Antony Hook

Devolution and Local Government Re-organisation Cabinet Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Cabinet Committee met to discuss and consider the KCC Options Appraisal and Criteria Assessment of Current Local Government Reorganisation Options, and to note the commitment from Kent County Council (KCC) to fully take part in the process to develop a shared options appraisal with partners. The committee also noted the commitment to bringing future papers to the committee and cabinet as the work progresses to inform the development of KCC's policy position and next steps. During the meeting, members raised concerns about public consultation, the financial implications of the proposals, and the potential impact on different areas within Kent.

Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Kent County Council Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Local Authority Assessment Improvement Plan for adult social care services, receive a quarterly update on special educational needs and disability (SEND), and hear a progress report on the Kent Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE). The committee agreed to note the report on adult social care, tasking the Adult Social Care Committee with examining the improvement plan and budgetary overruns. They also agreed to note the SEND report, requesting a subsequent report focus on the reasons for the high number of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Kent.

County Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 10.00 am

Kent County Council met on 10 July 2025, and among other business, members discussed local government reorganisation, violence against women and girls, and the blue badge system. They voted to approve a cut in member allowances, and reallocate the money to member grants.

Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee convened to discuss the medium-term financial plan, performance metrics, and the disposal of surplus properties. The committee endorsed the disposal of a property in Dover, while a decision on the disposal of the Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre was delayed for further consideration.

Annual Meeting, County Council - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 10.00 am

At the annual meeting of Kent County Council, Councillor Richard Palmer was elected as the new Chairman, and Councillor Peter Evans was elected as Vice-Chairman. Councillor Lyndon Kemkaran was elected as the Leader of the Council, and Councillor Antony Hook was appointed Leader of the Opposition.