At its meeting last night, Dover District Council agreed its 26/27 budget.

DDC agreed that the district council part of the Council Tax bill for a Band D property will increase by 2.98%.

An exciting programme of investment ahead includes projects like the multi-million pound Dover Beacon (see picture) and Deal Leisure Centre development, (see below).

• More on DDC budget

It's all systems go for the new multi-million pound Deal Leisure Centre, coming in 2027. 

Demolition of the old building is now complete and construction of the new centre is set to start this month.

Everyone Active is ready to take on the management of the new Leisure Centre when it opens in summer 2027, and to begin long term operations for the indoor tennis centre/sports hall facilities from April 2026. 

• More on Deal Leisure Centre

A whole range of events continues to shine out at The Maison Dieu in Dover.

This includes free events being held as part of National Lottery Open Week, reflecting a 'hidden gems' theme from 7-15 March. 

Dover at Night is also back, with a fantastic free event on 20 March. Time travel through Dover's past, present and future, and help fix the Maison Dieu time machine. And enjoy a range of other highlights in the town including light projections, music, dance, drama, art, craft and hands-on activities. 

• More on The Maison Dieu 

A free, fun-packed festival designed especially for young people aged 11-18 is taking place at Pencester Gardens in Dover on 28 March.

IMPACT Fest includes entertainment, activities, workshops, and live music. The event is put together by DDC with support from KCC, and is funded by local partners.

We are also looking forward to hosting a Farm and Forest event in Kearsney Parks on 15 April.  For updates on events in the parks, please see the Kearsney Parks website. 

• More on Impact Fest

A new pedestrian timber footbridge off the Mill Wall pathway in Sandwich is now open.

The new bridge from Knightrider Street to St George’s Lees has been funded by DDC, KCC and Sandwich Town Council. 

This replaces the previous bridge that had to be removed in December last year.  

• More on council services

An exciting new-look play area is set to swing into action for Kearsney Abbey – with works set to start this spring.

This follows the go ahead for the £155k renovation, with funding from the National Lottery ‘Awards For All’ Scheme and DDC. 

Works are due to start early May 2026 and to be completed by July 2026.

• More on play areas

Following National Apprenticeship Week, DDC is reminding local businesses they can apply for funding to support them in taking on an apprentice. 

This follows the launch of the Apprenticeship Levy transfer scheme in the district in Feb 2025 and news that DDC welcomed the success of the scheme in Dec 25. 

DDC offers a range of apprenticeships, graduate placements and work experience within the authority.

• More on apprenticeships

DDC is pleased to launch the fifth year of its REACH awards scheme, celebrating the outstanding environmental and community contributions made across the district.

The awards shine a spotlight on those who help enhance the appearance of the district, protect the environment and nurture local community spirit. The closing date for nominations is 29 March 2026. 

This year's awards also support the Great British Spring Clean campaign, running from 13-29 March 2026.

• More on Reach Awards

Government ministers launched a consultation in February on the future number of councils in Kent and Medway and the areas they should cover – and your views are sought.

Councils across Kent and Medway have worked together to draw up 5 options for the number of unitary authorities needed and what areas they should cover. The 5 options within the government’s consultation are:

• 1A – A single unitary council for Kent and Medway (with 3 assemblies)
• 3A – Three unitary councils based on existing boundaries
• 4B – Four unitary councils based on existing boundaries
• 4D – Four unitary councils with boundary changes
• 5A – Five unitary councils with boundary changes.

DDC’s corporate position is: in November 2025, the Council resolved to support Option 4B as its preferred proposal for submission to MHCLG.

Residents are encouraged to review all five proposals and respond to the government consultation via GOV.UK by 26 March 2026.

• Local Government Reorganisation