Liberal Democrats on Kent County Council

Question by Ian Chittenden to Graham Gibbens, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

Given KCC should have regular care management reviews and contractual inspection visits to all residential and nursing homes with KCC funded residents; will the Cabinet Member inform the Council what went wrong to leave 24 KCC funded elderly residents at serious risk of harm in two Kent homes - The Oast in Maidstone* (with 11 KCC funded residents) and The Gables in Wrotham** (with 13 KCC funded residents) and what measure he has put in place to safeguard all KCC 's vulnerable adults in residential & nursing homes to ensure no one will be placed at such risk again?

In response to a question raised by Lib Dem County Councillor Ian Chittenden, at the County Council meeting on Thursday 9th February, the Conservative Cabinet Member confirmed that the decision on the future of Youth Services will be decided by newly formed 'Locality Boards' (where they exist). Locality boards are informal bodies, with no requirement to allow the public to attend the meetings to listen to or join in the debates about changes to their local youth services.

Future of Youth Services will be debated and agreed in secret says Conservative Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities

In response to a question raised by Lib Dem Councillor Ian Chittenden, at the County Council meeting (09.02.12), the Conservative Cabinet Member confirmed that the decision on the future of Youth Services will be decided by newly formed 'Locality Boards' (where they exist). These are informal bodies, with no requirement to allow the public to attend the meetings to listen to or join in the debates about changes to their local youth services.

Question by Ian Chittenden to Mike Hill, Cabinet Member for Customer & Communities

The proposed cuts to the youth budget could have a serious effect on young people, families and other citizens. Prior to the commissioning process starting with these reduced funds, Locality Boards in their various formats are being asked to meet and make a decision by the end of March on the way forward for their local Youth Service.

Kent Lib Dems are delighted that their annual Christmas dress-down day at Kent Council Council raised £608.62 for the Kent Fund for Children.

Over the last few years, over £7,000 has been raised from Kent County Council staff and Councillors for this good cause through the Dress Down Day. You can find out more about the Kent Fund for Children at http://www.kent.gov.uk/news_and_events/news_archive/the_kent_fund_for_children.aspx.

Question by Ian Chittenden to Bryan Sweetland, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste

Under the 'making it happen' section of the Kent Design Guide, section J5, Commencement of Works, the guide recommends to developers that they meet with representatives or inspection staff to take photographs of the site prior to commencement of works, so that any damage sustained to the existing highway can be assessed where necessary.

Question by Mr I Chittenden to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste

"In recent years hundreds of trees on County Council land, in particular on verges and green areas adjacent to roads and footpaths have been cut down, with very few replaced. Many become diseased and die due to grass cutting around the base of trees with strimming tools which cut and removed the bark from the main trunks, resulting in disease and a slow death.

The question of clutter and road safety on Kent's Highways and pavements, including redundant sign posts was raised by County Councillor Ian Chittenden, Maidstone North at County Council meeting held 14th October 2010.

"Bearing in mind the recent call by the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to cut street clutter and the promise by Maidstone Council to remove 200 pieces of clutter from our streets, what action will KCC take to remove many of the redundant signs, posts and other items that litter our highways and pavements throughout Kent?"

Question by Ian Chittenden to Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste

Bearing in mind the recent call by the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to cut street clutter and the promise by Maidstone Council to remove 200 pieces of clutter from our streets, what action will KCC take to remove many of the redundant signs, posts and other items that litter our highways and pavements throughout Kent?

County Councillor Ian Chittenden for Maidstone North East

Maidstone North East division covers North and East wards.

Contact Ian

"I have lived in Maidstone with my wife and family for over 30 years. I am a Maidstone Borough Councillor and was elected to the County Councillor in 2007.

"I work hard in my local community as a Governor of Valley Invicta Park School Federation, a Trustee of Howard de Walden Centre, and a member of the local PACT Group (Police and Communities together).