and Medway, Members continued to focus on the issues that matter most to residents”
The Leader said: "Although today's County Council meeting was interrupted by the Government's announcement on the future of local government in Kent and Medway, Members continued to focus on the issues that matter most to residents. We debated a packed agenda covering water resilience, mineral planning, SEND transport, equality, renewable energy and flood risk – issues that will have a lasting impact on communities across our county.
"I want to reassure our residents that the announcement will not distract us from continuing to make the best decisions and deliver the vital services people rely on every day. We will now take the time to fully consider the detail of the Government's proposals while at the same time continuing to serve the people of Kent."
- For the agenda, reports and the full webcast, visit KCC’s website.
