The County Council of Kent is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 5 November 2026, with a packed agenda that includes updates on key committees, a report from the Leader of the Council, and several motions for debate. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing proposed changes to the terms of reference for the Pension Fund Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board, alongside amendments to the council's constitution regarding the sealing of documents. The council will also consider four motions for time-limited debate, covering a range of topics from translation services to supporting RNLI volunteers.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Leader of the Council, Linden Kemkaran, is scheduled to present a report to the council. This report is expected to cover a range of topics, including recent developments concerning Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), her appointment as a Deputy Director on the Board of the Local Government Association (LGA), and discussions with the Chief Executive of South East Water regarding water resilience. The report is also anticipated to provide an update on the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy, the Council's financial position, and engagements undertaken during July and August. Additionally, it is expected to address projects across the county, such as progress at the Ebbsfleet Development site and the Road of Remembrance scheme in Folkestone. The report may also touch upon concerns regarding personal safety, illegal migration, and the launch of the London and South East University Group. The Leader is also expected to provide an update on LGR, outlining the Government's announcement to pause the implementation of Option 4B for Kent and her opposition to this proposal. The report will likely detail her written communication to the Secretary of State seeking clarification and express concerns about the uncertainty created by the Government's change in position. The report may also mention the administration's intention to issue a pre-action protocol letter to the Secretary of State regarding the LGR decision.

Health and Wellbeing Board - Terms of Reference Update

The meeting is scheduled to discuss proposed updates to the Terms of Reference for the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB). The HWB was established in 2013 to lead partnership efforts in improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across Kent, informed by the Joint Strategic Need Assessment (JSNA). The proposed changes reflect the evolving national and local context, including the HWB's anticipated leadership role in developing and overseeing the Kent Neighbourhood Health Plan and Better Care Fund arrangements. The report highlights that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Neighbourhood Health Framework places the local HWB at the centre of developing a local Neighbourhood Health Plan. The proposed updates aim to optimise the HWB's value by revising its role and membership to better reflect strategic direction and the importance of local partners in tackling the wider determinants of health. The revised Terms of Reference, which have been discussed and endorsed by the HWB and the Selection and Member Services Committee, will require approval from the County Council.

Pension Fund Committee - Governance and Terms of Reference Update

An update on the governance reforms for the Kent Pension Fund is scheduled for discussion. Kent County Council acts as the administering authority for the Kent Pension Fund, which serves approximately 500 employers and nearly 200,000 members. The Government has announced reforms that will introduce new statutory duties for LGPS Fund Administering authorities, impacting areas such as knowledge and training requirements, the creation of an LGPS Senior Officer role, the establishment of an Independent Person role, and a new requirement for Independent Governance Reviews. The report outlines how the County Council will address these issues to ensure compliance. The council is asked to note the updates, approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Pension Fund Committee, and delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer for any necessary technical amendments to the Constitution.

Motions for Time Limited Debate

A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to debating four motions submitted by political groups.

Cease Paying for Interpreter and Translation Services for Non-English Speaking Public

The Reform UK Group has submitted a motion recommending that the Executive review arrangements for translation services with a view to ceasing payment for interpretation and translation for non-English speaking members of the public in most circumstances. The motion suggests that the council should, wherever possible, signpost the public to external interpreters, translators, and technological solutions, with the public bearing the cost. Interpretation and translation would only be used where necessary, including for statutory obligations, and always for British Sign Language and Braille. The background information provided by the group argues that individual responsibility should be encouraged and that the provision of these services is not an essential area of council work. The motion also notes that the total identifiable spend on interpretation and translation over the past 12 months was £183,438.25, with a significant portion allocated to British Sign Language and Kent Deaf Interpretation Service support. The group's view is that the default position should be for individuals to pay for these services or use translation apps, and that ceasing to pay sends the right message about encouraging English speaking.

Review of Translation and Foreign Language Service Expenditure

The Restore Britain Kent Group has put forward a motion proposing a review of all current expenditure and activity related to translation, interpretation, and foreign language publication services across Kent County Council. The motion recommends exploring a policy where council communications, publications, consultations, correspondence, advertising, and public information materials would ordinarily be produced in English only, except where legally required. It also calls for the retention and improvement of British Sign Language services. The review would identify total annual costs, departments incurring these costs, and potential savings. The findings and recommendations are to be reported to the Policy & Resources Cabinet Committee within six months, and total expenditure on these services would be published annually. The background information from the group states that public funds should be prioritised towards frontline services and that routine provision of translated materials is not an appropriate use of limited resources.

Kent County Council – A Lifesaving Employer

The Liberal Democrat Group has proposed a motion to engage formally with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with the aim of Kent County Council becoming a recognised Lifesaving Employer. The motion calls for the development of a framework enabling employees who volunteer with the RNLI to respond to emergency call-outs during working hours, attend essential training, and have appropriate arrangements following prolonged operations, balancing the council's service responsibilities with support for volunteering. The council would also promote RNLI volunteering among its employees and recognise their contributions. The motion requests that other major employers in Kent be encouraged to follow suit. The background information highlights the RNLI's vital work in Kent, its operational presence across the county, and the importance of supportive employers in enabling volunteers to respond to emergencies.

Consideration of Kent Minerals Sites Plan Consultation Responses

The Green Group has submitted a motion requesting that the Kent Minerals Sites Plan (KMSP) be reconsidered, along with a summary and analysis of the Regulation 19 Consultation responses, at a future meeting of the Full Council before its submission to the Planning Inspectorate. The motion states that the submission of the Plan shall be subject to this reconsideration. The background information from the Green Group emphasises the significance of the KMSP and its long-term implications, arguing that elected members should have the opportunity to consider consultation responses and available options before a final decision is made. This, they contend, would ensure a transparent, accountable, and democratic process where the views of Kent residents and stakeholders are properly considered.

Sealing of Documents - Constitution Amendments

The council is set to consider proposed procedural amendments to the Constitution concerning the use of the common seal. The current arrangements place the Monitoring Officer in custody of the common seal, with oversight of its use. The proposed amendments aim to provide the Monitoring Officer with discretion in the use of the common seal to enable more efficient implementation of council decisions, particularly in situations such as individual social care packages where delays could impact service delivery. The amendments would allow for a proportionate approach to sealing documents, while continuing to use the seal where legally required.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Minutes for Noting

The minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 30 June 2026 are scheduled to be presented for noting.