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Sandgate Parish Council Full Annual Return 2021-2022

Sandgate Parish Council Full Annual Return 2021-2022

Sandgate Parish Council is defined as a “smaller authority” for the purposes of publication of its annual accounts and statements.

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require that:

1. The accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested, during a period of 30 working days set by the smaller authority and including the first 10 working days of July.

2. The period referred to in paragraph (1) starts with the day on which the period for the exercise of public rights is treated as having been commenced i.e. the day following the day on which all of the obligations in paragraph (3) below have been fulfilled.

3. The responsible financial officer for a relevant authority must, on behalf of that authority, publish (which must include publication on the authority’s website):

(a) the Accounting Statements (i.e. Section 2 of the Annual Return), accompanied by:

(i) a declaration, signed by that officer to the effect that the status of the Accounting Statements are unaudited and that the Accounting Statements as published may be subject to change;

(ii) the Annual Governance Statement (i.e. Section 1 of the Annual Return); and

(b) a statement that sets out—

(i) the period for the exercise of public rights;

(ii) details of the manner in which notice should be given of an intention to inspect the accounting records and other documents;

(iii) the name and address of the local auditor;

(iv) the provisions contained in section 26 (inspection of documents etc.) and section 27 (right to make objections at audit) of the Act, as they have effect in relation to the authority in question.

All the required accounting statements, declarations, annual governance statement and additional statements are available in this Full Annual Return 2021-2022 of Sandgate Parish Council. The declared period for the exercise of Public Rights is 24 June – 11 August 2022, but in practice it was published on the Sandgate Parish Council website on 23 June 2022.

Notice-for-public-signed-2021-22

confirmation-of-period-exercise-rublic-rights-2021-22

Accounting-statement-Signed-2021-22

Annual-Governance-statement-signed-2021-22

internal-audit-report-2021-22

Internal-control-statement-2021-22-signed

Bank-reconsiliation-2021-22

Reserve-March-2022

Scanned pdf documents do not comply with the Accessibility Regulations but the above documents can be provided in an alternative format or on alternative media, on request.

There is a National Audit Office guide Local Authority Accounts: A guide to your rights.

The above is the Full Annual Return 2021-2022 of Sandgate Parish Council. Previous years Full Annual Returns from Sandgate Parish Council can be found here.

Posted by Tim Prater in Council, News, Resources
Thank you Sandgate for participating in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons

Thank you Sandgate for participating in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the amazing part you played in celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 2nd June, whether you were a Town Crier, Piper, Bugler/Cornet Player, Choir or a private or community Beacon Organiser, for without your involvement The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons and its associated events would not have been the enormous success they were.

TOGETHER, as a worldwide team, we ensured this unique tribute to our unique Queen Elizabeth, showed the world that the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, along with those who took part from other countries, came together as one, and undertook a celebration party “fit for a Queen,” an occasion that will be fondly remembered by millions upon millions of people for many generations to come.

I don’t mind admitting, when standing next to Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle, London, as she lit her Principal Beacon at 9.45 GMT, a number of tears of joy filled my eyes knowing that you had all played the part you promised, making huge efforts to do so, and I am extremely proud of you all, so again, THANK YOU.

My warmest regards,

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR
Pageantmaster

Posted by Tim Prater in News

Appeal following racist incidents in Folkestone

Witnesses are being sought following two incidents involving alleged racism in Folkestone.

It was reported that at around 5.30pm on Monday 20 June 2022, a man and a woman intervened after witnessing three men being racially abusive towards other people walking along The Leas. When challenged, the man was assaulted and his dog was kicked.

Around a similar time it was also reported that a family sitting nearby on the beach at Sandgate Esplanade near to the Earls Avenue area, was approached and racially abused. Stones were thrown at the victims and one of them was then kicked and punched, sustaining an injury that required hospital treatment.

A 21-year-old man from Deal was arrested the following morning on suspicion of assault and a public order offence and taken into custody.

