Latest Kent County Council Media Releases
Kent Fostering, the largest and most experienced fostering agency in Kent are urgently seeking new foster carers. The need for foster carers in Kent is higher than ever, particularly due to the additional challenges and pressures on families coping with the pandemic. The number of children in need of either short term or longer-term foster…
There is just one week left to have your say on five new concept schemes to encourage more walking and cycling in Kent. The concept designs for those choosing to walk or cycle for their day-to-day journeys out to public consultation are: Canterbury: Littlebourne Road to the City Centre Folkestone: Central Railway Station to Cheriton…
HGV drivers are being reminded not to park up illegally to get border ready or avoid traffic management routes on the way to Kent ports. Most hauliers heading to Europe via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel have been abiding by new regulations introduced as a result of the UK leaving the EU, helping to…
Direct Debit payments for the Kent Travel Saver Card and its 16+ equivalent will be cancelled in January and February due to the national lockdown. Vulnerable children and those of critical workers will still be able to use their pass to travel to school. A refund for those that have paid upfront will be made…
As the threat from COVID-19 continues and the country enters a third lockdown, Kent Resilience Forum partners are working hard to stem the growth of the disease. This week an additional 12 symptom-free testing sites launched for people who do not have symptoms but may be unknowingly spreading the virus. In addition to the two…
The impact of COVID-19 has led to enormous uncertainty and an unprecedented challenge for Kent County Council as it prepares its budget for the next financial year. Responding to the pandemic has required a huge increase in spending and has come at the same time as reductions in income from council tax, business rates and…
England has entered into another national lockdown, the Prime Minister has announced. This means you must now stay at home and follow the new guidance immediately. Fines of £200 can be given for those breaking the rules without a reasonable excuse. Schools will now be closed until after the February half term, though they remain…
Rapid-result coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for people who don’t have symptoms is being rolled out across Kent this week. The testing will find people who don’t currently have symptoms, who may be unknowingly spreading the virus in the community and the sites are part of a rolling programme to help reduce the rates of transmission in…
Following the disruption to borders last week, roadside waste was left behind affecting many of the key routes to Dover. Nicky Potts, Highways England head of operational integration, said: “Since Boxing day and over the last few days, we have collected over 1,400 bags of waste along the M20 between junctions 8 and 9 as…
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday (Saturday), Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough and Cabinet Member for Education and Skills Richard Long urged the Secretary of State to keep primary schools closed in Thanet, Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone and Hythe districts. KCC does not have any statutory powers to order schools to…
• 10 new testing centres for HGV drivers opening across country, with more to open over course of week, as Army is deployed to offer support • Additional support for haulage firms to establish their own testing centres at depots, with kits provided free of charge • HGVs using Dover and Eurotunnel will get fast-tracked…
There have been low traffic numbers in Kent following the end of the transition period. As well as leaving the EU single market and customs union, the coronavirus pandemic means anyone leaving the UK must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travelling. Freight Drivers are encouraged to arrive in Kent with a…