Government

Parliamentary Elections 2024

18 June 2024 0 Comments

An election will be held to elect one Member of Parliament for Ashford constituency on 4th July 2024

Below is everything you need to know about the election.

Constituency

Parliamentary constituencies have changed substantially as a result of a Boundary Review in 2023. The Ashford Constituency now comprises a larger area of the Folkestone and Hythe District than of the Borough of Ashford and more of the Borough of Ashford is in the Weald of Kent Constituency than in the Ashford Constituency.

Map of Ashford Parliamentary Election Constituency
Ashford Parliamentary Constituency

Candidates

The candidates nominated for the Ashford Constituency are:

Name of CandidateHome AddressDescription (if any)
GREEN, Damian HowardHighlands, Charing Hill, Charing, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0NGThe Conservative Party Candidate
JOSEPH, Sojan(address in Ashford)Labour Party
KENNEDY HARPER, Tristram John(address in the Lewisham North Constituency)Reform UK
RANSLEY, James GordonLees Farm, 72 Kennington Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0NSYour Local Consensus Party Candidate
ROSSI, Mandy(address in the Ashford Constituency)The Green Party
ROWLEDGE, Adam James(address in the Folkestone and Hythe Constituency)Liberal Democrats

Timetable

The following are the deadlines to vote in the Parliamentary elections. More details are given under How to vote.

Register to vote11.59pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024
Apply to vote by post5pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024
Apply to vote by proxy5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (Voter ID)5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024

How to vote

Voter registration

To vote in the Parliamentary Election you must have registered to vote by:
11.59pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024.

Find out if you are eligible to vote and how to apply:
www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote

Postal vote

If you cannot attend or do not wish to attend the polling station you can apply to vote by post but must do so by 5pm on Wednesday 19 June

You must have registered to vote by Tuesday 18th June to be able to apply for a postal vote.

There are two ways to apply to vote by post:

You can choose to apply for a postal vote for a particular election, a particular type of election, or all elections you are eligible to vote in.

If you only want to apply for a postal vote for a particular type of election, you need to contact the electoral services team at your local council. 

You need to complete a new postal vote application if you have moved house or changed your name.

If you have an existing long-term postal vote that you wish to cancel, you must do so by 5pm on Wednesday 19th June

Proxy vote

Alternatively you can apply to have someone that you trust to vote for you at the polling station. You must apply by: 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

You and your proxy must both have registered to vote before you can apply and by 11:59pm on Tuesday 18 June.

There are two ways to apply for a proxy vote for a particular election:

Voter ID

Voters and proxy voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations.

If you do not have one of the forms of ID listed below you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. You must apply by: 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Apply online

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on gov.uk.

Apply now(Opens in new window)

Apply by post

Apply by filling out a paper application form and sending it to your local council. 

You can contact your local council to request a form or you can download a form (Opens in new window).

You may also be able to apply in person at your local council.

If you need any help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, contact your local council. You can also call our helpline on 0800 328 0280 if you have any questions.

Accepted forms of ID are:
International travel
  • Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state (Opens in new window) or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) 
Driving and Parking
  • Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
  • A Blue Badge
Local travel
  • Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
  • Freedom Pass
  • Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
  • 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Proof of age
  • Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
Other government issued documents

Where to vote

The map below indicates areas covered by the polling districts in South Ashford and shows the locations of polling stations. The boundaries are approximate and you should use the tool on the Ashford Borough Council website to confirm your polling station

Contact Electoral Services

Contact Electoral Services if you live in the Borough of Ashford

Telephone

Contact the Electoral Services Office on 01233 330402.

Email

vote@ashford.gov.uk

Post

Electoral Services
Ashford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Tannery Lane
Ashford
Kent TN23 1PL

In person

If you need to visit the office please telephone for an appointment.

Democracy, Government, News, Uncategorized

Ashford split by new boundary plans

9 June 2021 0 Comments

The Ashford Parliamentary Constituency will be separated from the majority of the Borough under Initial Proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission for England.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is currently conducting a review of parliamentary constituency boundaries on the basis of rules most recently updated by Parliament in 2020. These latest rules retain 650 constituencies for the UK Parliament as a whole, and require constituencies that are proposed or recommended to comply with strict parameters, in particular as far as the number of electors in each constituency is concerned.

The BCE has published its ‘Initial Proposals’, which will see South Ashford in the same Constituency as Hawkinge and Elham but different to that of Great Chart and Kingsnorth.

The existing Ashford Parliamentary Constituency boundary, shown as a narrow blue line, follows the Borough boundary, thicker green line, other than an area to the east, which includes Ruckinge, Aldington and Brabourne, and is part of the Folkestone and Hythe Constituency.

The Initial Proposals published by BCE will see the Borough split across three constituencies, with boundaries shown red against the green Borough boundaries.

