Tim Prater Reporting Back from KCC: February 2026
As a Councillor I try to be properly responsive to communication and WILL reply to casework, questions etc (as long as they are polite!). Although voicemail, Messenger, WhatsApp and the rest I try to keep on top of, the best will be to email to me, preferably to tim@prater.uk from where I can send it to the correct one of my 5 Councillor email accounts for action!
If you haven't had a reply back from me in a couple of WORKING days please come back to me (the person that emailed me New Years Day with a casework peeve some years ago did get a reply that day, but my Christmas holidays have improved since!). Certainly if you've had no reply at all in 4 working days, please do check the address you sent it to and re contact me - that's not the way I roll, so something may have gone awry. Finally, although I answer to Mr Prater, Cllr and a few other names, I'd much prefer Tim!
I am planning to ensure an update from me goes through (almost) all doors in the division 3 times a year, but you can also find more regular updates from me online at http://www.prater.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/timprater
Finally - sign up on the form at the bottom of https://www.fhld.uk/news/prater to receive monthly Councillor Updates from me and the Lib Dem team in Folkestone & Hythe. It's fast and free! This will sign you up only to local news from the area, NOT campaigns and campaigning events.
February 2025 Action List
A good day's work: helping Folkestone based charity Living Words gain a significant grant towards releasing an app to help maintain meaningful relationships with people living with dementia.
An appeal has been made to the Government Planning inspectorate against the refusal by F&HDC of planning permission 25/1410/FH - Demolition of car sales garage and erection of 8 x 2 bed flats, parking and access.
3rd February: a critical incident has been declared at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. [The incident was “stood down” / ended on the afternoon of 6th February, but they say:
Our hospitals and services continue to experience high demand, and our sites are extremely busy, with large numbers of patients requiring urgent and emergency care.
We are asking the public to continue supporting us by using NHS services wisely and choosing alternatives to attending our Emergency Departments when their condition is not life-threatening, such as:
- NHS 111 (online or by phone) for advice and direction to the right service
- Community pharmacies for minor illnesses
- GP practices and urgent treatment centres where appropriate.]
2nd February, and a message from the KCC administration. "I am advising all Members in writing that the Leader has notified me that Mr Matthew Fraser Moat has resigned from the position of Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency."
News of Interest:
The Government consultation on local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway is now live – This consultation asks about the 5 proposals submitted and is open until the 26th March.
For more information: LGR Consultation GOV.UK
SEND crisis: Vast majority of councils warn of insolvency and call for reform amid huge deficits – Most councils in England warn they could become insolvent due to rapidly growing SEND deficits, with 95% already holding high‑needs DSG overspends. They are urging the Government to write off these deficits and deliver urgent system reform, as rising demand and costs continue to outstrip funding.
For more information: LGA
Kent County Council Press Releases in February:
https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/an-update-to-kent-county-councils-cabinet
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Press Releases in February:
A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. This month: Swimming, Leas Stabilisation works, Greatstone Coastal Opportunity, Shaping Economic Growth, Folkestone Generation, Folca, Net Zero and Volunteer Awards.
