Green and Independents Group Calls for Action on Single-Use Vapes in KCC Council Meeting

Today marked the final Kent County Council (KCC) Full Council meeting before the upcoming elections, and it certainly proved to be a challenging one. Cllr. Mark Hood, our dedicated Green KCC councillor, along with Cllr. Jenni Hawkins from the Independents Group, submitted an important motion calling on the council to reach out to the Government regarding the pressing issue of single-use vapes. Their proposal specifically sought to address the alarming rise in the use of ‘Big Puff’ vapes, which are being produced by Chinese manufacturers as a direct response to the upcoming ban set for June.

Recent statistics reveal that an astonishing 13.5 million vapes are purchased each week in the UK, marking a staggering 37% increase compared to 2023. This surge in consumption poses significant health risks, particularly to our young people, and raises serious environmental concerns as well.

During the meeting, it became evident that the Conservative administration planned to amend our carefully crafted motion, threatening its vital components. Cllr. Hood and Cllr. Hawkins dedicated a significant portion of the meeting to negotiating acceptable wording for the motion, hoping to preserve its core intentions. Unfortunately, key elements—especially commitments to collaborate with schools on raising awareness about the dangers posed by single-use vapes—had to be sacrificed in order to secure majority agreement in the chamber. It was particularly disappointing, given that the motion had been submitted weeks in advance, allowing ample opportunity for discussions and modifications with the Conservative group.

Throughout this process, Cllr. Hood expressed gratitude for the support received from opposition colleagues, who echoed the confusion surrounding the need for amendments. What initially seemed like a straightforward request evolved into a lengthy negotiation, demonstrating the complexities of council decision-making.

This situation is a stark reminder of the importance of having councillors who are committed to working hard—not just during election campaigns, but continuously, for the benefit of their residents. The Green and Independents Group remains resolute in its mission to ensure the voices of the community are heard, and to actively protect the well-being of our residents.

As we navigate the challenges posed by the rise in single-use vapes, it is essential for all users to be aware of the environmental impacts these devices create. Many people may not realize that improper disposal of vapes contributes to an alarming increase in related fires, which have surged by 71% in just two years. We urge all users to make use of dedicated disposal sites for their vapes, rather than discarding them in general waste.

The Green Party is committed to tackling the issues that affect our community and the environment. Together with our dedicated councillors, we are striving to create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all residents of Tonbridge and Malling. Our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers associated with single-use vapes are just one aspect of the ongoing work being carried out by our councillors.

In closing, we will continue to advocate for policies that protect our young people and the environment from the harmful effects of single-use vapes. We call on all members of the community to join us in this important mission. The collective voice of our community is vital in shaping a safer future for everyone.

Let us work together to ensure that the Tonbridge and Malling community remains informed, engaged, and proactive in addressing the challenges we face. Your support is invaluable as we champion the needs of our residents and advocate for a healthier, more sustainable environment.

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