Episodes
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 7: Bankruptcy Delayed, Solar Farm Concerns and Budget Reaction / Vince Maple InterviewWelcome to this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we examine local political dynamics in Kent and Medway, as well as national issues with a local twist. This week, we delve into pressing matters such as fiscal challenges faced by councils, controversial planning decisions on solar farms, health inequalities across different regions of Kent, and insights from Medway council leader Vince Maple.Key Points Discussed: Financial Struggles for Councils: - The Chancello...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEPISODE 6 - Budget Woes, Levelling Up, 11 Plus & Biosecurity - Tracey Crouch MP InterviewWelcome to the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we explore pressing issues in local and national politics from a Kent perspective. In this episode, our host Simon Finlay is joined by Daniel Esson and Robert Boddy, seasoned reporters with their fingers on the pulse of local governance.We kick off with an examination of Medway Council's challenging week as they navigate budget proposals dependent on central government decisions while grappling with internal stri...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEPISODE 5: Navigating Political Currents - From Local Councils to Westminster Woes In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we dive into local government affairs across Kent County and Medway. We discuss the challenges faced by councils in setting budgets amidst financial pressures and explore how national political issues are influencing local governance. Our panel also delves into the implications of potential course closures at the University of Kent, roadworks disrupting Medway, and Sevenoaks District Council's controversial housing plans.Key Points Discuss...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 4 - Failure to Innovate, MPs Leaving and 11-Plus Problems / Gordon HendersonOn the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we delve into local government issues in Kent, including housing development pressures and financial challenges faced by councils. We also discuss national political trends and hear from Gordon Henderson MP.Key Points Discussed:Brownfield Development Incentives:Michael Gove's statement on incentivizing local authorities to utilize brownfield sites.Efforts to balance housing needs with preventing overdevelopment.Medway Council’s Inn...
THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST Episode 3 - Cutbacks, Unpopular Police and Dodgy Pork / Jim MartinIn this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we discuss the underinvestment in water infrastructure that has led to a potential decline in bathing water quality. We also delve into Medway Council's financial woes and their request for exceptional powers to avoid bankruptcy. Join us as we explore local government challenges across the county, dissect national political developments with our Westminster Watch segment, and chat with special guest Jim Martin from the Green Party.Key Points Discussed:Th...
Episode 2 : Job losses, Wine Woes and Rallying the Troops / Mike Martin Interview - 2nd February 2024In this episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, we explore a variety of pressing political issues impacting both local governance in Kent and Medway as well as national politics. Host Simon Finney is joined by Senior News Editor Nikki White and Daniel Esson, who covers borough and district councils throughout the county.Key points discussed include:Medway Council's decision to invest £42 million into temporary accommodation for homeless individuals.The looming end of the Household Support Fund...
Episode 1: Libraries, Docks & Farage in Kent / Natalie Elphicke MP - 26th January 2024Welcome to episode 1 of the Kent Politics Podcast, where we bring you comprehensive discussions on both local and national political developments. This week, we're unpacking a variety of pressing issues that have been stirring up debate across Kent.Key Topics Covered:- **Local Government Turmoil**: We explore the rollercoaster situation with Kent County Council's library buildings – from potential sell-offs to sudden reversals. - **Chatham Docks Controversy**: The latest updates on the Chatham Docks devel...