The main topic was the government’s Devolution White Paper and its implications for the CT5 area. Just a few hours beforehand, we learnt that Kent and Medway had been unsuccessful in their bid to join the “fast track” for devolution. The meeting was well attended by around 40 people.
Dave Wilson from the Alliance of Canterbury Residents Associations gave a presentation. He noted that the national government is aiming for one model of local government across the whole country consisting of a mayoralty for high-level strategic planning, policing, fire services etc. underneath which will be unitary councils (therefore abolishing our current two-tier structure of Kent County Council & Canterbury City Council). The 12 district councils in Kent will need to make a proposal to the government later this year on how to coalesce into unitary councils.
Steve Bailey from Chestfield Parish Council also addressed the meeting, pointing out that Kent has the opportunity to watch and learn from the counties around us that are on the “fast track”, allowing better preparation for the change.
City Councillors Chris Cornell, Clare Turnbull and James Flanagan also contributed to the discussion as did many questions and points raised from the floor ensuring a lively debate. Among the main points that came out were:
While there is agreement that local government is generally underfunded, stressed, disjointed, struggling to deliver services and failing to drive sustainable economic development, it remains unclear how the reorganisation will solve these problems and whether the proposed structure meets the needs of shire counties. Much in the government’s White Paper is opaque and, crucially, the issue of underfunding is not addressed.
A move from a dual-structure to unitary councils will take government further away from citizens and will almost certainly result in fewer councillors per resident. This implies parish and town councils playing a greater role going forward in meeting local level needs and safeguarding local community assets.
Residents should have a voice in the decision-making process rather than having re-organisation imposed on them from above.
Kent’s population and expected growth make it unclear whether there should be 3 or 4 unitary councils and where to draw the boundaries (the national government has indicated that a typical unitary council would cover a population of 500,000-700,000). The allocation of existing local government assets and debts will be a key challenge.
The CT5 Forum endorses the view that citizens should be consulted and participate in the process and that the democratic deficit created by any restructure should be addressed.
Don Sibley updated the meeting on the five projects being pursued by the Eco Group this year. There will be a 12-month programme of Wild About Whitstable events including a talk by Martin Hall, Senior Environment Officer at CCC, on Wednesday February 26, 7.30pm at the Umbrella Centre and the Eco Fair which will be held on Saturday August 16. Other projects are promoting a community-led approach to the management of open spaces in CT5, reducing local carbon emissions, initiatives for waste reduction and community resilience in the face of our multiple environmental crises.
David Hayward gave an update on the Traffic and Active Travel Group. The group works to join up the various bodies involved: KCC, CCC, Kent Highways and the police. Speedwatch continues and additional volunteers to help would be welcome. A number of accessibility issues have been identified such as where dropped kerbs are missing. He called for CCC to set up a bus-user group.
Gordon Vincent presented on the upcoming Harbour and Boat Show to celebrate Whitstable’s maritime heritage, which will be on Saturday 9 August. This event is returning for the first time since the pandemic lockdown and has attracted over 10,000 visitors in the past, bringing welcome business to our town. There will be lots to see and do for all ages including a sailing regatta, the RNLI and coastguards, community stalls, model boats, a steam railway, live music, heritage craft, sea swimming, canoeing and rowing to name some. He appealed for more volunteers to get involved. Information will be posted on whitstableboatshow.org.uk
Finally, the CT5 Forum plans to hold a Community Day on Saturday July 12. As well as being an open day for the Forum, we’d like other community groups to participate allowing them to showcase what they do and sign up new members. The trustees are looking for volunteers to help with the organisation. It will be fun so please let us know if you can help.
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