Detectives investigating the two reports believe they are linked and want to hear from any witnesses who might have information regarding either incident. Anyone who has dash cam footage taken in either area is also urged to come forward.

Witnesses should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/118824/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or using the online form on their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Posted by Tim Prater in News
Cuckooing

Cuckooing

In the Folkestone & Hythe area we have had a number of people Cuckooed and are asking people to let us know if they suspect anyone in their area is falling victim to Cuckooing.

What is Cuckooing?

Cuckooing is where a drug dealer or group of drug dealers takes over the premises of a vulnerable person either by friendship, force or a combination of both, before turning it into a base to deal drugs from. Cuckooing is not a group of drug users moving in with a fellow user and then all of them using drugs together and causing anti-social behaviour in the vicinity. It could happen to a vulnerable neighbour, friend or family member you know.

How to spot the signs?

·  Vulnerable Person (Elderly, Disabled, Mental Health)

·  Regular Visitors To The Property

·  Unexplained Increase of Money, Clothes or Mobile Phones

·  Late Night/All Day Parties

·  Evidence of Drug Use

·  Significant Changes In Emotional Well-being

·  Increase in ASB Around The Property

·  Unexplained Injuries To The Vulnerable Person

·  Cars & Bikes Visiting

How to Report it? If you suspect cuckooing, report it to Kent Police online or by calling 101. You can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111. Supported by all community safety partners across Kent.

Posted by Tim Prater in News
Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme Launched to Support More Households

Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme Launched to Support More Households

More households in the Folkestone & Hythe district could soon be eligible for a council tax energy rebate.

Folkestone and Hythe District Cabinet members have agreed on the criteria for a new discretionary scheme using £302,100 funding from the government.

To date, people living in properties in council tax bands A to D (and E if in receipt of Disability Band Reduction) are being given a one-off payment of £150 to help with the increasing cost of energy bills.

The Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme means householders who fall outside this criteria as of 1 April 2022 could also get the £150 (from July at the earliest). These are:

  • Those in bands E to H who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction.
  • Those in bands F to H who are entitled to Disability Band Reduction.
  • Those in bands E to H and who are exempt from council tax because they are students, under 18, or severely mentally impaired.
  • Those who are not liable for council tax, but responsible for paying energy bills (ie, tenants in houses of multiple occupation where the owner pays the council tax, but they pay for gas and/or electricity).

In the case of the last criteria, an application will have to be made to F&HDC, but in all other categories, the £150 will be automatically made to those who pay their council tax by Direct Debit. Those who don’t pay by DD will be contacted.

If there is any money left over, F&HDC will consider making a top-up payment to all households in band A to H in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. This will be split evenly amongst these low-income households once all other payments have been made.

The £302,100 must be fully spent by 30 November 2022, or returned to the government.

Cllr Tim Prater – Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits, Anti-Fraud and Corruption – said: “I am pleased we are able to further support our most vulnerable residents in these difficult times; all those who are on lower incomes, but – for whatever reason – live in larger properties.

“This includes homes which have been adapted for those with disabilities, anyone who is entitled to a reduction in their council tax, and those who don’t pay council tax because they rent but pay their own fuel bills.”

Cllr David Monk – F&HDC Leader – said: “It was important that we had a largely consistent approach across the county, so before we devised the council tax energy rebate policy, we consulted with colleagues from different councils.

“All officers will be going that extra mile in the coming weeks to ensure everyone who is eligible gets their money as soon as possible.”

Anyone who is on a low income, but is not in receipt of Council Tax Reduction can find out if more support is available to them by visiting: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/council-tax/apply-for-council-tax-reduction

Posted by Tim Prater in News

Public Right of Way Footpath Claim Hospital Hill / Sandy Lane / Shorncliffe Redoubt Area

Path from HF46 (North End Sandy Lane) to junctions with HF48 and HB1 and from HB1 to junction at West Road and Hospital Hill (opposite MOD Area) Path can be accessed from either entrance/exit.

Dear All,

I know that many of you over the years will have used this route. A few years ago I discovered that the path used is NOT A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.

