Heard about local government reorganisation but don’t know what it might mean for you? Then why not come and find out more at a public meeting in Folkestone next month.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Leader Cllr Jim Martin is inviting residents from across the district to the Civic Centre council chamber on Monday 17 March to hear about the change and share their opinions.
Starting at 6pm with a short presentation on what is happening and when, Cllr Martin will then be opening the floor for questions during the rest of the evening.
He said: “I want to hear views from as many people as possible about local government reorganisation.
“All the county’s councils are being asked to form new unitary authorities, so goodbye to the current two-tier system with Kent County Council providing some services and councils like us providing others.
“Which councils should our district join up with to become one of these new unitary authorities? Do we look east, west or north?
“Over the past few weeks, I have listened to the views of fellow council leaders from across Kent but now I want to hear from our parish and town councils, residents and businesses.
“It is important to me to have those views before I sign up to any proposal on behalf of this district.”
A deadline of 21 March 2025 has been given by central government for a proposal or proposals about how the current local authorities should amalgamate to become the new unitary authorities in Kent.
If a proposal is considered a workable option by government, councils would then have until November 2025 to finalise it before submitting it to government.
New unitary authorities would then come into being in 2028.
Anyone unable to attend the public meeting can view a live stream or catch up later by watching a recording.
Those wanting to ask a question but unable to attend the meeting can email or post it to the council and it will be responded to during the evening or later if there is not enough time.
Email questions to committee@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Post questions to LGR Meeting, Democratic Services, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY. Include your name and address if you wish to receive a response.
Questions may have to be limited to one per person.