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Borough report looking ahead
MORE than a quarter of adults in Maidstone are thought to be obese, according to a report by Maidstone Council. Sixty per cent of adults are physi-
cally active and 73% “economically active” – atwork or self-employed– but 26% of them are obese. Two thirds of people are satisfied
with the way the council runs the borough, but only 43% think the council provides value for money. The council’s annual report for 2013/14 highlights past successes – and its plans for the next year. Council leader Annabelle Black-
more said: “We will continue to work with partners to make the best use of public service budgets.” A breakdown of council tax
shows that 70% goes directly to KCC to fund services, 10% to the Kent Police and Crime Commis- sioner’s office, 5% to Kent Fire and Rescue, leaving just 15% for Maid- stone Council. Of this, 56% is spent on revenues
– the cost of collecting council tax and non-domestic rates – and hous- ing benefit and council tax support. Five per cent goes on culture and tourism,4%on planning and build- ing control, 5% on waste collection, 3% on each of housing, parks and car parking and public transport, and 8% on other corporate services.
Sixty-six per cent of people said
they trusted the council and 29% agreed that they could influence de- cisions affecting their area, but 27% would like to become more in- volved in that decision-making. Of the over-16s, 19% smoke, 8%
claim unemployment benefit and 4%of those aged 16-18 are not in ed- ucation, employment or training. The council will raise £12.4m this
year from council tax – a quarter of the £47m spent on revenues and benefits. But as well as the income from council tax, Maidstone re- ceived £55.6m from government grants, £13.3m from fees and £2.8m from business rates. Performance highlights for the
year included processing almost 1,500 planning applications – 83% within the statutory time – and de- livering 189 new affordable homes, while improving 295 private sector homes. Staff also answered almost 175,000 calls to its contact centre. In the coming year, the council
will beworking on town centre im- provements including cycle routes and access to the river. It is also aim- ing to fund a £1.5m unit for vulner- able veterans and service leavers, enable the delivery of a further 250 affordable homes, support the vul- nerable and elderly and continue its outreachwork with rough sleepers.
Sticking to recycling rules
MAIDSTONE Council will be putting stickers on recycling bins after hearing residents are confused about what can go in their green bin. The council’s waste collection teams
will be distributing them over the next few weeks, along with recycling calendars. The stickers are part of the council’s
drive to recycle 60% of the borough’s rubbish by 2019. The council’s cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Marion Ring, pictured, said: “Sometimes recycling can be confusing. The new stickers will help us to recycle even more.”
Help to find a place to live
LANDLORDS in Maidstone and residents on the housing register have a newway to find each other. Maidstone Council has teamed
up with
homehunt.co.uk to offer free listings for landlords and an al- ternative place for people on the housing register to find a home. The project is part of Maidstone Homefinders, a range of schemes designed to help make sure every- one has a decent place to live. For residents who need help to
get a home in the private rented sec- tor, the website advertises proper- ties where the landlord has agreed
to accept a Homefinder bond from Maidstone Council in lieu of a de- posit. The cabinet member for housing,
Cllr Marion Ring, said: “Working with Home Hunt makes it easy for landlords to advertise, and easy for residents to apply.” Landlords are sent applications
from interested tenants, and can choose a tenant for their property. Interested tenants should visit
homehunt.co.uk, while landlords can find out more by emailing
homefinders@maidstone.gov.uk or calling 01622 602750.
28 to 31 October
All day Pumpkin Carving, Make & Take and ‘spooktacular’ entertainment with Mr Mystery
Fright Night Trains 31 October & 1 November
Come in fancy dress - the scarier the better! Be prepared to be scared as darkness falls. Steam Punk Sci Fi, Jacob The Fire Breather, Pumpkin Carving, Fishbone Ash Performers, Face Painting, Fireworks.
Booking essential
kesr.org.uk • 01580 765155
Kent & East Sussex Railway England’s ‘spookiest’ light railway
Sa San a Sp antta Spec apeeciia sallls
Keeping Santa Special for 40 Years
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th,
20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December
Booking essential Online:
kesr.org.uk Tel: 01580 765155
Kent & East Sussex Railway England’s ‘festive’ light railway
Maidstone Town October 2014 19
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