Kent Reform Faces Scrutiny Over Homeworking Stance

Photograph from https://kent.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/987847 

At the July meeting of the Kent County Council’s Growth, Economic Development & Communities Committee, Councillor Mike Sole (Liberal Democrat – Canterbury South) took aim at the Reform UK administration over its conflicting approach to staff working from home, following the adoption of the Integrated Work and Health Strategy for Kent and Medway.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Sole highlighted the strategy’s consistent support for flexible working arrangements, remarking, “This strategy clearly shows that supporting staff is not only the right thing to do—it’s good for business.”

He also questioned comments made by Reform UK figures, including Nigel Farage, who previously stated:

“If you think you can work from home under us, you might find yourself having quite a short, sharp conversation.”

Additionally, Reform UK has claimed that remote working costs KCC £100 million annually.

Cllr Sole challenged the administration, asking:

“Has the council had that ‘short, sharp conversation’ with itself? Does it recognise the proven benefits of flexible working? And can it stop making unfounded claims about the supposed £100 million cost—which, if anything, may be a saving rather than an expense?”

The cabinet member for Economic Development declined to respond directly to the question.

Cllr Sole concluded:

“Let’s hope the council now acknowledges the commitment and hard work of its staff, and accepts that flexible working benefits not only employees but the council’s bottom line. The assertion that it costs taxpayers £100 million is not only unproven—it’s highly questionable. Time will tell whether Reform councillors choose to stand by the strategy they’ve just endorsed or instead stick with sound bites from Nigel Farage.”

https://kent.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/987847  (from 1:11:20).