A rescue sanctuary meets the planning system
Enforcement action, water failures and political defections put power and accountability under pressure across Kent
Latest
KCC balances the books. For one year.
A bridged budget at County Hall, storm damage across Kent, and another water crisis unfolds
“We're all about helping our neighbours”
What we asked Jennifer Sutton, Community Engagement Officer at Wave Community Bank
South East Water said outage was unforeseeable the day before it happened again
Water failures, delayed megaprojects and a contested library sale put accountability and long-term planning back in the spotlight across Kent
How Canterbury’s Victorian lampposts are being lost
Years of drift between councils have left replacement as the default option.
A county in transition
Local government reform, political instability and financial pressure are converging as the county heads into 2026.
The end of our first year
What we’ve reported on since launch and where we’re heading next.
“It's a very privileged role”
What we asked Jonathan Neame, the High Sheriff of Kent
Winners and losers emerge as council funding is reset
Plus the latest from Kent County Council, news in brief, and more
Kent’s 'mega dumps' expose the limits of waste crime enforcement
Large illegal waste sites are thriving in Kent and no one seems able to stop them
“Just buy things because you really like it”
What we asked Catherine Southon, auctioneer and antiques expert
When intimidation replaces debate
What Swale’s meeting tells us about local democracy. Plus the latest from KCC, Tunbridge Wells still faces water uncertainty, news in brief, and more
Opinion
A Kent perspective on the Budget
Tim Aker argues Westminster’s muddled Budget leaves entrepreneurs exposed, but a local-first procurement drive could offer Kent a practical route to stronger growth.
News
Damage bills mount from Kent’s lamppost flags
FOIs reveal the cost of Kent’s lamppost flag policy and what happens when risks go unchecked
Interview
"My job is to try and bring everyone together"
What we asked Kevin MᶜKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey
News
The week the water stopped
A week of dry taps, false deadlines and emergency queues reveals a broken system and a town running out of patience
The Kent Current has a new home
We’ve moved, but nothing should change for most of you. A quick update: The Kent Current has now moved off Substack and onto a new home powered by Ghost. You don’t need to resubscribe, you don’t need to change anything, and your newsletters should keep arriving exactly
Newsletter
Maidstone leader hit with no confidence challenge
Plus Reform set to raise council tax, Goudhurst sees off smugglers, and is Kent really the largest council in the country?
Newsletter
“I’ve got enough reasons to break down over music and painting”
What we asked Lupen Crook, artist and musician
Newsletter
Is Kent facing a bird flu winter?
Plus Lower Thames Crossing to get underway next year, news in brief, and more
Kent’s far right moves into the mainstream
Plus a fake town for civil unrest near Gravesend, more from Reform, Folkestone MP speaks out, and more
Newsletter
“Sourdough cultures will sour beer”
What we asked Pete Nelson, Head Brewer at Docker Bakery
Newsletter
Kent's finances sharply worsen
Plus local government reorganisation reaches endgame, latest financial declarations of Kent MPs, news in brief, and more
Newsletter
Standfast
Paul Francis on why Labour’s landslide already feels fragile