Mike Sole

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.

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.

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.

Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee - Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 10.00 am

The Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee met to discuss recent weather events and the responses to them, with a particular focus on the fragility of the water infrastructure. Councillor Wayne Chapman was elected as the new chair of the committee. The committee agreed to invite representatives from the Environment Agency and the Met Office to future meetings to present their data.

Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee - Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 10.00 am

The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the extension of a management contract for the Old Rectory Business Centre, the Get Kent & Medway Working Plan, and the Integrated Work and Health Strategy for Kent and Medway. Councillor Paul Thomas was elected as chair, and Councillor James Dufresne as vice-chair of the committee. The committee voted to extend the Old Rectory Business Centre management contract, and also endorsed both the Get Kent and Medway Working Plan and the Integrated Work and Health Strategy for Kent and Medway.