EPISODE · Apr 2, 2026 · 11 MIN
EP 110: The rising cost of waging war on fly-tipping, plans for more homes and how to spend £60m
from The Kent Politics Podcast · host Nikki White, Dan Esson, Robert Boddy, Simon Finlay
Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Overview Welcome to the latest episode of The Kent Politics Podcast. Join Nikki White, Senior News Editor with KM Media Group, as we delve into recent political developments across Kent. Key Topics Discussed Government Investment in Twiddle and Gillingham Labour's plans bring £20 million government funding for neighbourhood development. Additional funds aimed at enhancing children's playgrounds. Fly Tipping Concerns in Kent A report by Kent County Council reveals alarming increases in fly tipping incidents over the past decade. Maidstone saw reports rise from 800 (2015) to over 2,800 (2025). Challenges include limited enforcement powers and financial burdens on private landowners. Education Challenges in Medway A young boy's struggle for suitable schooling due to complex needs highlights systemic issues within Medway Council's educational provisions. Housing Development Debates in Swale Swale Council debates housing concentration between Faversham and Sittingbourne/Sheppey. Decision made to distribute housing allocations more evenly across borough sites. Community Funding Initiatives The UK government's "Pride In Place" scheme allocates significant investment (£60 million total) for community improvements across three parts of Medway: Luton, Reed Common, and Twiddle. Engagement Opportunities Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. Stay informed: Sign up for our newsletter at kentonline.co.uk/newsletters Tune into KMTV’s politics show every Friday at 5pm or watch on demand at KMTV.co.uk Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.ukDon't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
Welcome to the Kent Politics Podcast. This week, we cover a £20 million government investment for Twydall and Gillingham, with extra funding for playgrounds and community spaces. Local neighbourhood panels will decide how this money is spent. Fly tipping in Kent has risen sharply over the past decade, especially in Maidstone where reports have more than tripled since 2015. Most incidents involve rubbish dumped on public land, but private landowners like farmers also face high costs. Councils are using drones and fines to tackle the issue, but penalties remain too low to deter offenders. In Medway, a mother is fighting for her son with complex needs to get suitable school support after being told his current placement cannot meet his requirements. The case is going through mediation and may take years to resolve. Swale Council has finally agreed on its local plan after much debate about where new housing should go -development will be split between eastern and western parts of the borough. If you want your say or have questions about local politics, contact us at [email protected]. For more updates visit KentOnline or watch KMTV’s weekly politics show every Friday at 5pm.
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EP 110: The rising cost of waging war on fly-tipping, plans for more homes and how to spend £60m
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