The People’s Forum met on 24 January at the Umbrella Centre; chaired by Bernadette Fisher, and with 32 Forum members, members of the public and Councillors in attendance. The focus of the meeting was on the theme of local democracy – how it works now, and how we could or would like to improve it.
The role of Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council – Cllrs Chris Cornell and Neil Baker
The meeting opened with a shared presentation from Councillors Chris Cornell (Canterbury City Council, CCC) and Neil Baker (Kent County Council, KCC) on the powers and responsibilities of the two authorities, and how they fit together. They explained that, currently, over 73% of Council Tax spend went on KCC functions such as education, social care and highways; 11.1% on CCC services, 11.6% on Kent Police, and the remainder (4%) on Fire and Rescue. The role and potential of town or parish councils were described as the ‘bottom of the onion’.
Neil Baker commented that ‘I’m not sure central government understands local government‘, and described the challenges of funding social care, meaning that other services such as highways got squeezed.
Both Councillors told the meeting that, although costs were rising, the ability of Councils to put up their own costs was limited. KCC is only allowed to raise Council Tax by 5%, CCC by 3%.
The meeting then went into discussion groups to consider the following questions-
What would improve your trust in politicians?
At a local level, what stops you getting involved in local decision making?
What would you like your local politicians to do?
A lively group discussion followed.
Canterbury City Council Corporate Plan – Cllr James Flanagan
Cllr James Flanagan then gave a presentation on the proposed CCC Corporate Plan. He advised that Corporate Plans are generally produced every 4 years, and form a key part of a Council’s strategic framework and decision making, linking to the Local Development Plan and the Financial Plan.
The existing plan to 2024 has four priorities, namely the economy, social housing, better waste collection, and using enforcement powers to support the District.
The proposed new plan uses the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an overall theme of ‘Delivering for our community’. Main priorities are identified as –
Protecting our district for future generations- including clean water and tackling climate change.
Feeling safe, secure and healthy- No poverty, health and wellbeing, gender equality, quality education, zero hunger.
Growing the district sustainably- Decent work and economic growth; industry innovation and infrastructure; communities; affordable and clean energy.
Listening to local residents- Reduced inequalities; peace, justice and strong institutions; partnership for the goals.
James advised that the consultation on the plan continues to 4 March, with a final corporate plan to be adopted in April. The consultation is at www.news.canterbury.gov.uk/latest-consultations
In discussion Bernadette advised of a proposed zoom session with Council officers, likely to be on 5 February. Questions raised and responses included-
Has there been evaluation published of the current corporate plan? Yes, through the Audit Committee.
How much weight is given to the feedback? Significant weight, with a report to Council.
A Town Council for Whitstable – Chris Stanley
Chris introduced the campaign for a Town Council (TC), seen as ‘A Voice for Whitstable’. He advised the meeting that Whitstable was one of the only coastal towns in Kent without a Town Council, and wanted a louder voice. In Canterbury district, all the areas apart from Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury itself had a parish council.
Over 1763 local people had signed the petition so Canterbury City Council had agreed to hold a Community Governance Review (CGR), which is now in the consultation phase. 2 consultation meetings had been held so far, in Swalecliffe and Seasalter, with a further one to be held on 1 February, 5pm at the Umbrella Centre. The initial consultation period runs to 1 March, with consideration by the Council in April. This is likely to then go to a second more detailed phase of consultation to October, which could consider boundary issues as well as the principle of a TC. If successful, the first elections to a TC would be in May 2025.
Bernadette advised the meeting that the Forum’s TC group was working to respond to all the issues raised, including concerns raised about cost. It was clarified that the likely cost would be between £60-£80 per annum for a Band D property. It would be the only tax where local people would know exactly where their money goes, and local (town and parish) councils can raise their own funds for projects of value to the community. Examples were given of resources generated and services and projects funded by neighbouring local councils.
Points and questions raised in discussion included
How to get the benefits of a TC into public knowledge?
Most properties are below Band D, so most residents will pay less than the amounts indicated.
The £60-£80 could be in year 1, and a TC does have the power to put up its precept after that – although it was pointed out that very few have done so as it would not be in their interest.
In some areas elections to parish councils have often been uncontested.
Some TCs employ considerable numbers of people, others have many policies which need to be worked up.
Has a projection been made as to the income a future TC might be able to generate? In response, a precept of £60 for a Band D property would generate £750k, £80 would generate £1m.
Can a TC bring back services which have been lost over the years?
Some TCs employ people to bid for funds for the area, and/or support local community organisations to apply for resources.
How to get information out to people other than through social media – the need to go and talk to community organisations.
Whitstable Walking Day – Mark Thomson, Traffic and Active Travel Group
Mark outlined the proposal, asking the meeting to imagine a car-free town centre able to be enjoyed by the whole community. There could be a link to Whitstable carnival, to be held on 4 August. Mark wanted to sound out views from the Forum. This was put to a show of hands and overwhelmingly supported.
Working Groups feedback
Traffic and Active Travel – David Hayward
Key points from the group’s feedback included –
20 mph limit to start in Tankerton High Street
Speedwatch continues to develop, new volunteers always welcome
Active travel proposals and schemes
Working with KCC to improve pedestrian facilities at Long Reach roundabout
Public transport and bus funding, seeking hopper type services including to Estuary View
Full transport and travel survey to go out to all on the Forum mailing list
Cllr Alex Ricketts, CCC Cabinet member for Transport had attended the group, and held a very constructive session focusing on the Council’s aspiration for a bus-led transport strategy.
Eco Group – Don Sibley
Don advised that the next Wild About Whitstable (WAW) week would be held 12-18 August. The organisers include a series of teams and several new members. The current focus is on fundraising, including National Lottery, and working with local partners such as the Horsebridge, Umbrella, churches, community groups and Stream Walk community garden.
Mel Dawkins, CCC Cabinet member for climate and biodiversity, would be attending the Group’s next meeting.
Don expressed his delight that sustainable development goals are at the heart of the CCC corporate plan.
He concluded that, as we move towards a potential TC, we should recognise that our community is not only made up of humans, but also the natural environment around us.
Meeting conclusions
In concluding the meeting, Bernadette fed back on the notes received from the earlier discussion groups.
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