Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a public consultation on its Community Services which runs from 17 January to 26 March 2023.
The consultation proposes changes to the way that the Council use buildings to deliver some of the community services. The KCC invite your feedback on their proposals as part of this consultation.
Why are the KCC proposing changes?
The Council has experienced big increases in costs and has less money to spend. So they need to look ahead and do things differently to make sure that they can still help residents in the years to come. Whilst ensuring effective support for residents who need the services, the KCC must:
- tackle the rising costs of maintaining their many buildings
- find savings, so that they can balance their budget
- reduce the carbon footprint to meet Net-Zero ambitions.
What services are included in the proposals?
Children’s Centres and Youth Hubs, Public Health Services for Children and Families, Community Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Community Learning and Skills, and Gateways.
What are the KCC proposing?
- Having fewer permanent buildings, meaning that some of the Council buildings would close – they want to keep buildings in areas where they are needed the most
- Co-locating more of the Council services, meaning more than one service would be available from some of the buildings you might visit
- Continuing to deliver some services by outreach, which means they do not take place in a dedicated or permanent space, but move around to when and where they are needed
- Ensuring residents can continue to access services and information online.
The KCC’s proposals have been designed by considering where there is greatest need for their services.
Find out more and share your views
Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/communityservicesconsultation to find out about the proposals for your area. You can respond to the consultation by using the online questionnaire (or download the Word version).
On the KCC website you will also find a list of drop-in events where you can come along to talk about the proposals and ask your questions.
The local drop-in events are both held at:
Venue: Sessions House, County Hall, County Road, Maidstone, ME14 1XQ
Dates: Friday, 3rd March 2023 (10.00 am – 1.00 pm) & Friday, 10th March 2023 (4.00 pm – 8.00 pm)
Find out more