Overview
- Opposition councillors say Kent’s efficiency unit is arranging cross-party brainstorming meetings after falling short of the promised tens of millions in savings.
- The Independent reports Reform’s national Doge team has made limited progress and visited few councils; Zia Yusuf has stepped down and Politico reports Richard Tice will take over, while Kent says its internal Dolge leads local work.
- Council papers show a projected £27.9 million overspend next year, and the new adult social care chief has hinted at a council tax rise despite Reform’s pledge to hold bills down.
- Internal tensions have escalated, with four Reform councillors suspended after a leaked video exposed rifts within the council leadership.
- A touted £14 million saving linked to not refurbishing Invicta House faces headwinds after the planned sale of Sessions House collapsed, and opposition figures warn any further cuts could hit libraries, subsidised school transport and other discretionary services.