Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions,

The decision of the Government to remove the uplift in Universal Credit on 1st October is going to hurt the poorest households in Folkestone and Hythe. As Councillors in Folkestone and Hythe, we're appreciated the £20 a week extra support to recipients of Universal Credit in our area. As leaders of our respective groups, we urge you to do the right thing by those families.

Residents and businesses have a chance to comment on a new licensing policy for the Folkestone & Hythe District until 27 October 2021.

Each licensing application is determined on its own merits but the council's licensing policy provides guidance when evaluating these. The proposed updated version of the policy contains recommended opening hours as a guide.

Not before time, Kent County Council are consulting on future use of a booking system for customers to access Household Waste Recycling Centres (such as Ross Way, Folkestone).

The consultation is at https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/wasteconsultation

Kent County Council say:

"Feedback since we started using the booking system suggests that many customers have found it convenient and useful but that some would still prefer to just 'turn up and go'."

As part of the Experience Project the Kent Downs AONB are looking for new North Downs Way Ambassadors and have set up a training programme to help people learn more about the trail with the aim of ultimately setting up new professional, engaging walking tours along the trail in Kent and Surrey. Applications are open until 5pm 20^th August.

The final draft of the Folkestone Town Centre Place Plan is now live at https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folkestoneplaceplan

The Place Plan consists of three main documents: an Urban Appraisal, Engagement Report and the draft Place Plan.

• The Urban Appraisal was undertaken during the early stage of the Place Plan development to better understand the area. The study was extensive covering subjects including a socio-economic appraisal, a planning and area review and a baseline of transport and movement in and around the town. This also included an appraisal of local assets, landmarks and uses as well as environmental considerations. This study culminated in some key findings which were pivotal in informing the content of the Place Plan.