Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: November 2026
A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. This month: Emissions Reduction, Otterpool, Awards, Christmas Parking, Elections, Youth Forum, Fly-tipping, Sustainable Futures & Spot the Scam!
Monthly briefing – November 2026
Emissions reduction by waste contractor
The district’s air is that little bit cleaner thanks to changes made by Veolia UK, the council’s recycling and waste collection contractor.
A 12.6% reduction in emissions has been achieved at the Ross Way depot in Folkestone between 2020 and 2025.
One of the changes is the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – a liquid fuel derived from renewable sources –now being blended with diesel to cut greenhouse emissions in the collection fleet.
Updated Otterpool Park planning application
Otterpool Park LLP, working in collaboration with Homes England, has submitted updated information to the district council as part of the current outline planning application for Otterpool Park.
The updated information reflects a number of minor changes presented to the community in June. It also brings the application into line with the latest National Planning Policy Framework and other relevant legislation.
The information, including additional flexibility to support the early delivery of new homes at Hillhurst Green, will be considered through the normal local authority planning process.
Council team’s award for helping residents
For the third consecutive year the council has been praised for its “leading edge approaches” to supporting vulnerable residents.
The local authority’s council tax, benefits and welfare team has once again won the Excellence in Social Inclusion category at the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation’s national awards ceremony.
Its efforts in targeting those people most needing help – allowing much-needed items to be provided through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, as well as the Home Essential Fund – were praised by judges.
Free Christmas car parking
Residents, visitors and businesses can look forward to the return of the council’s free parking initiative across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh this December.
To support the local economy, charges at council car parks and on-street pay-and-display bays will once again be waived on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas - 5,12 and 19 December.
Controlled parking and limited waiting (free) restrictions are still in place on the days listed above. This is to ensure people can park close to their homes and allow for a sufficient turnover of spaces.
District council election May 2027
The first of several events for those thinking of standing for election next May is being held on Wednesday 25 November.
The drop-in session is from 5pm until 6pm in the Civic Centre, Folkestone, and is for anyone interested in finding out more about what being a councillor involves.
It will be followed by further sessions in early 2027 for prospective parish and district candidates and will cover paperwork and timelines.
Youth Forum’s largest turnout
A new group of local school students has been welcomed to help shape the district’s future.
The Youth Forum – now in its third year – gives young people the opportunity to involve themselves in the democratic process and share their own priorities for the district.
Meeting at the Civic Centre in Folkestone, a total of 49 pupils from Brockhill Park School, Folkestone School for Girls, The Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone Academy, Turner Free School, Lighthouse on the Marsh, The Marsh Academy and The Beacon attended.
They contributed their views on outdoor sports and recreation facilities – identifying opportunities to enhance parks, play areas and spaces for teenagers.
Fly-tipping prevention
Advice on the best way of getting rid of household bulky waste was on offer in Folkestone’s Bouverie Square in October.
Members of the council’s Environmental Protection team answered questions and reminded about responsibilities to guard against rogue traders disposing of waste by fly tipping.
Sustainable future for the district
The hunt is on for residents and local businesses who are making positive, sustainable change in the district.
Taking place on Saturday 28 November from 2.30pm until 5pm, the event will showcase actions of local champions making change happen in the community.
The event is organised by the Sustainable Futures Forum, supported by the council, and is being held at Speedway in St Eanswythe Way, Folkestone It is free to attend but space should be reserved through Eventbrite.
Spot the Scam community event
Advice and support for residents to avoid becoming victims of scams and how best to protect personal information from scammers.
- Friday 6 November
- 10.30am to 3pm
- Age UK, Sandford House, Stade Street, Hythe, CT21 6BD.