Reflections on the State of Kent: A Cautionary Christmas Message
At the Chairman's lunch in County Hall on Friday, a sombre mood prevailed among Reform councillors — perhaps a reflection of bruises earned both from opposition attacks and, more substantially, from a collision with reality. Cabinet members wore the weight of recent months: some confessed they were surprised by the dedication of council officers and admitted to a lack of experience, while others simply lamented the “complete mess” they inherited. Yet, even with an unexpectedly favourable settlement from central government, the cuts set for February promise to be severe.
This is despite record high taxes and the largest central grant in Kent’s history. An 8.3% increase in grant and anticipated 5% council tax rise are not enough to withstand the overwhelming demand for Adult Social Care.
The root causes are both historic and systemic.
- The post-war baby-boom saw high birth rates from 1950 to 1961 that have inevitably resulted in a swelling older population — an entirely foreseeable challenge that was not adequately planned for.
- Austerity from 2015 to 2020, stripped public services of funds just when investment was needed to prepare for demographic changes.
- To make matters worse, the pandemic struck as the baby boom generation aged, exposing under-resourced services and compounding problems through delayed diagnoses and increased depression among older people.
- Add to this decades of insufficient construction of suitable, accessible housing, and the result is a cohort of older adults unable to receive or recover from care at home.
For those in politics, the challenge is daunting. These issues require generational, cross-party solutions, but political divisions are at an all-time high, and faith in the main parties is low—understandably, since these problems developed on their watch. ReformUK rose in Kent by making bold promises but quickly found that efficiencies are scarce and taxes must rise. Contrary to their campaign rhetoric, immigration is an essential part of the care workforce, not a problem.
Meanwhile, the council’s inexperience is showing. After boasting about saving £50,000 by cutting crisis grants for vulnerable people, they splash £50,000 on a political commissar with the option of spending up to £150,000 more of taxpayers money on political roles at Kent County Council. In a final irony, while support packages are cut, spending on political communications rises. Let them eat press releases. Happy Christmas.
Richard
Cllr Richard Streatfeild MBE
KCC Sevenoaks Town
Richard is the KCC Councillor for Sevenoaks Town, and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Kent County Council.