Constituency matters... a weekly column by the Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe, Damian Collins.
12 January 2012

Shepway Council’s formal consultation on its parking strategy for Folkestone is now underway. There will be a rolling programme of consultation for other areas of the district over the next year. This strategy has provoked considerable debate already and I would urge residents to make sure that their views are heard.

Last Friday along with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the local business community, I met with Cllr Malcolm Dearden, the council cabinet member for parking, and members of the team who are running the consultation. This meeting was a further chance for us to discuss our concerns about the potential impact of the strategy for businesses operating in the town centres of the district. I remain firmly of the opinion that time limited on the street parking in the town centre shopping areas should remain free.

I was pleased to note that for the third year running the council offered free parking in 20 of its car parks in for the shopping weekend before Christmas. This is an excellent initiative, and when it was first offered in 2009 led to an increase in shoppers in central Folkestone of 11% against the same period in the previous year. At that time the national trend showed a fall in customer numbers, so this would suggest that low parking charges attract people in to the town. One point that does come out strongly from the discussions I have had with people so far is that there is not enough awareness of some of the existing schemes run by the council that can reduce the costs of parking for residents. In particular, I’m sure that more residents could benefit from the parking permit that allows up to three hours parking everyday of the year for £52. So just £1 a week.

On Tuesday in parliament we debated a major Bill to reform local government finance that will give councils a fixed percentage for ten years of the local business rates they collect. If the rates increase above expectations, they will be able to keep the difference. This, for the first time in many years, gives councils a financial incentive to introduce policies to support local businesses. The reforms will also allow councils to borrow against future business rate receipts to invest in improving local infrastructure to help create new jobs. I think these are exciting reforms that could have a positive impact locally. It would also allow councils to consider with parking, for example, whether or not increased revenue from charges, could be lost if business activity declined as a result.

On Wednesday this week I was delighted to be invited to the Chichester Memorial Hall by the Sandgate Society to give a talk looking back over my first twenty months as your MP. This was one of a series of monthly talks run by the Society, and you can find out more about these and their work on their website www.sandgate-kent.org.uk.

The Sandgate Society also marks its fiftieth anniversary this year, and since 1962 has worked hard to protect and enhance the culture and heritage of the area. I would like to congratulate them on reaching this significant jubilee and knowt hat they will continue to go from strength to strength.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012©