County council moves to reassure staff over legality of data sharing with Reform’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’

The Reform-led council became the first local authority to host the party's DOGE team in June.

The team requested access to a series of council documents, including access to whistleblowing documents or internal investigations relevant to financial matters.

At the time, Reform warned that it would consider officers who obstruct the work of the internal review team to have committed gross misconduct.

Commenting on recent concerns about sharing information, a council spokesperson said: “Officers at KCC continue to work closely and positively with the new administration to ensure that they achieve their policy aims, whilst doing so within the appropriate legal and governance frameworks.

The statement added: "We received a small number of requests from members of staff who were concerned about data being shared with people from outside KCC, but all employees have been reassured that the collaboration with elected members will ensure that any decisions to share data will be lawful, reasonable and proportionate.

“We will be heading towards key decisions in due course through the governance process."

Kent's leader, Cllr Linden Kemkaran announced a set of early plans based on findings by the DOGE team in July.

These included proposals to scrap part of the council's net zero renewable energy programme, including stopping planned property modifications, and ending efforts to adopt a fully electric fleet of council vehicles.

She also said the council would halt a long-running plan to move offices.

Adam Carey