  • Ashford urban area, including the Town Centre, Stanhope and Singleton will be in a constituency which extends eastward to Hawkinge and Wingmore.
  • The south and west of the Borough, including Aldington, Ham Street, Wittersham, Tenterden, Kingsnorth and Great Chart will be in a new Weald of Kent Constituency, which stretches as far as the outskirts of Maidstone and includes Boughton Monchelsea, Loose and Nettlestead.
  • The northern part of the Borough including Chilham, Bilting, Boughton Lees, Sandyhurst Lane, Westwell and Charing will become part of the Faversham and Mid-Kent Constituency with with villages as far west and north as Bredgar, Radfield and Conyer.

The primary criteria for the new boundaries is that apart from five specified exceptions – every constituency recommended must have an electorate (as at 2 March 2020) that is no less than 95% and no more than 105% of the ‘UK electoral quota’. The UK electoral quota for the 2023 Review is, to the nearest whole number, 73,393.
Accordingly, every recommended constituency (except the five ‘protected’ constituencies) must have an electorate as at 2 March 2020 that is no smaller than 69,724 and no larger than 77,062.

The BCE may take into account in establishing a new map of constituencies for the 2023 Review:

  • special geographical considerations, including in particular the size, shape and accessibility of a constituency;
  • local government boundaries as they existed (or were in prospect) on 1 December 2020 (see paragraph 16 above);
  • boundaries of existing constituencies;
  • any local ties that would be broken by changes in constituencies; and
  • the inconveniences attendant on such changes.

BCE have published a guide to the Review:
boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/2023-review/guide-to-the-2023-review-of-parliamentary-constituencies/

You can comment on the proposals on the BCE consultation website www.bcereviews.org.uk/.

Comments must be made by Tuesday 2nd August 2021.

Consultation, Democracy, Government, News

Complete the Census

15 March 2021 0 Comments

The census tells government, local authorities, the health service and other statutory service providers what our needs are now, and what they’re likely to be in the future. Information you give informs where billions of pounds of funding is spent on things like transport, education and health.

Every household will have received a letter, or will receive one this week, telling them to complete the Census and giving a Household Access Code.

If you cannot complete it online you should request a paper copy by calling 0800 141 2021 (automated service) or asking somebody to request one for you at census.gov.uk.

You can complete it as soon as you get the letter (or paper form) but the information needs to be accurate for Sunday 21st March. You can start filling in details and save your answers to complete the rest of the questions later.

You should complete it on 21 March or as soon after as later.

The form asks questions about your household and about individuals within it. If you want to complete your individual information separately from others within your household you can request an individual access code.

Contact from the ONS.

Neither the ONS support team or their contractors will call or visit you on or before 21 March to collect information.

If you do not complete the census they may contact you to encourage you to submit your form.

The ONS census team will carry out the Census Coverage Survey after the census date to sample the accuracy of the census data. The survey is not to test that individual households have given true information. You will receive a card beforehand and the interviewers will provide identification if they call. You are not obliged to participate in the survey.

Data security and privacy

The census in England and Wales is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS and the statistics they generate are independent from government.

Government departments dealing with any applications you’ve made, or any payments or services you receive, cannot see your census information. For example, it cannot be used to influence benefit claims, a residency application, immigration status or taxes. Landlords, or any private organisation, will not be able to see your personal information either.

Census records will be kept secure for 100 years. Only then can future generations view them, for example, those interested in family history.

Government, News

Coronavirus National Restrictions

5 November 2020 0 Comments

5 November to 2 December

National restrictions apply to England

Meeting IndoorsMeeting OutdoorsWeddings and Funerals
You cannot meet anybody socially Indoors unless they are in your household or support bubbleYou can meet with 1 person from another household in outdoor public spaces, following social distancing.
Children under 5 and anyone dependent on continuous care do not count towards the 2 person limit.		Weddings and Civil partnership ceremonies can only take place where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover.
Funerals can take place with up to 30 people in attendance.
Working from homeEssential ShopsNon-essential Retail
You must work from home if you can. If you cannot work from home you should continue to go to work (unless you are clinically extremely vulnerable).Open. Essential shops should follow COVID secure guidelines.Closed. Can only open for click-and-collect and delivery services.
ExerciseLeisure and GymsHospitality
You can exercise outside on your own or with your household; your support bubble or one person from another househoid.Closed. Except for allotments and outdoor playgrounds.Closed except for takeaway, click-and-collect, drive through and delivery sevvices. Takeaway not permitted after 22:00.
EducationHealthcare ServicesResidential Care
Early years, schools and FE colleges open. Universities must reflect wider restrictions.You can leave home for any medical reason.Care homes are encouraged to provide safe, COVID-secure visiting opportunities. See the guidance for detaiis on how to keep visits safe.
TravelPublic TransportOvernight Stays
You must not travel in the UK or overseas other than for permitted reasons, including work, eduration, medical reasons, caring responsibilities or for essential retail.You may still use public transport, but should only travel for permitted reasons and should look to reduce the number of journeys you make, avoid travelling at peak times and walk or cycle where you can.Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences are not allowed, except for work and other exempt purposes.
Entertainment and tourismVulnerable PeopleWorship
Entertainment venues are closed. Public gardens at visitor attractions are open.If you are 60+ or clinically vulnerable be especially carefui to follow the rules and minimise contacts with others. If you are ciinicaliy extremely vulnerable you are advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essenliai health appoinlments.Closed. Except for:
funerals.
broadcasting acts of worship, and
individual prayer.
ChildcareYouth Clubs and Activities
Registered childcare and childcare activities open to enable parents to work, or for respite care. Parents can form a childcare bubble with another household For informal childcare, where the child is 13 or under.Some youth services are able to continue, such as 1-1 youth work and support groups, but most youth clubs and groups will need to cease for this period.

