Kemkaran pledges efficiency savings – but has doubts over devolution

CLLR Kemkaran’s maiden speech in the chamber included announcements of a cut in councillor allowances, and the establishment of a special post for finding savings.

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She told members that she regarded her new role as a “privilege”, and pledged to look at every area of spending at the authority with the creation of a department of local government efficiency (Dolge), as well as cutting member allowances by 5 per cent.

She said this cut would save £100,000, which will be redirected to councillors’ grant funding, which is used to support community organisations.

Cllr Kemkaran poured cold water on the Government's local government reforms, which will result in Kent County Council, along with Medway Council and the area's 12 borough and district councils, being replaced by a much smaller number of larger unitary authorities.

Cllr Kemkaran said re-organisation was “hurtling down the tracks” and that she doubts it is good for the county.

She said: “I am not entirely convinced that it is the right thing for Kent.