Bridget Porter

Regulation Committee - Thursday, 16th October, 2025 2.00 pm

The Regulation Committee convened to discuss public rights of way and planning enforcement. The committee noted a report on the work of the Public Rights of Way and Access Service, including challenges posed by application backlogs, and also reviewed ongoing planning enforcement cases, which were discussed in detail in a closed session due to confidentiality. Councillor Maxine Fothergill was elected as chair of the committee, and Mrs Bridget Porter was elected as vice chair.

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 9th October, 2025 10.00 am

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) convened to discuss several key healthcare issues affecting Kent, including structural changes to the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), integrated mental health services, updates from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW), and the temporary pause of inpatient services at Faversham Cottage Hospital. The committee noted reports on these topics, and considered whether the Integrated All-Age Mental Health Services model constituted a substantial variation of service[^2].

Regulation Committee Member Panel - Monday, 6th October, 2025 11.30 am

The Kent County Council Regulation Committee Member Panel met on 6 October 2025 to discuss an application to divert part of Public Footpaths AU22 and AU17 in Kennington, Ashford. The proposal involves diverting the footpaths from the foot crossings known as Cradle Bridge and Bolleaux, with Network Rail applying for the changes in the interest of public safety. The report pack included a recommendation that the applicant be informed that an order to divert the footpaths would be made.

Pension Fund Committee - Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025 10.00 am

The Kent Pension Fund Committee met to discuss the fund's work plan, investment performance, and administration, and to authorise the head of pensions to finalise the annual report. Councillor Alan Cecil was elected as Vice-Chair of the committee. The committee also approved the updated communications policy.

County Council - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 10.00 am

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.