Kent County Council met on 18 September 2025, for its third meeting of the Reform Administration, during which councillors debated a range of issues, including the council's strategic direction, environmental policies, and senior management structure. A key decision was made to rescind the council's climate emergency declaration, a move that sparked considerable debate. The meeting also saw discussions on improving services, managing the council's finances, and responding to urgent needs within the community.

Rescinding the Climate Emergency Declaration

Kent County Council voted to rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration, following a motion proposed by Councillor Chris Hespe and seconded by Councillor Paul Chamberlain. The motion was carried with 50 votes in favour, 21 against, and 3 abstentions.

Arguments for rescinding the declaration centred on the belief that it had not been effective, had damaged local suppliers, and stifled debate. Councillor Chris Hespe stated that the declaration had led to the detriment of small, local suppliers and had scared numerous young people. He also questioned the validity of the anthropogenic climate change narrative, citing the World Climate Declaration of 2022 and suggesting that rising temperatures are part of a natural cycle. Councillor David Wimble argued that the so-called green agenda was causing hidden damage, such as the destruction of farmland for solar arrays.

Arguments against the motion emphasised the scientific consensus on climate change and the need for urgent action. Councillor Alister Brady spoke of the flash floods in Dover and warned that the motion would leave Kent less prepared and less secure. Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, quoted Margaret Thatcher's 1989 speech to the UN, highlighting the dangers of environmental degradation. Councillor Geoffrey Samme reminded the council of its legal obligations under the Climate Change Act 2008, which sets legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Action within Kent

Following the vote to rescind the climate emergency declaration, the council debated a motion on environmental action within Kent, proposed by Councillor Stuart Jeffery and seconded by Councillor Paul Stepto. The motion called for a reduction in the use of herbicides, particularly glyphosate, and for measures to improve biodiversity. The motion was not carried, with 20 votes in favour, 50 against, and 3 abstentions.

Councillor Stuart Jeffery argued that reducing herbicide use would save money, build social capital, and improve the health of nature and people. He proposed an initiative to allow residents to adopt their streets and manage weeds without glyphosate.

Opponents of the motion, including Councillor Paul Thomas and Councillor David Wimble, argued that the council was already taking sufficient action to protect the environment. Councillor Paul Thomas stated that the motion was unnecessary and a waste of time, as the issues were already being addressed within the cabinet system. Councillor David Wimble said that the council already had amazing officers who do everything they can for the environment.

Vaccinations

The council unanimously supported a motion on vaccinations, proposed by Councillor Antony Hook and seconded by Councillor Colin Sefton. The motion encouraged Kent residents to ensure they are up to date with medically recommended vaccinations, particularly the MMR vaccine, and supported the Director of Public Health in promoting vaccination uptake.

Councillor Antony Hook highlighted the importance of vaccines in preventing serious illness and saving lives. Councillor Diane Morton, a registered nurse, shared personal stories about the impact of vaccines and emphasised the importance of herd immunity. Councillor Alister Brady spoke firmly in support of science and evidence-based public health policies.

Draft Strategic Statement: Reforming Kent 2025-2028

The council considered the draft strategic statement, Reforming Kent 2025-2028, which sets out the administration's aims and objectives for the next three years. The strategy focuses on four key aims: putting Kent residents first, reforming Kent County Council, supporting residents that need help, and building better communities.

Several councillors raised concerns about the strategy. Councillor Antony Hook criticised the document for skimming the surface and lacking detail. Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, described the statement as a hot mess of political ambiguity and philosophical contradictions. Councillor Paul Stepto questioned the evidence for some of the claims made in the document, particularly regarding crime rates and the welfare system.

Despite these criticisms, Councillor Christopher Hespe described the draft as ambitious, purposeful, pragmatic, visionary, and proactive. Councillor Linden Kemkaran, Leader of the Council, thanked members for their comments and stated that the cabinet would reflect on them as they work to finalise the strategic statement.

Senior Management Structure

The council voted to approve changes to the senior management structure, as outlined in the Senior Management Structure - CC Report. The changes include the deletion of the General Counsel and Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development posts, the creation of a Deputy Chief Executive role, and changes to reporting lines for several positions.

The stated aims of the restructure are to support the new Chief Executive, reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and provide options for organisational continuity in advance of local government reorganisation¹. The Senior Management Structure - CC Report states that the changes will result in a minimum annual saving of £115,000, with projected savings exceeding £250,000 from 2028 onwards.

Councillor Antony Hook expressed his group's appreciation for the current post holders and acknowledged that the redesign had been initiated by the Chief Executive.

Quarterly Performance Report

The council noted the Quarterly Performance Report Q4 for the last quarter of the financial year ending 31 March 2025. The report provides an overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) and activity measures across council directorates.

Of the 38 KPIs included in the report, 19 achieved target, 9 achieved or exceeded the floor standard but did not meet target, and 10 did not meet the floor standard. The report highlighted areas of concern, including the percentage of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued within 20 weeks and the percentage of case holding posts filled by permanent qualified social workers.

Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, suggested that future reports should include KPIs for efficiency, productivity, and cost control within each department.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024-25

The council approved the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024-25, which details how the council managed its debt and cash last financial year. The report states that the council reduced its debt and made savings of £1.9 million through early repayment of debt, as well as improved earnings on investments.

Councillor Brian Collins, Deputy Leader of the Council, stated that the administration intends to build on these foundations in this financial year and beyond. Councillor Paul Stepto expressed his delight that Councillor Brian Collins was resurrecting the treasury management group. Councillor Alister Brady asked how the administration proposed to do things differently compared to the previous administration.

Annual Report on Urgent Decisions

The council noted the Annual Report of Urgent Decisions 2024-25, which provides an overview of all executive decisions taken using urgency procedures in the previous 12 months. The report states that six decisions were taken via the urgency procedures, one of which was semi-urgent and five of which were progressed via the full statutory urgency process.

Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE, noted that he had been involved in a key decision of the council as chairman of the scrutiny committee, and that this should give all members more confidence in the short notice decision making of this council.