Introduction to Kent County Council

Visit our website at ‘www.kent.gov.uk’

We are the UK’s largest local authority, with a workforce in excess of 45,000 people, serving a population of 1.4 million.

We have various offices in central locations and a large number of service establishments throughout Kent; our Corporate office is based in Maidstone.

More than two thirds of our workforce provides services directly to the public - such as Domicilary Care Workers, Classroom Assistants, Social Workers, Teachers, Occupational Therapists etc.

Our annual budget of £2 billion covers a huge range of services. This translates into a host of interesting roles and career paths awaiting those who want to work in a leading edge public sector organisation. We are an “Excellent” 4-star authority, as judged by the Audit Commission.

Aims and objectives

The main objective for the County Council is to enhance the quality of all of Kent’s residents by looking after Kent’s long term future and environment and the provision of services for residents. The County Council aims to improve its services continuously and ensure that they are good value for money. We have set out our priorities and commitments titled ‘Towards 2010’ with the following key headings:

  • Increased prosperity for Kent through business growth and job creation

  • Transformation in education

  • Reduced congestion

  • Improved health and quality of life

  • Quality homes in a well managed environment

  • A safer Kent

  • Continued improvements in services while keeping council tax down

To see a copy of the ‘Towards 2010’ and ‘Vision for Kent’ documents, please visit our website - www.kent.gov.uk under ‘Your Council’, KCC News and Publications. Alternatively contact :

  • Towards 2010 - Tel. 08458 247 247
  • Vision for Kent - Write to ‘Vision for Kent’, Freepost SEA9412, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1BR

Political Arrangements

The County Council has 84 electoral divisions and elections take place every four years.

The current political composition of the County Council is as follows:

Conservative 57 members
Labour 20 members
Liberal Democrat 6 members
Independent Labour 1 member

The Leader of Kent County Council is Paul Carter.

There is a Cabinet of executive Members which meets regularly to debate policy issues and make key decisions.

The Cabinet comprises:

Paul Carter Leader of the council and Policy and Performance
Alex King Deputy Leader, Corporate Support and External Affairs
Nick Chard Finance
Graham Gibbens Kent Adult Social Services
Mark Dance Operations, Resources and Skills (Children, Families and Education)
Leyland Ridings Children, Families and Educational Achievement
Keith Ferrin Environment, Highways and Waste
Alan Marsh Public Health
Mike Hill Community Services
Kevin Lynes Regeneration and Supporting Independence

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