Judges are often criticised for being “too soft” with their sentences, but as our crown court reporter explains, it’s sometimes out of their hands…

The housing shortage, the Rwanda plan, the rise of tech and how to deal with litterbugs are some of the topics tackled on this week’s letters page.

While waiting at the barbers for a trim, Secret Thinker marvels at the choice nowadays - from fader and razor cuts to hot towel shaves and singeing.

Children living near Sure Start centres got better GCSEs and its among the reasons, says our columnist, why the next government must bring them back.

With a general election looming this year, political editor Paul Francis explores the potential impact of its timing on the Conservatives’ chances.

Fast-food chain McDonald’s is expanding its Kent offering at a rapid pace - but is enough enough, asks our columnist…

The vain, grandstanding politicians we see on television are very different to those working quietly for their communities, our columnist argues.

The housing shortage, the loss of vital services and voter cynicism are among topics tackled in this week’s letters to the editor.

Secret Thinker is being driven round the bend by traffic chaos caused by “pointless roadworks” on a major route - while potholes elsewhere go unfixed.

Doctors are right to call for a smacking ban, believes our columnist, who suggests hitting children says far more about our failings as adults.

Political editor Paul Francis explores the often misunderstood role of police and crime commissioners ahead of the looming elections.

While some of our coastal towns used art as the catalyst for their reinvention, one town hit upon a better recipe for success - food.

Poverty, fly-tipping, privatisation of utilities and the impact of technology are among the topics tackled in this week’s letters to the editor.

He’s had his fair share of bust-ups, but in the face of an aggressive driver this week, Secret Thinker found himself taking the high road.

After a break in Holland where the streets were clean and parking cheap our columnist has been left wondering what could Kent learn from the Dutch?

The Lib Dems seem to be having a problem gaining traction in Kent - and political editor Paul Francis thinks it could be all down to Labour...

Getting older means you remember a very different Kent to today - our columnist takes a trip down memory lane.

As her friend’s long-term seaside home is turned into an Airbnb, columnist Melissa Todd explores the impact of holiday lets on local communities.

Nationalism, poverty, knife crime and our obsession with net zero are just some of the topics tackled on this week’s letters page.

The Apprentice’s 18th season is nearing a climax - but is it time now for it to retire from our screens after years of sterling effort?