The Government has launched a planning consultation for the extension of the use of Napier Barracks to house asylum seekers until 2026 (!)

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/napier-barracks-planning-application

The consultation closes on 30th January 2022.

The decision to use the site for up to a further 5 years was made by the Home Office in August last year without carrying out a consultation.

A support system which has given independence to thousands of people is marking its 40th anniversary with the launch of a new website.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council's Lifeline365 service was established in 1982 and offers different products which link users to a centrally-controlled specialist team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Liberal Democrats have condemned the proposed increased in Kent Travel Saver Passes.

Cllr Mike Sole (Canterbury South) said, "This year families are facing huge increases in the cost of living. Now on top of this, especially higher energy prices, Conservative run KCC wants to increase the cost of getting to school and college by 20%."

It is proposed in the draft budget that the Kent Travel Saver Pass increases from £370 to £450 and the 16+ pass from £420 to £500.

Cllr Mike Sole added, "Not only will this increases put huge financial pressure on families, but also increase the likelihood of some parents instead choosing to drive their children to school. This will lead to increased congestion, pollution and CO2 emissions."

Folkestone & Hythe is set to be hit hard by the expected rise in energy bills in April, new figures have revealed.

Analysis by the Liberal Democrats shows that the average yearly bill for homeowners in Folkestone & Hythe is set to skyrocket by £611 - the equivalent of £50.92 a month - once the new energy price cap comes into effect.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has written to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick, calling on her to launch a full police investigation into the Downing Street Garden Party on 20 May 2020 including interviewing Boris Johnson under caution.

It comes after Boris Johnson admitted at Prime Minister's Questions today that he did attend the party but claims he thought it was a "work event".