Annual Report from Mike Sole

I was delighted to be re-elected as the Kent County Councillor for Canterbury South last May, with an increased majority and vote share.

There were significant changes at KCC with control passing from the Conservatives to Reform UK, and the Liberal Democrat Group that I am in doubling in size to become the official opposition. I think that most people would acknowledge that it’s been a rocky first year for the new administration, most with no previous political experience and often a lack of understanding about the powers and responsibilities of a county council. Of the 57 Reform councillors elected last year, 1 is now in prison, 7 have joined a new more right-wing Restore Britain party, 1 has joined UKIP and 1 is an independent.  

Every time that there is a change it affects committee places so there has been a lot of “messing around”, and with the merger of some committees I lost my place on the growth and economic development committee, but I remain on the Kent Fire Authority and Flood Risk Management Committee.

Despite all of the media headlines and political shenanigans I have continued to work with officers to get things done. In particular this includes highway improvements, and I can’t stress enough how important it is for parish councils to have a Highway Improvement Plan that is regularly updated and to request regular meetings with KCC to move it forward and check on progress. 

In July we will be told by government how Kent will be split into Unitary Councils. Elections to these councils will take place in May 2027 and after a year in a shadow role, in 2028 KCC and Canterbury City Council will cease to exist. There are several possible models for a unitary council in our area, but the most likely options are either an East Kent Council comprising Canterbury, Dover & Thanet, or a larger one that would also include Ashford and Folkestone.

Finally, I do have a small grant fund available for community projects. In the last year this has funded outdoor learning and play schemes at Wincheap Primary School, a dishwasher at Ickham Village Hall, sports facility in Bridge and chairs for Kingston Barn (Village Hall). Please get in touch if I can assist with anything or you know of local community groups that would benefit.

For latest updates see Mike on Facebook