All governments promise welfare reform. Very few deliver. In 1997 Labour promised to "cut the bills of social failure" and to "make work pay". But during its 13 years in office the welfare bill rose by 40% to £87bn. People moving into work can still lose more than 90% of every pound they earn: a punitive tax burden on the shoulders of the poor.
It was an honour to be involved in the Armistice Service in the town centre yesterday, which saw hundreds of people in town stop to observe the service and pay their respects to fallen soldiers from wars past and present. The services can never fail to be deeply moving, and all involved, from the Standard Bearers to the Salvation Army Band Members and all veterans present combined to ensure that the eleventh hour hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was marked in fitting fashion.
Veolia Water has rescheduled of essential mains renewal work in Folkestone, with the first scheme in Folkestone now starting in mid November. Veolia has confirmed that between 24 December and 4 January no work will be undertaken.
There are still tickets available for the Folkestone Youth Festival of Remembrance on Saturday 13 November at the Leas Cliff Hall.
Two mums have said adopting through Kent County Council has changed their lives for the better. They spoke as part of KCC's ongoing campaign to look for people to provide loving and permanent homes for children.
Cllr David Kendall has slammed the Tories for making decisions on parking charges and issuing statements on matters before a decision is made by the council and local retailers are consulted.
