Trudy Dean, the Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, has written to Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, asking for this year's Kent Test (11+) to be scrapped.

Trudy's letter follows below:

Dear Roger,

As you will be aware, Rosie Duffield has raised the issue of cancelling this year's Eleven Plus tests due to the effects of CV19. I had already placed an item onto the list of those for discussion at Cabinet Scrutiny for next Tuesday, as parents of year 5 children will need to decide very shortly whether they feel it is safe to send their children back to school in June. I am aware that the test process must be agreed in advance by schools, some of which already set their own additional entrance tests. Whilst I don't think that cancellation is the only way forward, there are clearly a number of issues of concern which need to be discussed with schools and parents urgently.

The Liberal Democrats are at the forefront of cross party calls for urgent additional funding for local authorities going "above and beyond" in their response to the COVID-19 crisis.

In a letter to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the cross party group of more than 20 MPs highlight the pressures cash-strapped councils are under, with a funding shortfall of £5 billion at a time when they are being asked to rapidly scale up support for the most vulnerable.

Environment Committee meetings are usually held every 1st Tuesday of each month (except August) commencing at 7pm. However, please confirm date and time on the agenda of the next meeting. For more information visit http://www.sandgatepc.kentparishes.gov.uk/

Below is an update from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency regarding travel to France:

"We are contacting you to update you on entry requirements for those driving to France, following further changes from the French authorities in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Certificate for International Transport Workers

The Government announced a new loan scheme for small businesses.

Aimed at the UK's smallest firms, the scheme will offer loans of between £2,000 and £50,000.

• Businesses can borrow up to the value of 25% of their turnover up to a maximum of £50,000.

• The Government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months.