This needs to be rectified and I’m asking for your help as I need witness statements to ‘claim’ the path for Sandgate / Seabrook / Hythe residents and all other members of the public. I have the support of Sandgate Parish Council.

The KCC Definitive Map Officer says I need as many witness statements as I can get. The path/s must have been used for (at least) 20 years BACK from the date of the claim.

One person does not have to have used the path/s for a full 20 years, but the use needs to be continuous.

Please see attached maps and evidence forms.

The route shown with a dashed line on the attached map is the one that I’d like to ‘claim’. If you have used this route or any part of it at any time over the past 20 years then you need to include a SIGNED copy of it with your evidence forms.

There is a blank map attached for you to draw your route with dashed black lines, this is the map you need to submit NOT the map with the route already shown.

At Sandgate Library there is a map showing grid references if you would like to use them BUT a description of the route is sufficient. Also there are copies of some old maps showing parts of the path. There are also photos showing both entrance/exit of the path.

This cannot be done electronically, all witness statements must be submitted on paper.

There are maps with witness / evidence forms at Sandgate and Hythe Libraries.

Please leave your completed forms at Sandgate or Hythe Libraries.

It is permitted for help to be given (if you find the procedure complicated) with the witness statements, this can be done by me at Sandgate Library.

Check List.

  • Your drawn route on map.
  • Map signed on reverse.
  • General Data Protection Regulation.
  • Public Right of Way User Evidence Statement.

Any queries please phone 01303 249906 / 07796 784678 or email rosieneel@hotmail.com

Yours, Rosemary Sanders (Applicant)

Supporting Images and Documents

Photo of concrete posts start/end of path to be claimed. Path begins near the Military Cemetery.

Private Land sign was erected approximately three years ago, near the Military Cemetery.
Photo of gate and fingerpost at start/end of path to be claimed. path begins opposite MOD Area and near/opposite Upper Corniche/Martello Tower 8. Fingerpost, Dragonfly Way to Seabrook Valley.

Historic Map showing very faint lines possibly indicating a path.
Map showing start/end of path leading to R.C. Church.
Map showing (concrete) posts at north end of Sandy Lane.
OS map. (Ordnance Survey)
Map with grid references. The path I would like to claim is shown with long dashed black lines.
Posted by Tim Prater in News

Sandgate Jubilee: In Pictures

Photos from across some of the Jubilee events happening in Sandgate over the weekend. We know there were more events (like the family fun day in the Golden Valley led by the Golden Arrow team and volunteers).

Our thanks to Sal Kenward, Gaye Thomas and Tim Prater for the photos below. Most importantly, we would love to add your events and photos too as a lasting record of the weekend. Please send them to tim@prater.org.uk if you’d like to see them added here: thank you!

Beacon Lighting: Sandgate Esplanade, Thursday 2nd June

Golden Valley Jubilee Party, Golden Valley Car Park & Golden Arrow, Friday 3rd June

The Golden Valley family fun afternoon was hosted by the Golden Arrow on Friday.  It was a fabulous afternoon, and a great time was had by all with face painting, tombola, children’s games, cake competition, barbecue, a talented singer to entertain, and a Pimms tent!

Sandgate Jubilee Street and Beach Party: Granville Parade, Sunday 5th June

The Jubilee Street and Breach Party was arranged jointly by the Sandgate Society, Folkestone Rowing Club, Sandgate Parish Council and supported by businesses throughout Sandgate. Finally, thanks to all of those, and those who attended, for making it a great afternoon!

Sandgate “Green Canopy” Orchards Dedication: Fremantle Park and Sandgate Park, Tuesday 31st May

Our two new orchards have been dedicated to the Queen’s Green Canopy in honour of the Platinum Jubilee. Parish Council Chairman Tim Prater went to both parks to oversee the installation of the commemorative plaques. Because Tim didn’t install them, they look great!

