News
KCC to consult on 4% increase in council tax
KENT residents face a council tax hike of nearly four per cent as the Conservative-led authority tries to mitigate the impact of another year of cuts totalling £75m. Kent County Council (KCC) launched a consultation period with residents on whether, for the fourth consecutive year, they would accept an increase on the council tax of 1.99% plus a 2% so- cial care precept. KCC says this would contribute £23.7m towards balancing the books. If approved, the bill for house-
holds in Band C properties would rise by nearly £40 from £1,007.60 to £1,047.84. KCCleader Paul Carter said:“We started this journey to save hun- dreds of millions of pounds in 2010 and, by managing this sensibly,we have already saved more than half a billion pounds over six years. “The government has placed an enormous challenge on us by im- posing on local government some of the biggest cuts compared to other parts of the public sector. “With forward planning and fac-
Cllr JennyWhittle is backing the council tax increase
ing the challenge early on. we are now in a better position than most. We understand that some transfor- mational plans take many years to implement. We have made intelli- gent commissioning decisions and have the situation in hand. “Despite these huge challenges,
we are determined to continue to make Kent a great place to live and work, seeing the population grow and attracting new businesses.” Tory member Jenny Whittle,who represents Maidstone rural east, said she will support the rise and added:“We have stretched the elas- tic as far as we can – we don’t do nearly as much aswe used to.”
KCC Ukip member Frank McKenna said: “It’s a very tricky situation, especially when it comes to social care. It’s down to national government cuts.” The council has identified further savings of £75m for the next finan- cial year, on top of savings of more than half a billion pounds made over the last six years. KCC says there is still more to find before the budget is finalised in February. Residents will be asked if they support KCC’s proposed response to the “financial challenge while facing increasing demands and costs for county council services at a time of reduced funding”.
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Charity play THEAlan Bennett farce Habeas Cor- pus will be raising money for the bells at St Nicholas’ Church, Otham. The performance by TheWilling-
ton Players is at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, on Thursday,November 10. Tickets cost £14. Email elizabeth-
piercey@btinternet.com.
Church plea PARTY-GOERSat Leeds Castle have raised £19,000 for up-to-the-minute equipment to diagnose and treat breast cancer in Kent. Two hundred guests attended the charity ball in memoryof a Larkfieldwoman who lost her battle with breast cancer in the autumn 2014. For more details visit
www.breastcancerkent.org.uk.
Fireworks date ULCOMBE School hosts a Village Fireworks Night from 6.30pm on Friday, November 4. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family (two adults, three children).
Lions’ quiz MAISDSTONE Lions Club holds its annual quiz on Saturday, February 11, starting at 7.30pm. Players pay £5 and should bring
their own wine and food with them to Archbishop Courtenay School, in Eccleston Road, Tovil. All enquiries to Malcolm Luxton on 01795841439.
CHRISTMAS AT THE SALVATION ARMY
This Christmas please join us for the following services, to celebrate the joy of the season. For tickets (where applicable) or additional information please contact the Community Office on 01622 681808.
Thursday 1st December Christmas Praise at 6.30pm. An evening not to be missed, where our Young People’s Band & Singing Company (Children’s choir) will lead an evening of Christmas Music and readings to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Followed by refreshments.
Tuesday 6th December Carols by Candlelight at 8pm A thought-provoking evening of worship led by our Songster Brigade (choir), reflecting on the birth of Jesus. Refreshments will be provided after this event.
Friday 9th December Community Carol Concert at 7:30pm A celebration of the joy of Christmas with guests: - The Military Wives Choir, Shorncliffe and
- children from South Borough Primary school drama club, StarBurst - plus our own Salvation Army Band.
Tickets will need to be bought for this service as we are raising money to support the local charity M4S (Maidstone Special Needs Support Service), which helps disabled children and young people with special needs, and their families, from Maidstone and the surrounding areas. Tickets will cost £5 (under 15's free) and can be purchased from our Community Office (address below) or by phone on 01622 681808.
Sunday 11th December Gift Service with a Children’s nativity at 10.15am
This lively family service will focus on the gift of Christmas. As part of our worship we invite you to bring new, unwrapped toys to be given out to Maidstone children whose families are struggling financially, as part of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Children are invited to come to this service dressed as a Shepherd, Wise Man, Inn keeper, Angel or an animal from the Christmas story.
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74-80 UNION STREET MAIDSTONE ME14 1ED Maidstone Weald November 2016
Sunday 18th December Family Carol Service at 6pm This family Carol Service will be an opportunity to celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth and will include a nativity play. The evening will be supported by our own Band and Songsters (choir).
Tuesday 20th December Military Cadets Carol Service at 7:30pm An evening where the young people from the local Military Cadet Corps are invited to celebrate Christmas together with their leaders, parents and members of our Corps Family. Our Young People’s Band will be leading the evening. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Friday 23rd December Nativity Fun Morning at 10am All Primary school aged children are invited to a Nativity Fun Morning from 10am-12noon.
Booking is essential (01622 681808 or
carole.dodd@
salvationarmy.org.uk) and there will be a charge of £2.50 per child.
Sunday 25th December Christmas Day Praise at 10:15am
A Christmas day celebration suitable for all the family.
Our usual Sunday services are held at 10.15am & 6pm throughout the year and you are guaranteed a warm welcome!
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