Maidstone Borough Council 3 Tell us what you think


Residents’ views wanted on changes to Council Tax Reduction Scheme


We are inviting residents and other key stakeholders to take part in a public consultation.


With the council looking at a number of ways of making savings over the coming years, those living in the borough should share their views on changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme.


The scheme provides discounted council tax bills to around 11,000 low income households at a cost of £8.8 million per year. The changes being considered do not affect pensioner households because their discounts are set by the Government.


Residents can have their say on a number of options which are intended to bring the council’s scheme in line with other welfare benefits, as well as reduce the cost of the scheme.


You will have until the 24 August to respond to an online questionnaire with the new scheme coming into place on 1 April 2017. If you aren’t able to access the survey online you can fill out a paper copy at The Gateway in King Street, Maidstone.


The survey and further information regarding the changes can be found on our website www.maidstone.gov.uk/haveyoursay Economy update — how are we looking?


After a period of extensive consultation, the Council adopted its Economic Development Strategy in 2015. This sets out how we will support the future growth and prosperity of the town and borough. We are determined to see local people benefit from new jobs, increasing prosperity and sustainable growth. Here we look at the key points of the strategy and how the economic outlook for the residents of the borough is already improving.


The EDS highlighted three central aims to be achieved by 2031:  Enable the creation of 14,400 jobs in a range of sectors and occupations


 Raise economic output per head to the level of the South East


 Raise the skills profile of Maidstone to the South East average


How has the economic landscape changed in the borough?


There are already signs of significant growth compared to three years ago:  The number of unemployment claimants is down from 2.1% to 1.2%


 People in employment has risen from 74.6% to 80.9%


 The self-employment rate has risen from 9.3% to 16% (8th highest in the country)


 Resident wages have risen, returning to back above the national average.


 The gap between workplace wages and the national average wage is narrowing.


 Skills levels are rising and the gap between the South East average and Maidstone is narrowing.


The Economic Development Strategy has five priorities:  Retaining and attracting investment  Stimulating entrepreneurship  Enhancing the town centre  Meeting the skills needs  Improving the infrastructure


Significant strides have been made to


encourage the retention and attraction of new investment in the area, including working together with North Kent Partners to bid to Government Enterprise Zone status (EZ).


A key transformational project highlighted in the EDS encompasses the Kent Medical Campus (KMC) and the development of its 30 acre site. Outline planning permission has been granted for a range of medical and health released uses with the potential to create 3,000 jobs.


Two key benefits of EZ status are:  Up to 100% business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per business over a five year period.


 All business rates growth generated by the Enterprise Zone is kept by the relevant local authorities in the area for 25 years to reinvest in local economic growth.


The Enterprise Zone will be launched in April 2017 and its designation has already helped to attract new business


to KMC including Cygnet, a new private mental hospital.


The Business Terrace is further helping to stimulate ‘entrepreneurship’ offering a range of initiatives aimed at start-up businesses in the borough.


Town centres across the country are facing significant changes in consumer behaviours. As a result of these emerging trends, a comprehensive Maidstone Town Centre Action Plan was developed and approved in December 2015.


Cllr Fran Wilson, Leader of the Council, said: "After much consultation and policy development the Council is moving into delivery mode and it’s encouraging to see so much progress in such as short term. Our partnership work with businesses is seeing real dividends in terms of investment, jobs and growth. Going forward we must maintain this momentum and continue to work towards our vision for the Borough to be great place to live, work and visit”


Key successes as part of this plan to date include:


 A public-private Town Centre Strategic Board has been established.  A £3m public realm scheme has been commissioned for the north end of Week Street and Gabriel’s Hill.


 The owner of The Mall is making significant investment in the shopping centre.  £2.5m has been secured to improve Maidstone East ticket office and surrounding area.


We have begun a process of strategic acquisitions to reduce risk and shape the medium and long term development in the Town Centre, including the purchase of Granada House in Gabriel’s Hill.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56