In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, Dan Esson and his team discuss housing dilemmas, local council debt, and political retirements. We also dive into Medway Council’s paused Innovation Park project due to a shift in office space needs post-COVID, as well as it’s significant debt and how it compares with other councils. The team also cover a public inquiry into village green status for land targeted for housing development near Maidstone and the controversy over 11-plus tutoring effectiveness amid Labour’s proposed VAT hike on private schools.
In Westminster Watch with Paul Francis. Chatham MP Tracey Crouch is stepping down for personal reasons while others leave due to abuse concerns. Dover District Council battles DEFRA over food check locations from Europe.
Lastly, Sittingbourne MP Gordon Henderson shares his retirement plans after 60 years of work and reflects on election unpredictability despite polls suggesting a Conservative loss at the next general election.