The Kent Politics Podcast

EP42: Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood

Episode Summary

Join Simon and the team in this week's episode as they unravel the intricacies of local government, from Medway's education shakeup to a police misconduct scandal and the soaring costs of special needs education. They spotlight Westminster's latest developments, including Kemi Badenoch's debut at PMQs and her impact on the Tory leadership and Simon also speaks with this week's special guest, Councillor Mark Hood.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST 

Episode 42 - Schools going mixed, police misconduct, and the cost of special needs education, featuring special guest Cllr Mark Hood 

In this episode, we discuss pivotal local issues like education reforms and police misconduct while also delving into broader political dynamics within the county.

Key Segments:

Local Government Insights:

• The importance of delivering services at a community level.
• Challenges faced by councils due to insufficient funding from central government.

Education News (Robert Boddy):

• Transition of Medway's single-sex grammar schools to coeducational institutions.
• Mixed reactions from parents and educational experts on these changes.

Police Misconduct Update (Dan Esson):

• Case study of former officer Thomas Smith’s misconduct leading to his resignation and imprisonment.

Special Educational Needs Funding Crisis (Simon Finlay):

• Rising costs associated with special needs education in Kent.
• Financial pressures on the council due to overspending on high-needs students.

Westminster Watch (Nikki White):

• Kemi Badenoch’s debut as Tory leader during PMQs.
• New appointments in shadow cabinet roles impacting local MPs Helen Whately and Laura Trott.

Special Feature:

Interview with Green Party Councillor Mark Hood discussing:

• His journey into politics through grassroots activism.
• Perspectives on devolution and local governance challenges.
• The rise of the Green Party amidst environmental concerns such as housing developments affecting green spaces.