KCC Report – Cllr Bridget Porter – November 2025

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Highways and Transport
Since June KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Peter Osborne  has overseen the  following on Kent’s road network.
210,000 square metres of resurfacing
250,000 square metres of patching
22,000 potholes repaired
However there’s still more to do so ,please do report any potholes and /or defects on our updated online reporting tool on KCC website -report a pothole
For Motorways and Trunk roads contact National Highways
£67 million forward investment planned for the current year.
On A 299 — a stretch of 9 miles between Whitstable and Hillborough a 50mph restriction is in force due to road damage due to geological   conditions. KCC is working with Department of Transport to find funding to repair this stretch of road.
Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE)
This department aims to get best value for every penny spent.
Kents first Commercial Strategy was implemented, and a training programme has been put in place. It has been confirmed that more KCC business goes through Kentish suppliers.
It was confirmed that there are NO plans to close any Kent Libraries.
DOLGE is aware of an unpaid debt of £73 million in Adult Social Care but will employ stringent activity to ensure fairness to families who DO pay towards care.
 Costs of ASC will rise due to older person home care and residential services .
ASC and Public Health discussed using technology to keep people in their homes longer. KCC hopes to embrace this further so held a meeting with NHS and District Councils to support the NHS 10 year plan.There is a new approach for people leaving hospital , ensuring they get the right care at the right price .
Household Waste and the Environment
96% of householders mark the Household and Waste and Recycle centres satisfactory. KCC look to increase opening hours .
3 ReUse shops have been opened giving profit to local charities .
6,000 Trees have been planted so far this year
Overseas trucks levy has been discussed .This would put us on a similar footing to our European neighbours as our roads have more traffic than most countries.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very frugal Christmas and an optimistic New Year . Fortunately we live in the garden of England so I will be ploughing for Britain in 2026 .