A trade mission to America was planned by Kent County Council

by political editor Paul Francis

County Hall Tories have scrapped plans for a trade mission to America next month, saying it would not be an appropriate way of spending public money.

KCC's ruling Conservative administration is understood to have been concerned about a backlash over the trip to Boston and Virginia, which it was claimed could drum up potentially lucrative contracts.

But the costs to the taxpayer - estimated to be at least £10,000 - have prompted a U-turn and the council confirmed in a statement the trip had been cancelled.

A fortnight ago, it said the "small investment" was justified because it offered a "real opportunity" for Kent-based businesses to take products and services to the USA.

However, a KCC spokesman has now said: "The county council wholeheartedly backs promoting Kent businesses on the international stage.

"However, following a cabinet decision, it has been decided not to proceed with the trade mission to the USA as it was not considered the best use of public funds at this time."

The move is understood to have led to some disagreement within the Conservative group with several said to be concerned about the perception of a trip abroad at a time when it will be unveiling details of how it intends to cut a further £100m from its budget next year, with the likelihood of further job cuts.

Speaking about the trip he had been due to lead recently, KCC deputy leader Cllr Alex King (Con) said: "I cannot say a specific sum of investment will come out of this, but I can say the work we have done on this front has generally proved beneficial. My role is to open political doors."

The trip had planned to focus on firms from the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, with representatives from hi-tech firms joining the mission along with representatives from Locate In Kent.