Folkestone & Hythe District Council is inviting residents to share their views on its new budget strategy. The plan balances investment in local services with the need to manage rising costs.
Where the Money Goes
The council proposes spending £20 million on essential daily services, including:
- Bin collections and recycling.
- Street cleaning and park maintenance.
- Social housing and environmental protection.
Additionally, £55 million is earmarked for major district projects over the next five years.
Council Tax and Fees
To maintain these services, the council is proposing a 2.99% increase in its portion of council tax. For a Band D property, this works out to approximately 17p per week. Fees for other services will also be adjusted, mostly to keep up with inflation.
Supporting the Community
The budget includes specific plans to help vulnerable residents:
- Homelessness: A £5m investment to buy temporary accommodation, reducing reliance on expensive short-term rentals.
- Financial Support: Simplifying the council tax reduction scheme to make it easier for those in need to get help.
How to Share Your Views
You have until midday on Friday, 30 January 2026 to comment.
- Online: Visit the council’s website to read the full documents and submit feedback.
- In Person: Visit the Civic Centre in Folkestone during office hours.