Local Councillor questions Shepway on joint local authority plans

Shepway Liberal Democrat Councillor Tim Prater has put a question to the next Shepway Full Council meeting (Thursday 19th Feb) asking if there are any plans at the Council or within the ruling Conservative Group to work towards a joint local authority with Dover or other nearby authorities.

The Cheriton Councillor is asking the question after recent moves by Shepway to increased joint working between Shepway and Dover Councils, including a proposal to have a joint Chief Executive for the two districts.

The question from Tim Prater to the Leader of the Council (Robert Bliss) asks:

"Are current arrangements to share departmental work and proposals to share a Chief Executive with Dover District Council steps towards creating a merged Shepway and Dover Local Authority, and what discussions and planning have the Council and the Conservative group had towards the creation of any joint Local Authority?"

Cllr Tim Prater explained:

"There have been a number of moves towards joint working between East Kent Councils lately, with each explained as seeking simply to look at working better together. However, I have had the question of a full merger of some Kent Councils raised with me twice in the last week, and would like reassurance that there isn't a hidden agenda for merger being pursued without a full discussion of the implications locally beforehand.

"If there is any plan or moves towards a joint local authority covering Shepway and other local authorities such as Dover, there must be a full debate first - inside and outside of the Council Chamber.

"Although I feel that 'small is beautiful' when it comes to Councils, and that decisions must be made at the most local possible level, there may be benefits worth exploring - openly, and in public. However, if any moves are being made towards merger by stealth, that would show a real contempt for local democracy and engagement."