An exciting programme of investment into the district has been agreed by councillors.
The 2022/23 budget approved last night (23 February) will see £18m spent on core council services and projects that will continue the revitalisation of Folkestone & Hythe following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding for the provision of fisherman-style huts for rent on The Stade, the new Green Business Grants Scheme and a fantastic Folkestone air display - scheduled for Sunday 21 August - was agreed as part of the package.
Further announcements about the event will be made soon.
F&HDC Leader Cllr David Monk said: "This balanced budget will ensure we deliver excellent services and transformative projects that contribute to the ongoing regeneration of this wonderful district.
"We have worked hard to protect our businesses and residents throughout the pandemic and are now in a position to refocus on our mission to further improve Folkestone & Hythe - all without cutting services."
The agreed budget will also ensure the council continues to deliver high-quality services. These include:
- Providing support to homeless households
- Emptying approximately 2.5 million bins a year
- Leisure facilities
- Maintaining parks and gardens
- Dealing with planning applications
Folkestone & Hythe District Council's portion of council tax equates to about 13% of the total bill. An increase of 1.96% (equivalent to less than 15p a day for an average Band D property) was agreed for 2022/23.
Guidance relating to the government's council tax rebate scheme was received yesterday. Payments can only be automatically made where the council holds bank details - i.e. those who pay by Direct Debit.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is currently working on a solution for those whose bank details it does not have. Once this has been finalised, residents will be informed - there is no need to make contact with the council.
Date published: 24 February 2022