The council’s ambitious plan for its vision and direction for the Folkestone & Hythe district over the coming years has been given the green light.
The Corporate Plan 2025-30 - Our world, our district, was given the seal of approval at a meeting of full council on Wednesday (26 June 2025).
The plan’s final sign-off follows one of the largest public consultations undertaken by the council in recent years.
Responses were gleaned from residents and businesses across the district through focus groups, online and paper-based surveys, an engagement event with town and parish councils and interviews with residents in their homes.
One of the focus groups for young people saw the launch of a Youth Forum whose members are continuing to represent the views of younger people in key areas of council work.
The plan is based on five themes:
- A well-run, listening council that works closely with its partners.
- Improving people’s health, wellbeing and sense of community.
- Building new homes, improving the quality of existing homes and tackling homelessness.
- Growing the economy in a sustainable way and creating opportunities for all.
- Enhancing our local environment and supporting climate action.
Each of the themes has a list of actions and progress will be regularly monitored through an action plan drawn up to deliver the council’s vision.
Council leader, Jim Martin said: “I would like to thank all those residents and business owners who took time to share their views on the priorities for this district. I would also extend my thanks to fellow councillors who, regardless of political party, worked so well together to develop this plan.
“The consultation undertaken last year was extensive and largely resulted in public support for the themes that we had put forward.
“Amendments were made due to comments received but some of the issues raised were outside of this council’s control.
“An action plan has been put together to deliver the plan’s commitments within the resources it has available. In addition, by identifying the district’s key priorities, the plan means that the council will be best placed to influence the direction of a successor unitary authority, following local government reorganisation.”
The plan’s themes have each been aligned to several of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
The plan can be viewed by visiting the council website.