In this week’s episode of the Kent Politics Podcast our reporters discuss tower block refurbishments which are costing residents, new ANPR cameras in Medway, and a powerful contribution from a 17-year-old Ukrainian boy at KCC.

Our special guest is Dr Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, who tells us about the first few weeks of Keir Starmer’s new administration, whether it’s taking a new approach to councils and if it might work to solve the problems facing them.

He talks about changes such as the multi-year funding, which he says means councils can plan better in advance and take fewer risks, and getting rid of bidding wars for local funding as steps in the right direction to help reduce financial pressures.

He also tells us about the future of devolution - how Angela Rayner MP is encouraging the policy across the country - and what that might mean for Kent.

He outlines the increased powers which are on offer with combined authorities and directly elected mayors, and how they might benefit the county.

Our reporters also talk about the Thanet council-owned tower blocks which are to be refurbished, but which might pose bills of tens of thousands of pounds on residents who were encouraged to buy their flats under right-to-buy.

They also discuss new automatic number plate recognition cameras in Medway which aim to enforce traffic rules more effectively - but some residents aren’t convinced - and a speech made by a 17-year-old Ukrainian refugee which brought KCC members to tears.

The Kent Politics Podcast, which brings together reporters Simon Finlay, Robert Boddy, Dan Esson and Paul Francis each week, was launched in January.

You can listen to it at IM Listening, or you can download it from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and TuneIn – just search for Kent Politics Podcast.

Readers can also keep up-to-date with the latest political news on our dedicated Kent Politics page.

New podcast episodes are available each Friday.