Supporting the District’s Most Vulnerable Residents

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been recognised for its work in supporting vulnerable residents.

At the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV)’s national awards ceremony last week, the council tax, benefits and welfare team were named the winners of the Benefits and/or Welfare Reform Team of the Year and Excellence in Social Inclusion categories.

Judges praised a “holistic approach to supporting residents” including an “innovative” collaboration scheme with ReachOut, a private sector service from Sigma Connected, aimed at working with the most vulnerable.

The work of “alleviating poverty and deprivation” within targeted groups in the district through the Household Support Fund and Home Essentials Fund was also commended.

Tim Prater, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said:

"I’m very proud of the work of the council tax, benefits and welfare team. They continue to deliver support not just making a positive difference to the lives of residents, but to a national recognised standard of excellence.

"I became a Cabinet Member in Feb 2020 and asked for the Revenues and Benefits portfolio, so they were ‘my’ team, They have been stuck with me and have remained in my portfolio since. They have been nominated for many awards in that time, and won a few, but to win these two: that's special.

"The team is led by Andrew Hatcher, but it is a group effort to deliver that support. It’s not just Andrew, but everyone including Mark, Linda, Mary, Nick, Wayne, Dawn, Beverly, Nat, Sarah, Sue, Kath, Mel, Michelle, Hayley, Jan, Debs, Jon, Beth and Sophia – and, of course, the much missed Jane who I hope is enjoying retirement - who has made this happen this year.

"On behalf of our district: thank you all, and well done."

Folkestone & Hythe District Council was also named a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Partnership Working categories.