The Kent Politics Podcast

EP68: Council's botched traveller eviction, school farm closure fears and special guest, former KCC leader Roger Gough

Episode Summary

Join Simon and the team this week as they explore a whirlwind week in local politics, from Medway Council's court case over a traveller eviction to Folkestone Hive District Council's five-year saga with a landmark building. They also delve into mental health legislative reform discussions taking place at Westminster and hear from former KCC leader Roger Gough on his recent electoral defeat.

Episode Notes

THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST 

Episode 68 - Council's botched traveller eviction, school farm closure fears and special guest, former KCC leader Roger Gough 

 Welcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on local and national political matters. Join us as we delve into key issues affecting Kent, featuring interviews with decision-makers and analysis of policies impacting our lives.

Episode Highlights:

Local Government & Devolution

• A deep dive into why Kent missed out on becoming part of the first wave in government’s local reorganisation.
• Former KCC leader Roger Gough shares his thoughts on the future of devolution in Kent following a major setback.

Medway Council's Legal Battle

• Analysis of Medway Council’s failed attempt to evict travellers from Wigmore Park & Ride.
• Insights into court decisions protecting traveller communities based on human rights considerations.

Folkestone's Landmark Building Decision

• Updates on Folkestone Hive District Council's plans for refurbishing a historically significant town centre building, formerly Debenhams.

School Farm Closure Concerns

• Discussion around New Line Learning Academy's temporary farm closure near Maidstone and its implications for special educational needs students.

Mental Health Act Reforms

• Coverage of Sittingbourne MP Kevin McKenna speaking about necessary reforms to outdated mental health legislation dating back to 1983.

Special Features:

Westminster Watch: Senior news editor Nikki White covers developments at Westminster focusing on mental health reform discussions by county MPs including Dartford representative Jim Dixon advocating early intervention strategies for youth mental health care.

In Conversation With:

Roger Gough reflects candidly after losing his council seat amid Reform UK's sweeping victory. He discusses challenges faced during his leadership tenure, particularly financial strains exacerbated by national policy choices impacting local governance across social services sectors like adult care and children's services.