Dover District Council has agreed a balanced budget for 2022/23, with an exciting programme of investment ahead – the budget was approved by Council last night (2 March) including a fully funded capital programme totalling around £75m.

DDC agreed that the district council part of the Council Tax bill for 2022/23 for a Band D property for the year will be £202.14, an increase of £4.95, or 2.5%. DDC has continued to provide a full range of vital services and support for communities throughout the pandemic, and the budget means we continue to provide core services and develop key projects for the future.

For the latest information on Council Tax and updates on the Government's £150 Council Tax rebate, please see here.

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This year, Her Majesty The Queen becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. 

To mark The Queen's historic 70-year reign, 2022 will see Platinum Jubilee celebrations throughout the UK and the Commonwealth as part of a year-long programme of events.  Many events will take place across the extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June 2022.

For more details on celebrations, or to find out how DDC can help you organise a street party, please see our Jubilee page. Please get your street party applications to us by 25 March to meet deadlines for road closures. 

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A ceremony was held yesterday to mark the start of construction of Dover Fastrack, Kent’s first zero-emission bus route. 

Representatives from DDC, KCC & Homes England were joined by principal contractors, Colas UK Projects Ltd to break ground on the £22.9m public transport investment, which is backed by government support from the Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme. 

A range of key initiatives is coming together for the area, including the £3.6m revamp of Dover’s Market Square, and the Maison Dieu restoration project with an exciting programme of activities for all. 

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A specially renamed ‘Platinum Jubilee Playground’ with an exciting play area upgrade is set to swing into action to enhance community facilities at Cowdray Square in Deal.

This extensive renovation is investing around £120k in new facilities, and follows key consultation with the local community.

Works are set to start in April and to be completed within 1-2 months. The renovation features inclusive play equipment, and a whole range of new items to suit all ages.

• Platinum Jubilee Playground

A major £1m investment in street lighting is helping light the way for a brighter, safer and more environmentally friendly future. 

This follows a range of works, including the replacement of around 2,750 street light units with energy saving LEDs, and 200 lighting columns. Works have also included the replacement of all DDC's ornate ‘heritage’ fittings. DDC projects a 70-80% energy saving as a result of improvements.

We've also announced residents can join in the second round of a group-buying scheme to save money on the installation of solar panels and battery storage. Registration is open until 15 March. For details, see the Solar Together Kent page.

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Could you help us tackle litter in your local community? DDC is looking for volunteers to sign up for this year’s Great British Spring Clean campaign (GBSC).

The annual litter picking event, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, takes place between 25 March and 10 April.

We can provide all the necessary equipment for organised litter picks and will arrange to pick up any rubbish that is collected. We'll also be hosting outdoor pop-up events with litter picking equipment, fun games to educate younger visitors and information to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle.

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DDC is working to finalise the final draft of the Local Plan, which sets out the vision and framework for development in the district to 2040.

It was intended that publication and consultation on the final draft would commence this spring, however that has had to be delayed due to matters being raised, which we are working to resolve.

For the latest information, please see here. 

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DDC is looking to review rules on dog control, street drinking, and unauthorised camping - and your views are sought. 

Consultation has now begun on the renewal and amendment of two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). The deadline for comments is 14 March 2022.  

For more information, or to have your say, please see the consultation page on the DDC website.

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