OUR budget. OUR Good Things.
In moving the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Revenue Budget for 2026-27, at the F&HDC Full Council meeting of 25th February, Cabinet Member for Finance Tim Prater said:
"I am naturally delighted to move the proposed 2026/27 Revenue Budget, Capital Strategy, Capital Programme, Reserves and Balances, Treasury and Investment Strategy and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, alongside the Council Tax Requirement for 2026-27.
"As in previous years, I have 5 minutes to do so. Challenge accepted.
"This is the third budget of this administration, and that I’ve had the privilege to present.
"It's the third in a row that's a balanced budget, not funded from General Reserves.
"That's unlike, for example, the last budget of the previous Conservative-led administration here, which relied on General Reserves.
"It’s unlike this year’s budget from Reform at Kent County Council, which is funded by General Reserves.
"And we do so with a sub 3% Council Tax increase. AGAIN.
"That’s lower than the Council tax rise from Kent County Council. AGAIN.
"And that solid, responsible, financial management has put us in a place where we can push on with investing in our facilities, residents and businesses.
"We started at our last meeting. We made our Council Tax Reduction Scheme more generous to the lowest income working age families in our area.
"We’re funding a £5m investment in new Council owned Temporary Accommodation. That’s emergency housing for those that desperately need our help.
"The capital programme helps fund the £13m investment in Folca2 to get a brand new combined medical and commercial centre built and open with a business plan that pays for itself.
"It allows for, subject to future decision, funding a £2.4m grant to allow Shepway Sports Trust to reopen Folkestone Sports Centre with massively reduced energy costs and no ongoing cost to this Council.
"It allows for, subject to future decision, £6m to rejuvenate Hythe swimming pool. It allows us to look at improving facilities and extending its lifespan for a fraction of the price of a new pool.
"There is more money for grants for external organisations.
"It allows for another £250,000 of Green Business Grants more the next 3 years.
"And it puts £100,000 into supporting a Town of Culture bid for Folkestone that could bring over £3 million to the town in 2028, countless visitors, and a renewed purpose.
"Every budget line has been through. They’ve been checked for realism, inflation, cost pressures, and expected demand.
"And of course my thank you’s are to Alan, Jonathan, Daniella and the team for bringing this budget together.
"This Council’s accounts are up to date, our budget before you today is robust, and our position strong. The Finance team made this budget happen: I get to present it. It’s their blood, sweat and hopefully only occasional tears that make it.
"Now to highlight some of the specific points we are voting on:
"Recommendation 3 that approves the change in MRP Calculations. I know that sounds dull to everyone except Connor and me, and it has been crystal clear for years that we both need to get out more. But is a fundamental and crucial piece of work from Alan that makes a massive difference to our budget over the coming years. It’s safe to say we would be a very different position without it.
"Recommendation 4 sets a Council Tax increase of under 3% on the Council Tax we set. And remember, that is only around 13% of the total Council Tax bill. The rest goes to Kent County Council, the Police and Crime Commission, Fire and Rescue, Town and Parish Councils and the FPPG Special Expense.
"Recommendation 7 reaffirms the second home premium and empty homes premium designed to try and encourage as many properties as possible locally into use as homes for people. It also helps us fund Council Tax reduction for those on the lowest income.
"Now clearly every budget is about choices. A £23m budget with thousands of income and expenditure lines just cannot be perfect for everyone.
"But I hope its intention and aspiration matches that of this Council.
"We could have huge confidence in the future, if only we had one after 1st April 2028.
"But we move towards Local Government Reorganisation with finances in good shape.
"We’re investing in the facilities of this area so we know they are in shape and there for the years to come.
"And we’re ready for the challenges of the future.
"Of course I’m going to ask you to vote for the budget. I would, wouldn't I?
"But please do so not just because it would make me happy, and I know you want to make me happy, but because it allows so many good things to happen.
“By voting for it, you are helping make them happen.
"It’s OUR budget. They will be OUR good things.”