News

Shadow Local Government and Planning Minister Bob Neill met with KCC Cabinet Members yesterday (5 March) to discuss the new Conservative Planning Green Paper and KCC’s “Bold Steps for Radical Reform” proposals to empower local people and local communities.

In a wide-ranging private meeting, Mr Neill discussed how the “Open Source” Planning Green Paper would involve local people and encourage sustainable development to promote local houses and local jobs. Whitehall targets and unelected quangos would be scrapped.

Paul Carter’s “Bold Steps to Radical Reform” proposals launched last month were also discussed in more detail. These call for greater powers over areas such as welfare, highways and housing by the family of local government in Kent .

KCC Leader Paul Carter welcomed the visit: “It was great that Bob could come to Kent to hear some of our exciting plans for the county at first hand. It is so refreshing to have someone in this vital position who really understands how local government works and who has a wealth of experience in the sector.

“The potential for greater joint working between central and local government is massive and I much look forward to working closely with Bob both as a Shadow Minister and hopefully in Government.”

Shadow Minister Bob Neill added: “I’m keen to learn from the very best councils and it was a tremendously helpful visit. Kent continues to innovate and find local solutions to some of the big national issues confronting local people.

“In tough economic times, local government has a massive role to play in improving public services for local people and getting the very best value for money. Conservative Kent continues to be one of the most innovative and best performing councils in the country.”

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010