In an era where trust in public institutions hangs by a thread, the expectation for clear, honest communication from local councils is non-negotiable—particularly when it involves the welfare of society’s most vulnerable.
Yet, recent discoveries regarding Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) handling of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveal troubling inconsistencies that threaten to undermine public confidence.
These discrepancies, centered on critical data about homelessness support, highlight the urgent need for residents to stay vigilant and demand accountability from those entrusted with public resources.
A close examination of FHDC’s FOI responses uncovers stark contradictions in reported figures for both the costs of temporary accommodation and the number of homeless households supported.
In August 2023, the council provided one set of financial data in response to a query about expenditures on hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfasts for homeless households over four financial years. However, a similar request in April 2025 yielded different numbers for the same periods, with a discrepancy of £10,106.
Such inconsistencies in financial reporting raise serious questions about the council’s data management practices and its commitment to transparency at a time when homelessness is a pressing national concern.
The irregularities extend beyond monetary figures to the very people the council serves. Between the 2023 and 2025 FOI responses, the reported number of households placed in emergency accommodations also varied, differing by five households.
While this may appear minor, each household represents real individuals and families in crisis, and even small inaccuracies can erode trust in the council’s ability to manage such a vital service.
Consistent, reliable data is the bedrock of public accountability, and these shifts—without explanation—cast doubt on whether FHDC is upholding its duty to provide accurate information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
These lapses carry broader implications, potentially signaling a failure to meet legal obligations that mandate openness in public spending. The UK’s FOI Act exists to foster transparency, yet FHDC’s conflicting responses obscure the true scope of its efforts to address homelessness.
This uncertainty fuels public unease about how taxpayer funds are allocated and whether vulnerable residents are receiving the support they deserve. With homelessness remaining a critical issue in Kent, the council’s inability to provide clear, consistent answers only deepens concerns about its priorities and effectiveness.
The responsibility for these oversights falls squarely on the council’s leadership. Cllr Rebecca Shoob, the Green Party’s Cabinet Member for Housing, oversees the homelessness portfolio, while Cllr Gary Fuller, a Liberal Democrat, manages FOI responses.
The apparent lack of coordination between these roles suggests a troubling gap in internal oversight, leaving the public to question how such discrepancies could go unnoticed or unaddressed.
FHDC must act swiftly to clarify these inconsistencies and restore faith in its processes. Without a public correction, residents are left to speculate whether these errors stem from mere incompetence or a deliberate attempt to obscure the true cost of supporting the district’s most vulnerable.
Transparency is not just a legal requirement—it’s a moral imperative that Folkestone & Hythe cannot afford to ignore.