The Green Party for Folkestone & Hythe (Shepway) have released the following statement concerning possible changes to plans for local government reorganisation (LGR). Folkestone & Hythe District Council is Green-led and has been very successful in this format. Here is the statement in full:
Having spent months preparing for local government reorganisation (LGR) the process has been paused and elections to Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) will go ahead in May.
LGR, if it ever happens, will reduce local democracy, with fewer councillors representing bigger areas and covering a much wider range of responsibilities. They – and the unitary council they are part of – will be much more distant from the communities they represent.
Our Green councillors pride themselves on listening to and working closely with residents, many of whom have told us over the last three and half years just how responsive they have been.
Our Green-led council – the first in Kent following the 2023 elections – has worked in partnership with local community groups and supported them, organising networking and wellbeing events, establishing community forums, and providing hundreds of thousands of pounds through a new Green Grants scheme and expanded ward grants and community grants programmes.
The council has been busy transforming our district, supporting residents and businesses, protecting the environment and helping to attract visitors.
Regeneration of Folkestone town centre is nearing completion. Benefits will include a new green space with exciting play area, more street trees and safer road layouts. The old Debenhams is being restored and a medical centre is planned. A town centre manager will be based at 19 Guildhall Street: a hub providing new businesses support, childcare, hot-desking and food sustainability initiatives.
The council has invested in a new adventure play area in Folkestone’s Coastal Park and the Changing Tides coastal centre at Greatstone and reopened a new-look Romney Marsh Visitors Centre. It is providing a £2.4 million grant to reopen Folkestone pool for community swimming, then Hythe Pool will get a much needed £6 million plus refurbishment and a new sports facility will be developed at Martello Lakes.
FHDC recently received the highest rating (C1) from the Regulator of Social Housing – the first council in Kent to receive this distinction and among just 14% of councils nationwide. The council is providing scores of new affordable homes and making its own housing stock cheaper to heat and light, as well as achieving improvements to privately rented properties.
Success comes from strong financial management – turning the £4.5 million deficit we inherited into a rare conclusion of ‘substantial assurance’ from the auditor: the first she has given any council in her long career.
It’s a record we’re proud of, demonstrating what can be achieved when people elect a Green council. Now that LGR has been paused, we have an opportunity to continue this great work at Folkestone & Hythe District Council. Roll on the May elections!
Want to help us make hope normal again? You can join the Green Party here.