Paul Carter

The Leader of Kent County Council Paul Carter has welcomed the extra funding for local government announced by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

The final settlement has seen £150 million of additional resources allocated to local authorities across the UK, of which £3.9m will go to social care in Kent.

Mr Carter said: “This funding, secured for counties and more widely local government, has come as a direct result of the well-structured and measured campaign that has been coordinated through my chairmanship of the County Councils Network.

“Clearly this additional resource is welcome and will provide some relief for this coming financial year and it shows that government understands the financial challenges facing counties.

“We look forward to the conclusion of a new funding system for local government that is fair, transparent and evidence-based.

“We are of course very grateful for the help and support of our MPs in Kent in securing this additional funding.”

Kent County Council will also benefit from being one of just 12 authorities piloting the retention of business rates, which is expected to generate around £25 million next year.

The final budget for 2018/19 will go before full council on February 20.