Our orchards each have 12 mixed fruit trees, with one in Sandgate Park and the other in Fremantle Park. The trees were firstly chosen, then planted, and now tended by our friends the Sandgate Community Garden team who made it happen.

Posted by Tim Prater in News
Applications for Energy Rebate Scheme to Open

Applications for Energy Rebate Scheme to Open

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has launched the next phase of the energy rebate scheme.

The government is providing a £150 rebate to council tax payers in bands A-D (and E if in receipt of disabled persons reduction) to help with rising energy costs. This is a one-off payment and will not have to be repaid.

The payment has already been made to more than 26,000 households in Folkestone & Hythe who pay their council tax by Direct Debit, equating to nearly £4m.

Letters will be sent to those households who do not pay by Direct Debit over the next three weeks. These contain a link to an online form where householders can apply for their rebate. Anyone unable to go online is asked to call 01303 853555 and select option 2.

Householders are asked not to get in touch until after they have received their letter.

If anyone is unable to claim their £150, the money will be put against their council tax account. This can be used to reduce their usual council tax payments or it can be claimed via the existing refund process at any point in the coming months. 

Cllr Tim Prater – Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits, Anti-Fraud and Corruption – said:

“It’s good news more than half the eligible households in the district have already had their rebate. However, this stage of the energy rebate scheme is an important one. Some householders who do not pay by Direct Debit can be hard to reach.

“Every remaining eligible household will receive a letter in the next few weeks explaining how to claim. We would like to spread the message that they can either respond online or by making a simple phone call – all the information is in the letter.

“We will also be launching a poster campaign across the district to promote this phase of the scheme far and wide. That is in addition to the letters, our website and social media. But please: if you have friends and relatives who have had their letter but not acted on it, tell them it’s important they do so to get their rebate.”

Cllr Prater added a reminder to those without internet access not to call until they have received their letter.

For any queries about the energy rebate scheme, please email energy.rebate@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.

You can find further information on the energy rebate scheme here: https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/energyrebate

Posted by Tim Prater in News

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons, Sandgate

Sandgate Parish Council has announced plans to light their Esplanade Beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the evening of Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Jubilee Beacons

The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend.

The Beacon will be lit at Sandgate Esplanade, and it will be one of over 2,022 lit by charities, communities and faith groups all over the UK.

In addition, beacons will be lit in all 54 Commonwealth capitals and the Principal Beacon lighting will take place in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening. This will take the form of a lighting installation with The Queen’s Green Canopy ’Tree of Trees’ sculpture and projections onto the front of Buckingham Palace. This innovative new way of taking part in the beacon lighting will reflect the Royal Family’s long history championing environmental causes.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons said:

“Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.

“For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglers and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth. The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour.”

Tim Prater, Chairman of Sandgate Parish Council, said:

“We are proud to be part of this momentous celebration on the occasion of The Queen’s 70th year and Platinum Jubilee.

“Our ceremony on 2nd June will be by the Sir John Moore Memorial, on Sandgate Esplanade. All are welcome to attend.

“At 9.35 John Ditton will play Diu Regnare, a unique tune specially written for the occasion by Piper Major, Stuart Liddell, the world’s leading piper.

“And at 9.40 Adam Sellors will officially announce the lighting of the beacons with a specially written bugle call, entitled “Majesty”.

“Finally, at 9.45, we will light the Sandgate beacon. Nationwide thousands of beacons will be lit by communities, charities and different groups throughout the regions of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

“There will then be events across the area through the rest of the weekend, including an afternoon party in the Golden Valley in front of the Golden Arrow from noon-5pm on Friday 3rd June.

“Finally, there will be a street and beach party along Granville Parade from 2-5pm on Sunday 5th June. Nothing complicated, just bring along friends and family and something to eat and drink, and we’ll celebrate the country’s first Platinum Jubilee together.”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons and Associated Activities have been conceived and organised by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek and his dedicated team.

For more information please contact Gaye Thomas on clerk@sandgatepc.org.uk or call 01303 248563.

Posted by Tim Prater in News