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Parishes’ bid to retain funding Continued from page one


chairs Yalding Parish Council, said she had been researching the history of the concurrent functions grant, which Maid- stone wants to replace with a parish services scheme. “Prior to 1989, parishes were


not only able to precept against residents, but were also able to precept against the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR). From 1990, parishes were no longer able to precept against NNDR but Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) increased the concurrent functions grant. “MBC is still receiving NNDR


so why should the parishes have those funds withdrawn?” said Cllr Brown.


Cllr Ian Ellis, vice chairman of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council, said he was furious that the parishes were being pe- nalised. He said: “Maidstone Council


has spent more than £2m pedes- trianising the town and wasted money on its strategic plans. Where is the benefit to residents in rural areas? The parishes do not receive the same services and we are being penalised.” The KALC petition calls on Maidstone Council to stop the proposed abolition of the grant and to continue with the pres- ent arrangements. If it refuses to do this, the sig- natories want the council to es- tablish an alternative rating


FORMERBBC choirgirl of the year Fiona Wight is returning to her roots for a festive perform- ance with herall-female group ‘Fiona’s Legend.’ The group will appear in a pre-Christmas con-


cert inthe UndercroftatNettlestead Place,Wa- teringbury, on Thursday, December 20. Fiona, from Headcorn, shot to fame in River-


dance and Lord of the Dance, and went on to tour with the shows’ creator Michael Flatley. The former Maidstone schoolgirl had her


voice “auctioned” by Sir TerryWogan as part of Children inNeed, after being selected as choir- girl of the year at the age of 16, and appeared with Sir Cliff Richard at theRoyal Albert Hall on ChristmasDayand sang withBoyGeorgeat the


system for parishes to reflect their lesser use of borough serv- ices, while recognising that parishes must play their part in keeping the overall standards and central services of the bor- ough at an acceptable level. If the council fails to do these things, the parishes in KALC will be asked to arrange a poll of the electorate on the issue. Cllr Ellis said: “MBC would


soon feel the pinch if we went back to the old system; they would be losing far more money than they are giving us.” The petition was due to be handed in to Maidstone Coun- cil at the beginning of Decem- ber, for debate by the full council on December 12.


‘Choir girl’ Fiona back for festive celebration


Houses of Parliament Christmas party. Fiona’s Legend is a line-up of top musicians


and singers who blend tradition with the con- temporary tocelebrateBritainandIreland’smu- sical heritage. They have just released their single Gaudete,


with all profits going to Help the Hospices. They will perform this and other seasonal pieces in the candlelit concert, which starts at 7.30pm. There are only 100 seats available, priced £15, to includemulled wine and mince pies. Profits go to the Roy Tucker Charitable Trust, which helps other organisations, particularly those concerned with the environment and disabled. For reservations, email info@fionawright.com


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How it works THE concurrent functions grant has traditionally covered things like grass cutting, play areas, lighting, warmemorials, village greens, toilets, notice boards and litter bins – services sup- plied by the borough council to residents in non-parish areas. Maidstonewants to replace it


with a scheme where parishes decide what they need and apply to the borough for funds. The parishes believe it is a


cost-cutting exercise, but Maid- stone’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr John Wilson, said it was a means of ensuring the parishes did not over-spend.


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