Kent Council Sounds Alarm Over Budget Crisis
Kent County Council (KCC) is bracing for tough times ahead. Facing a huge budget shortfall, the council warns that securing future services is under threat as economic pressures mount.
‘Unthinkable and Devastating’ Cuts Loom
The grim message comes from the County Councils Network (CCN), which includes KCC. They’ve warned the Treasury that more funding cuts on top of soaring inflation would be “unthinkable and devastating” — worse than the brutal austerity of the past decade.
Some councils may be forced to slash services to the bare minimum just to avoid bankruptcy.
Deputy Leader Sounds Serious Warning
Peter Oakford, KCC’s Deputy Leader and Finance Cabinet Member, said:
“We cannot doubt the gravity of this financial situation. Inflation has surged, demand on services—especially social care—is rising. Post-pandemic, we knew funding would be tight. Local government isn’t top of the list.” “We look to the Chancellor and Michael Gove, back as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to understand our pressures and help protect vital services for vulnerable people.” “That said, large-scale support looks unlikely. We must resist spending pressures, cut costs, and make tough decisions.” “Inflation and demand hit everything—from home care and road repairs to waste disposal and school transport. Energy and fuel costs are squeezing frontline services hard.” “Our £1.3 billion budget faces relentless inflation. This year alone, we’ve seen £70 million of unplanned costs. Building costs have jumped over 30%, and rising interest rates add to the pain.” “Since 2010, we’ve saved over £820 million, coping with funding cuts and rising demand. But balancing the books gets harder every year—tough calls are coming.”
Public Health Chiefs Join the Outcry
Directors of public health across Kent have raised alarms too. Dr Anjan Ghosh, KCC Director of Public Health, added:
“Public Health provides essential lifelines to thousands of Kent residents, from children to older people. We’ve managed this despite cuts during austerity. Now, with the cost of living crisis, slashing the public health grant would be devastating for our most vulnerable communities.”
