Home   Authors   Author

Simon Finlay, Local Democracy Reporter

Kent sends less than 1% of waste to landfill - but recycling rates are ‘stagnating’

15 January 2025
Kent sends less than 1% of waste to landfill - but recycling rates are ‘stagnating’

A new report has found the county sends less than one per cent of its rubbish to landfill sites but recycling rates are one the wane.

2

Six key questions on what Kent’s council revamp actually means

15 January 2025
Six key questions on what Kent’s council revamp actually means

The running of local councils is to change under sweeping government reforms - here is an easy guide in six questions to get your head round them.

83

Sweeping change to Kent’s local councils takes a bold next step

09 January 2025
Sweeping change to Kent’s local councils takes a bold next step

The biggest proposed change in the way local government is run in Kent for 50 years has taken another bold step.

23

‘No more secret meetings’: County Hall protesters claim devolution reforms will ‘kill democracy’

09 January 2025
‘No more secret meetings’: County Hall protesters claim devolution reforms will ‘kill democracy’

Protesters gathered outside a meeting of the county council this morning to express opposition to planned sweeping reforms to local government.

15

Cost to improve second worst A-road in Kent rises by £50m

08 January 2025
Cost to improve second worst A-road in Kent rises by £50m

The cost of improvements to a busy stretch of highway has rocketed by a “ridiculous” £50m in just a few years.

10

‘This is the wrong place for a 200-bay lorry park’

08 January 2025
‘This is the wrong place for a 200-bay lorry park’

Claims a controversial lorry park for hundreds of HGVs should be built at a motorway junction near a major Kent tourist attraction has sparked a spat.

29

Rayner’s ‘Devolution Revolution’ of Kent councils to take major step forward

06 January 2025
Rayner’s ‘Devolution Revolution’ of Kent councils to take major step forward

Sweeping reforms to the way local councils are run in the county will take a decisive next step later this week.

70

Leaders ‘realistic’ over plans to scrap their councils

19 December 2024
Leaders ‘realistic’ over plans to scrap their councils

Government plans to revolutionise the council structure in Kent has been met with “pragmatic realism” by the county’s 14 local authority leaders.

11

Kent councils in for ‘bumpy ride’ as government launches sweeping ‘devolution’ reforms

17 December 2024
Kent councils in for ‘bumpy ride’ as government launches sweeping ‘devolution’ reforms

Kent’s councils have been told change is afoot as the Labour administration presses ahead with a speedy shake-up of local government.

53

Kent could get mayor and see district councils abolished in major shake-up

16 December 2024
Kent could get mayor and see district councils abolished in major shake-up

The government has announced the biggest reforms of local councils for half a century - but Kent’s future is far from clear.

27

Victory for campaigners as open spaces protected from housing with village green status

11 December 2024
Victory for campaigners as open spaces protected from housing with village green status

Kent residents who want to protect their communities against future development are turning to village green status to beat the bulldozer.

10

‘Social care is in such a precarious position - it’s almost at breaking point’

09 December 2024
‘Social care is in such a precarious position - it’s almost at breaking point’

Social care in Kent is on the brink of collapse because of tax hikes and under-funding, say major players in the sector.

18

Pollster says Reform UK could get two Kent MPs at next general election

06 December 2024
Pollster says Reform UK could get two Kent MPs at next general election

Reform UK is on course to gain two MPs in Kent at the next general election, according to current polling trends.

52

Labour councillor will not contest 2025 county election

06 December 2024
Labour councillor will not contest 2025 county election

A Labour councillor who came close to ousting a Conservative government minister has decided not to contest next year’s county elections.

SEN schools threaten legal action over KCC pupil placement reforms

06 December 2024
SEN schools threaten legal action over KCC pupil placement reforms

Special schools have threatened legal action against the county council over “deeply flawed” proposed changes to how pupils are allocated places.

1

‘Bionic Lord’ might stand to be Mayor of Kent if government shakes up councils

03 December 2024
‘Bionic Lord’ might stand to be Mayor of Kent if government shakes up councils

Former MP Craig Mackinlay has “not discounted” standing for elected mayor in Kent if the government introduces sweeping reforms to local government.

4

From building Bluewater to admiring Thatcher: Meet Reform’s first KCC member

28 November 2024
From building Bluewater to admiring Thatcher: Meet Reform’s first KCC member

Following their recent by-election success, we sat down with Reform UK’s first elected member of Kent County Council to discuss the party’s ambitions.

121

Buyer chosen for multi-million pound County Hall purchase

26 November 2024
Buyer chosen for multi-million pound County Hall purchase

The sale of the 150-year-old landmark home of Kent County Council appears to have moved to a new stage.

16

Government shake-up could change Kent council system forever

25 November 2024
Government shake-up could change Kent council system forever

The way councils operate in Kent could be set for a shake-up as the government presses for a mayoral-style arrangement for running the regions.

21

Reform UK wins two surprise by-election seats

22 November 2024
Reform UK wins two surprise by-election seats

Nigel Farage says his fledgling party is “going all out” to win seats at Kent County Council next May after two surprise by-election victories.

240
Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More