'Don't Put Business Out of Business' call to KCC

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 13th Feb 2008

"Many businesses no longer trust KCC , regarding them instead as a threat Kent businesses"

KCC Lib Dem Leader Trudy Dean is calling on KCC to help set up and fund a Kent wide Business Forum to resolve allegations that unfair competition from KCC is putting private Kent companies out of business.

Trudy attended the Kent Messenger sponsored conference at East Malling Research Station today where approximately 50 delegates asked "Should KCC be involved in the private sector?"

After the meeting Trudy said "This conference has shown that many businesses no longer trust KCC , regarding them instead as a threat Kent businesses believe that KCC unfairly uses taxpayers' money to subsidise a clutch of arms length companies. KCC denies this but refuses to publish full accounts to prove it. A single organisation which speaks for Kent commerce and industry needs to be set up quickly to resolve this dispute. KCC cannot attract new businesses to Kent on the one hand and then put them out of business with it the other; they need to work together to ensure there are enough good quality jobs for everyone in the county. "

Representatives from all over Kent heard Cllrs. Nick Chard and Mike Snelling and Kevin Harlock, Head of KCC Commercial Services defend the County Council's arms length companies which now deal in bus, coach and taxi operations, temporary secretarial services, supply teachers, and small building repairs in addition to their established activities in printing, grounds maintenance and office supplies.

A number of businesses challenged tender prices submitted by KCC companies as being 'predatory' loss leaders. Delegates criticised the county council's lack of transparency because full accounts were not filed for these companies so that it was not possible to see whether they were subsidised by the rate payer in any way. They pointed to the use of ratepayers' money in setting up Kent TV, in competition with commercial channels and carrying KCC advertising in competition with the established printed newspapers.

Elaine Craven MD of Earl Street Employment Consultants spoke for many when she said "Why should I pay business rates and council taxes to KCC so they can put me out of business?"