Local Elections: Making Manifestos

The following manifesto-making points are offered for comment, adoption by candidates or local parties in the run up to the May 2023 elections.

They are divided into sections: we’ve kept to five priorities each.

• District Council pledges: actions to be taken locally
• Partnership pledges: strategic work to be undertaken with relevant bodies
• Perspective pledges: national issues from a local viewpoint

District Council:
Councillors should commit to real change in systems & priorities:

1. A commitment to abolish the present Cabinet system from May 2024
2. An interim cabinet portfolio system reflecting the FPP WEaLTH priorities
3. A new edition of the Place Plan, adapted to assess benefit for local people
4. A community commission to address issues of poverty and stimulate economic activity
5. A remodelled administration with a greater focus on services for residents and ratepayers
   

Partnership pledges:
All local Councillors should work together with partners to:

1. Establish a six monthly Peoples Partnership forum to review key community issues
2. Establish a Community Well-being Plan with health professionals and patients 
3. Establish a Local Learning group to create learning and skills opportunities
4. Establish Folkestone Future to encourage investment and diversity in the local economy
5. Establish a Creative Incubation Hub for arts, new technology and new opportunity

Perspective pledges:
Councillors will address issues affecting our local quality of life:

1. Democratic engagement and active citizenship, including resident voice
2. Community safety, policing and licensing policy
3. Environmental change, sustainability and personal responsibility
4. Transport and travel, connected communities and access to key public services
5. Equality and diversity: supporting personal and collective identity