Among the items considered by Members were changes to the terms of reference for the Pension Fund, which oversees the management of the Local Government Pension Scheme on behalf of current and former council employees, and the Health and Wellbeing Board, which brings together the council, NHS and other partners to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Kent residents.
The Council also received an update on devolution and local government reorganisation following recent government announcements. Members heard about the implications for Kent and Medway, including the Government's decision to withdraw its previous proposal for four unitary councils across Kent and Medway, and ongoing discussions about future local government arrangements and devolution. Full details of the update are available here [link to separate media release].
Three motions for time-limited debate were also discussed:
- Interpretation and Translation Services – Reform UK (with an amendment proposed by Restore Britain Kent)
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Liberal Democrat
- Kent Minerals Sites Plan – Green Party
The Leader of the Council, Linden Kemkaran, gave her report to the Council, highlighting the wide range of work underway to support residents and help Kent thrive. She spoke about the county's first Water Resilience Summit, which brought together everyone involved in securing and maintaining Kent's water supply, as well as work to tackle health inequalities in coastal communities through the Kent Marmot Coastal Region programme.
Members also heard about support for Armed Forces personnel and veterans, the contribution of Trading Standards in protecting residents and businesses, and preparations for winter, including a successful public competition to name the county's 62 new gritters.
The report highlighted how Kent libraries are helping residents discover the joy of reading during the National Year of Reading, celebrated recent recognition for Kent's country parks, and showcased how relatively modest investment through partnerships such as the North West Kent Countryside Partnership can deliver significant benefits for local communities, the environment and the visitor economy.
The Leader also highlighted work to champion Kent's thriving food and drink sector and support opportunities for residents and businesses across the county.
In her report, Linden Kemkaran said: "We are creating opportunities for people to work and learn. We are supporting safer and healthier communities. We are investing in prevention, and we are protecting and enhancing the county that we are privileged to serve. There will always be more to do, but we should never be shy about recognising good work when we see it, or thanking the staff, Members, volunteers and partners who make it happen."
A recording of the meeting and agenda papers are available on the KCC website.
