THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 43 - What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter Carroll

In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, our host Simon Finlay and the team dive into pressing political issues affecting both Kent and broader regions.

Medway Council Financial Crisis

• Gabriel Morris reports a projected £11.2 million overspend by Medway Council.
• The crisis is driven by social care department expenses.
• An early budget release seeks to encourage funding discussions to avoid bankruptcy measures like a section 114 notice.

Highsted Park Housing Development

• Daniel Lesson discusses Quinn's proposed housing project facing local opposition.
• A public inquiry led by Angela Rayner will decide its fate due to Swale Borough Council's planning delays.

Inheritance Tax Impact on Farmers

• Proposed labour budget changes could impose a 20% tax on farmers' land/property.
• This poses threats to farm viability in Kent with potential land sales or hefty tax bills looming.

Mental Health & Transport Issues

• Nikki White covers mental health waiting lists raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by MP Sajid Javid.
• Helen Grant MP advocates for breast cancer screening awareness among younger women.
• Jim Dixon MP campaigns for extending the Elizabeth line into Dartford/Ebbsfleet despite no immediate plans.

Interview with Peter Carroll

• Insights from Peter Carroll on his campaign experiences and work at Tendo Consulting.
• Reflections include working with Charles Kennedy and campaigning for Gurkha justice alongside Joanna Lumley.

Peter Carroll shares strategic insights from his campaigns against Michael Howard in Folkestone & Hythe, highlighting efforts towards postal voting strategies that secured Anne Barnes’ win as police crime commissioner in Kent over party-affiliated candidates.

He reflects on serving as a special adviser during the coalition government under Danny Alexander, observing political intricacies firsthand amidst public distrust concerns toward politicians while advocating against extreme polarisation.

Discussion extends to infrastructure projects like North Kent's Elizabeth Line extension and Lower Thames Crossing amid economic constraints faced by current governments.

Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show with Rob Bailey on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 42 - Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood

In this episode, we discuss pivotal local issues like education reforms and police misconduct while also delving into broader political dynamics within the county.

Local Government Insights:

• The importance of delivering services at a community level.
• Challenges faced by councils due to insufficient funding from central government.

Education News (Robert Boddy):

• Transition of Medway's single-sex grammar schools to coeducational institutions.
• Mixed reactions from parents and educational experts on these changes.

Police Misconduct Update (Dan Esson):

• Case study of former officer Thomas Smith’s misconduct leading to his resignation and imprisonment.

Special Educational Needs Funding Crisis (Simon Finlay):

• Rising costs associated with special needs education in Kent.
• Financial pressures on the council due to overspending on high-needs students.

Westminster Watch (Nikki White):

• Kemi Badenoch’s debut as Tory leader during PMQs.
• New appointments in shadow cabinet roles impacting local MPs Helen Whately and Laura Trott.

Interview with Green Party Councillor Mark Hood discussing:

• His journey into politics through grassroots activism.
• Perspectives on devolution and local governance challenges.
• The rise of the Green Party amidst environmental concerns such as housing developments affecting green spaces.

Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show with Rob Bailey on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST

Episode 41 - Docklands, trolleys Budget bombshells and a broken bridge, with special guest Ashford MP Sojan Joseph

Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your ultimate source for in-depth discussions on both local and national political matters. This week we explore significant developments impacting both Kent's and the UK's political landscape.

Local Government Updates:

• Chatham Docks Controversy:
  • Medway Council’s planning decision stands as Angela Rayner decides not to intervene.
  • Mixed reactions from local stakeholders including former MP Kelly Tolhurst.
• Canterbury Shopping Trolleys Debate:
  • Canterbury City Council explores increased fines for abandoned trolleys.
  • Motion passes unanimously; potential impacts on supermarkets discussed.

Infrastructure Challenges:

• Teston Bridge Closure Impact:
  • Recent damage causing traffic congestion and extended school runs.
  • Local opinions suggest need for additional infrastructure solutions.

National Political Insights – Westminster Watch:

• Analysis of Rachel Reeves' first budget emphasising investment over austerity measures:
  • No increase in income tax or employee NI contributions; focus shifts to employers’ responsibilities.
  • Significant investments planned across NHS, education, public transport, and more.

Spotlight Interview with Sojan Joseph:

• Discusses his journey from Kerala to becoming Ashford’s new Labour MP after 27 years of Conservative representation by Damian Green.
• Priorities include healthcare access improvements, economic stability efforts, road maintenance advocacy, and restoring Eurostar services at Ashford International Station.

Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show with Rob Bailey on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at www.im-listening.co.uk or wherever you listen you your podcasts.