The Kent Politics Podcast

EP43: What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter Carroll

Episode Summary

Dive into the dynamic world of Kent politics with this week's episode of the Kent Politics Podcast! Join local democracy reporter Simon Finlay and the team as they tackle pressing issues like Medway's financial challenges, a contentious housing development in Swale, and the impact of inheritance tax on farmers. Plus, hear from Liberal Democrat veteran Peter Carroll about his political journey and insights into effective campaigning.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST 

Episode 43 - What new tax could mean for farmers, council at risk of bankruptcy and Special Guest Peter Carroll

In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, our host Simon Finlay and the team dive into pressing political issues affecting both Kent and broader regions.

Key Discussions:

Medway Council Financial Crisis

• Gabriel Morris reports a projected £11.2 million overspend by Medway Council.
• The crisis is driven by social care department expenses.
• An early budget release seeks to encourage funding discussions to avoid bankruptcy measures like a section 114 notice.

Highsted Park Housing Development

• Daniel Lesson discusses Quinn's proposed housing project facing local opposition.
• A public inquiry led by Angela Rayner will decide its fate due to Swale Borough Council's planning delays.

Inheritance Tax Impact on Farmers

• Proposed labour budget changes could impose a 20% tax on farmers' land/property.
• This poses threats to farm viability in Kent with potential land sales or hefty tax bills looming.

Mental Health & Transport Issues

• Nikki White covers mental health waiting lists raised during Prime Minister’s Questions by MP Sajid Javid.
• Helen Grant MP advocates for breast cancer screening awareness among younger women.
• Jim Dixon MP campaigns for extending the Elizabeth line into Dartford/Ebbsfleet despite no immediate plans.

Interview with Peter Carroll

• Insights from Peter Carroll on his campaign experiences and work at Tendo Consulting.
• Reflections include working with Charles Kennedy and campaigning for Gurkha justice alongside Joanna Lumley.

Broader Political Conversations:

Peter Carroll shares strategic insights from his campaigns against Michael Howard in Folkestone & Hythe, highlighting efforts towards postal voting strategies that secured Anne Barnes’ win as police crime commissioner in Kent over party-affiliated candidates.

He reflects on serving as a special adviser during the coalition government under Danny Alexander, observing political intricacies firsthand amidst public distrust concerns toward politicians while advocating against extreme polarisation.

Discussion extends to infrastructure projects like North Kent's Elizabeth Line extension and Lower Thames Crossing amid economic constraints faced by current governments.