This month I am pleased to let you know the use I have made in this current financial year of my Member's grant. Essentially, I respond to requests, and as you can see, local organisations have had useful donations for their projects. Many of the projects benefit young people, a group I am delighted to support.

For the seventh year running Kent County Council has scored the highest possible Comprehensive Performance Assessment rating - both four stars and improving strongly. No other county council has achieved the top score consistently since the inspection regime began in 2002. Therefore Kent is consistently the best performing county in the country.

KCC's elected members received the highest praise from the inspectors:-

"Kent County Council has for ten years been seeking excellence and its organisation is impressive, high quality, responsive and gives good value for money."

"Councillors are of high calibre and the internal culture is one of high mutual respect. Ethical standards are high and decision-making processes are clear and well-ordered."

"The council often leads beyond the norm for local government and is an outstandingly effective advocate for Kent at all levels."

I hope you will all be as pleased as we are to read these plaudits!

The Sport, Leisure and Olympics service has won KCC a Beacon Status for their work to secure a legacy for Kent from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They achieved this with a programme of services designed to increase participation in sport and physical activity, regenerate communities and increase participation in cultural and volunteering activities.

This recognition now puts the Sport, Leisure and Olympics services among the top performers in their field and the award also comes with is a financial benefit of up to £75.

Travellers to Europe will have been pleased to learn that KCC's two year campaign, led by our deputy leaders, Alex King, to restore Ashford - Brussels Eurostar connection has paid off. KCC worked jointly with the Nord Pas de Calais on this project. A real boost for Ashford and for Kent as a whole.