No Go or Go decision to be made in Jan 2021 on new Civic Centre at Otterpool Park

The Chief Exec of Folkestone & Hythe District Council – Dr Susan Priest, made it clear that the discussion around a new civic centre at Otterpool Park was to give an “in principle decision” (3m:00m – 3m:40s). She also made clear,  a no go, or a go ahead decision will be tabled in Jan 2021.

The question put about the duty to consult about a potential new civic centre at Otterpool Park by Cllr Michelle Dorrell (Lab) (pictured) and responded to by the Chief Exec Dr Susan Priest in the video below see – 9m:58s -11m:35s.

Accessibility to a new civic centre at Otterpool was a common thread throughout the discussion had by Councillors on Tuesday evening. Also both Cllr Monk (Con) and Cllr McConville both flagged the uncertainty about local government reorganisation

During the discussion both Cllr Monk and the Chief Executive made it clear home working had worked extremely well for Council employees.

However, home working raises all sort of issues for council employees, such as Health & Safety, Insurance, Tax Relief, Capital Gains Tax, Business Rates, Planning and legal issues. A good guide can be found here – working from home.

So a decision to go ahead or not to go ahead will be made in Jan 2020, according the Chief Exec, Dr Susan Priest.

Each of the opposition parties were opposed to Otterpool Park, prior to their election last May.

The Shepway Green Party

Folkestone & Hythe Liberal Democrats

and Folkestone & Hythe Labour Party

Now in office, each of these parties have moved their position.  As is clear from the video evidence above, each of them discussed the proposed move for a new council office at Otterpool Park. They agreed  “in principle” for a new civic centre at Otterpool Park to move forward to the next stage.

You can make up your own mind if these local political parties, have or have not betrayed the people of the district over their alleged promises regarding Otterpool Park.

The Shepway Vox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime