James Defriend

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.

Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 11th September, 2025 10.00 am

The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the Kent and Medway Business Fund, infrastructure, and community safety. The committee agreed to endorse a proposal to allocate up to £6 million from the Kent and Medway Business Loan Fund to the No Use Empty Commercial scheme, and also agreed to reallocate Getting Building Funding to the A249 Bearsted Road Project. The committee also noted updates on infrastructure projects, the Active Kent and Medway programme, and the work of the Community Protection team.

Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 9th September, 2025 10.00 am, NEW

The Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including highway maintenance, active travel, waste management, and the county's environmental strategy. Key decisions included approving funding for a new waste transfer station in Folkestone and endorsing the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee met to discuss highways and transport, environmental issues, and waste management in Kent. The committee agreed to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport find a way to reinstate the Gravesend-Tilbury Ferry service, and endorsed recommendations relating to highway landscaping, local highway maintenance contracts, and organic waste contracts.

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.