• The post you are reporting:
   
  I posted here the following 2 weeks ago
  
  "At last nights Finance meeting we debated next years budget. We had prepared one which resulted in a zero increase. However the District has asked if we could take up some of the headings that because of cutbacks they have already announced in the press that they will be reducing. Some of these we consider are essential to maintain and have in close discussion offered to get involved in.
  
  The difficulty arises when larger sums are involved over the loss of toilets for example and we are faced with having to consider an increase if we are to swallow some of the larger budgets.
  
  The DTC have been negotiating to bring the Tourist Information to the Market Square and to provide small business support and these negotiations ( in conjunction with DDC) will be discussed on 24th nov at Town and environment Committee. Last night a lively debate moved matters on and we would be pleased to have public comment on these matters.
  
  Of course we are in close discussion with PW and his team and many matters are still not settled but in order to set budgets and move forward the DTC wants as much as possible to be in the public domain. "
  
  As other parishes have been told that the services will be cut if they are not taken up by them DTC is discussing these issues tonight at T&E and on thursday at full town council.
  
  The rate will be set on 14th Dec By DTC so by then we will know.
  
  Please make representation to your councillors or to me ( I will be at all meetings of course).
  
  It isnt double rating if the district isnt bound to do it so that is not a true statement.
  
  I repeat that I and many other councillors do not want to see toilets closed nor lack of planting, maintenance or tourist reductions. It is up to the whole TC to vote - that is democracy. I do not know which way it will go. If the TC is to replace the functions the rate must go up.
  
  Other parishes and towns have already taken up the challenge but Dovers involvement is a little more complicated.
  
  What we all must grasp is that devolution will take place and the effects can be mitigated if we act early rather than allow closure and have to open up later at twice the cost and having lost the skills and knowledge.
  
  DH

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