More households in the Folkestone & Hythe district could soon be eligible for an energy rebate.

Cabinet members have agreed on the criteria for a new discretionary scheme using £302,100 funding from the government.

To date, people living in properties in council tax bands A to D (and E if in receipt of Disability Band Reduction) are being given a one-off payment of £150 to help with the increasing cost of energy bills.

Two of Folkestone's most experienced councillors have announced they are ditching the Conservatives and have joined the Liberal Democrats.

Peter Gane has been a Councillor for almost 35 years, and Mayor of Folkestone for 5 years. He will join the Liberal Democrat Group on Folkestone and Hythe District Council and Folkestone Town Council.

Folkestone Lib Dem Campaigner Adam Rowledge has challenged Kent County Council's decision to stop accepting reports of road problems through popular problem reporting tool FixMyStreet.

In early June, Adam contacted the Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, on the issue.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has launched the next phase of the energy rebate scheme.

The government is providing a £150 rebate to council tax payers in bands A-D (and E if in receipt of disabled persons reduction) to help with rising energy costs. This is a one-off payment and will not have to be repaid.

Environment Committee meetings are usually held every 1st Tuesday of each month (except August) commencing at 7pm. However, please confirm date and time on the agenda of the next meeting. For more information visit http://www.sandgatepc.kentparishes.gov.uk/