For more information and detailed guidance visit gov.uk/voronavirus

UK government

Covid19, Government, Health, News

Consultation on planning system reforms

29 August 2020 0 Comments

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is consulting on two sets of reforms to the planning system.

The first, Changes to the current planning system, includes:

  • changes to the standard method for assessing local housing need
  • securing of First Homes through developer contributions
  • temporarily lifting the small sites threshold
  • extending the current Permission in Principle to major development

This is likely to increase the assessed need for housing in Ashford.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-current-planning-system

The second, Planning for the future, relates to the wider changes that have been announced by the government. The Government press release states that the proposals include:

  • plans to overhaul outdated planning system and reform the way the country builds
  • Plans to streamline process, cut red tape and harness technology to deliver homes faster
  • Valued green spaces protected for future generations, with more building on brownfield land
  • Building beautiful homes with communities at heart of new planning system
  • 30% discount through First Homes, with an emphasis on key workers

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/launch-of-planning-for-the-future-consultation-to-reform-the-planning-system

Consultations, Government, News, Planning and Development

Wearing a face covering does not protect you.

16 May 2020 0 Comments

The UK Government is now recommending the use of face coverings in enclosed spaces where social distances might not be maintained.

If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example, on public transport or in some shops.

Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you.

However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with.

Face coverings do not replace social distancing.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough and/or high temperature), you and your household must isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this.

A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards.

Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.

Wearing a face covering

It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.

A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off and after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.

Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.

You should wash a face covering regularly. It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent.

When wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends.

Home made face coverings

You can make face-coverings at home. The key thing is it should cover the mouth and nose.

Instructions for making face coverings:

Cabinet Office, 11 May 2020
www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home
Public Health England, 11 May 2020
www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

Covid19, Government, Health, News

Coronovirus latest advice

12 March 2020 0 Comments

The Prime Minister, supported by the Chief Scientific Advisor and the Chief Medical Officer announced new measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) this afternoon.

No new restrictions on events were announced. Schools are expected to continue to open as normal, unless advised otherwise by local public health officers.

Stay at home guidance for coronavirus symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

  • new continuous cough and/or
  • high temperature

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection

  • if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started. (See Ending Isolation section below for more information)
  • this action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
  • plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
  • ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
  • stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
  • sleep alone, if that is possible.
  • wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
  • stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
  • you do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.

Those self-isolating with mild symptoms will not be tested.

Continue to good hygiene practice

The Chief Medical Officer emphasised that the most important thing for individuals to continue to use good hygiene practice previously recommended.

Do
  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Government, Health, News

Parliamentary Election Results

13 December 2019

On Thursday 12 December, a vote was held for the parliamentary constituency of Ashford in the 2019 General Election. The candidates and the numbers of votes cast were:

Name of candidatePartyVotes
DE SANVIL, Susannah LouiseIndependent862
FARRELL, DaraLabour Party13,241
GEE-TURNER, Adrian JohnLiberal Democrats6,048
GREEN, Damian HowardThe Conservative Party37,270 Elected
ROSSI, MandyThe Green Party2,638


Electorate: 89,553

Turnout: 67.4%

Democracy, Government, News

Polling day

11 December 2019 0 Comments

Make sure you vote on Thursday 12th December.

Your vote counts.

Your polling card gives your polling station but our map shows the polling stations for Beaver, Norman and Victoria Wards. Click on your Polling District to show the polling station.

You don’t need your polling card t vote but not having received one may indicate that you are not registered to vote.

Democracy, Government, News

Election Candidates

15 November 2019 0 Comments

The names of candidates for the Ashford Constituency in the parliamentary election to be held on 12 December 2019 were announced yesterday.

Make sure you are registered to vote.

Name of candidateDescription (if any)
DE SANVIL, Susannah LouiseIndependent
FARRELL, DaraLabour Party
GEE-TURNER, Adrian JohnLiberal Democrats – To stop Brexit
GREEN, Damian HowardThe Conservative Party Candidate
ROSSI, MandyThe Green Party

https://www.ashford.gov.uk/councillors-meetings-and-elections/elections-and-electoral-registration/elections/statement-of-persons-nominated-and-notice-of-poll-parliamentary-election-2019/

Democracy, Government, News