Wayne Chapman

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.

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.

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.

Planning Applications Committee - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Planning Applications Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including amendments to waste management operations in Ashford and Folkestone, and an expansion project at Northfleet Technology College. Councillor Jeremy Eustace was elected chair, and Councillor Paul Thomas was elected vice chair for the committee. The committee approved the expansion of Northfleet Technology College, and also approved, with amendments, an application to vary conditions relating to operations at McAleer's Yard in Folkestone.