DDC Councillor Martin Hibbert writes:

Ward Summary Report – March 2024

Transport

TAP

Still in a state of flux. Strong efforts are being made by DDC to engage with the prime movers to focus on the upcoming challenges. DDC are seeking better engagement with Neil Baker, KCC Portfolio Holder for Transport, Lisa Guthrie, Head of KRF (Kent Resilient Forum), and Simon Jones, Strategic Director of KCC.

Still no move on the promised review of Operation Fennel despite DDC continuing raised concerns around the forthcoming summer period and bringing exceptional traffic increases with the Paris Olympics and Euro Finals. Quickly followed by real possibilities of the implementation of the of EES (more details under next heading).

The number of occasions when TAP is being activated remains relatively low.

EES (European Entry and Exit System)

There are growing concerns that the prospect of its implementation will be in October 2024. There are a range of concerns around, infrastructure, IT resourcing and hardware, coupled with finding out how the system will actually work to help towards negotiating viable contingency planning.

The probability is that non-EU citizens will have to input their advanced passenger information on a Schengen website before they travel. However, they must register their biometrics at the port b before they can depart the country. A DHB contingency plan is for this to be done at the Western Docks and there to be a secure lane for cars and coaches along Townhall St for them to then proceed to the outbound.

It can be seen that there is much work still to be done, and this has been robustly taken up by our local MP Natalie Elphicke who has called for urgent investment to ensure that the Port of Dover is ready for the new EU border checks. Recent related press releases from the MP s office have been emailed out to ward PCs for circulation to councillors.

ENVIROMENTAL SERVICES

Port Health

Include in this summary because of the DDC Budget impact and raised concerns.

Some background information.

DEFRA has decided that all Port Health checks on goods entering the UK will be undertaken at Sevington. However, this will leave the Port Health authority with the task of undertaking checks on illicit meat intercepted by Border Force at Dover.

Funding of four million pounds has previously been provided to DDC for Port Health since the outbreak of African Swine flu (ASF). £2.8 million has now been withdrawn leaving DDC to cover the shortfall from their reserves. DEFRA are prepared to negotiate over future funding but DDC disengaged on the 14th of January and are threatening legal action.

This current stance has raised many concerns within the district. I have shared the cabinet in opposition concerns with PC clerks for sharing to councillors.

Our local MP has been working closely with both DEFRA and the Dover Port Health team to make the case for the right outcome not only for Dover but for the county as a whole.

An interesting point, DEFRA plan to keep the Bastion Point port health facility on hold while the new checks come not place before making a final decision about it. The facility is brand new and unused.

Cllr Martin Hibbert

Alkham, Capel Le Ferne & Hougham Without

18/03/2024