Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: September 2025
REMINDER – there will be a UK emergency alert system test at 3pm on Sunday 7 September.
All mobile phones should receive a loud siren noise and vibrate. There is no need to take any action, this is an alert test only.
Shape design in the district
An invitation to become a member of a new community panel helping to shape a new design code for the district has been issued.
The code sets out specific requirements for new development and the council wants it to reflect local knowledge about character and preferences e.g. street design, building materials, parking and bin storage.
Those interested in joining are asked to complete a brief online application form or email planning.policy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk for more information.
Panel members will be invited to attend an in-person workshop at a Folkestone location on the morning of Sunday 28 September 2025, with a second to follow in the afternoon of Saturday 29 November 2025.
Baton of Hope
An Olympic-style torch is coming to Folkestone on Sunday 21 September as part of the Kent leg of a national tour aimed at raising awareness of suicide prevention.
The Baton of Hope will be relayed around the F51 skate park before continuing to the Harbour Arm.
The following day (Monday 22 September) Folkestone Safe Haven at 3 Rendezvous Street will host an event between 10am and 2pm focussing on wellbeing. There will be opportunities for residents to meet professionals and to seek advice.
Annual canvass (Electoral Register)
Residents will be receiving an email or a paper form to check that their details on the electoral register are up to date, following the launch of the canvass for 2025.
Those required to respond will receive email and telephone reminders or a house call in October and November from an electoral canvasser.
Local government reorganisation
A short survey to gauge resident awareness of local government reorganisation was run on social media by district and borough councils across Kent last month.
This is being followed by a campaign drawing attention to the change and directing those seeking further information to the kentcouncilleaders.org.uk website as “a collective voice for Kent and Medway”.
Posters advertising the website have been distributed to libraries and town and parish councils in the district.
Council leader’s coastal cycle ride
Cllr Jim Martin has been promoting the district’s coastline and the attraction of being able to cycle the 22 miles – mostly off road.
Cllr Martin’s trip can be found on YouTube here A cycle through Folkestone and Hythe
Council Tax Reduction Scheme Consultation
Proposed changes to the council tax reduction scheme in the district are being consulted on.
The proposal improves the support offered to working age, low-income households from April 2026 in response to the rise in the cost of living. It will also help make significant savings in administrative costs.
The adjustments would be as follows – band one: 75% support increasing to 100%; band two: 55% support increasing to 75%; band three: 35% support increasing to 50%; band four: 22% support increasing to 25%.
Visit the council’s website before 3pm on 26 October 2025 for further details and to take part in the public consultation. Printed versions can be made available on request by calling 01303 853000.