Overview
- Diane Morton, Kent’s adult social care lead, said she expects a 5% increase next year, estimating roughly £50 million in extra revenue.
- Senior Reform councillors conceded the large efficiencies they anticipated have not materialised, while the national DOGE unit has yet to conduct detailed work in Kent because of access tensions.
- The council’s local DOLGE team says it has identified about £40 million in savings over four years, including dropping a £30 million home energy scheme and an electric vehicle fleet plan.
- Council papers indicate a £27.9 million in-year overspend against a constrained budget, with leaders required to set balanced plans early next year.
- Reform figures tout a £66 million debt reduction and a no‑new‑borrowing policy, as Labour and Liberal Democrat critics label the party’s efficiency claims misleading and demand accountability.