Tag: local government

Welcome News: Extra Funding for Kent

Michael has welcomed the extra funding for Kent announced today by the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

The announcement comes after Michael and other Kent MPs pressed the Communities Secretary to release additional funding in the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement and follows his visit to Sevenoaks yesterday morning.

In recognition of the growing need for Social Care, the Government is providing an extra £166 million Social Care Grant to Local Authorities across England for 2018/19.  Kent will get an additional £3.9 million next year.

Additionally, Kent County Council will benefit from being one of just 12 authorities piloting the retention of Business Rates, which is expected to generate around £25 million next year.

The Sevenoaks MP has also applied pressure on the Home Office to step up its support.  In a letter sent last week, Sir Michael said: “Kent continues to support more young asylum seekers than any authority in the country.

This is a national cost being covered by Kent residents.  Current grant funding from the Home Office is not adequate.”

Michael has pressed the Home Secretary Amber Rudd for an additional £8.6 million.

Badgers Mount Parish Council

Sevenoaks District Councillor John Grint chaired a public meeting in Badgers Mount on 10th October to mark the creation of the new Badgers Mount Parish Council in April 2015.  Previously Badgers Mount has been part of the Parish of Shoreham.  Kent County Councillor Roger Gough and Cllr Philip McGarvey (Vice-Chairman of SDC) were also on the panel of speakers.

Mr Grint said:  “Approval in principle for this new move was given in November 2012 and finalised in July 2014.  The first election of 5 Parish Councillors will take place in May 2015 and the first local precept is being kept at the same level as it was previously.”

“This is a new era for Badgers Mount.  A small working group has been dealing with the formalities but has also recognised the vital importance of engagement with local residents and this is the second public meeting to be arranged with the aim of informing, debating and hopefully encouraging some to stand for election.”

Tribute was paid to Shoreham Parish Council for the care they have lavished on Badgers Mount over many years and for their help, generosity and co-operation to help with this new venture.

Michael spoke about Localism covering central government’s policy, the importance of local democracy and the vital work carried out by parish councils and their councillors at this lowest tier of local government.