The Kent Politics Podcast

EP4 : Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon Henderson MP

Episode Summary

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.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST 

EPISODE 4 - Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon Henderson

On the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into local government issues in Kent, including housing development pressures and financial challenges faced by councils. We also discuss national political trends and hear from Gordon Henderson MP.

Key Points Discussed:

Brownfield Development Incentives:

• Michael Gove's statement on incentivizing local authorities to utilize brownfield sites.
• Efforts to balance housing needs with preventing overdevelopment.

Medway Council’s Innovation Park Pause:

• £11 million spent without business sign-ups.
• Labour administration reevaluating plans due to changing business office space needs post-COVID.

Local Council Debts Examined:

• Medway has significant debt but lower per person compared to other councils.
• Debt servicing costs are high but deemed manageable by council officials.

Village Green Status Battle at Bunyards Farm:

• Maidstone locals fight for village green status against development plans.
• Public inquiry scheduled to determine land use rights.

The Impact of Potential VAT Hike on Private Schools:

• Labour's proposed 20% VAT increase may lead wealthy parents toward grammar schools instead of private education.
• Surge in demand for 11 plus tutors as a result of this policy change.

Controversial Solar Farm Near Roman Ruins:

• Plans for solar farm near historically important Richborough site face opposition over potential damage to archaeological remains.

Gordon Henderson discusses his decision not to stand again after serving since 2010, citing personal reasons and desire for new adventures at age 76, speculation about whether Sittingbourne & Sheppey will remain Conservative or turn Labour in light of recent polls showing a shift towards the latter party nationally.