FI17389

Request

  1. Please breakdown the detailed costs of WCCP in its last full operating year.
  2. Please breakdown funding sources and amounts  
  3. Please explain how much costs of WCCP are DDC responsible for.
  4. Please explain why WCCP is based at DDC whilst being responsible for activities outside of the district boundaries. 
  5. Please confirm in detail the responsibilities of WCCP.
  6. Please confirm the exact geographical area WCCP is responsible for.
  7. Please confirm which towns WCCP operates in.

Response

1. As follows:

  • Salaries and on costs - £904,182
  • Office costs - £25,064
  • Groundworks - £124,442
  • Transport and vehicles - £21,705
  • Other costs - £96,480

2. As follows:

  • Local authority - £234,623
  • Government agency - £281,075
  • Private sector - £443,657
  • Third sector - £162,942
  • Grant funding and earned income - £172,046

3. In the last financial year DDC contributed core funding of £108,150.

4. WCCP (also known as Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership) has an office at DDC but operates across the Dover and Folkestone and Hythe districts. It also has offices at Fort Burgoyne, Samphire Hoe and New Romney.

5. The purpose of WCCP is to protect and enhance the wild spaces of South-East Kent, by inspiring people to act for their local environment and the future of our planet. Specifically, the aims are: 

  • Manage nature reserves and other wild spaces for wildlife and people
  • Reduce our climate impact and inspire others to do the same
  • Inspire local communities to learn about and take action for their local environment
  • Manage and grow White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to ensure its resilience and sustainability

6. WCCP operates across the Dover and Folkestone and Hythe districts; however, the precise area within which WCCP undertakes activities varies slightly from year to year, depending on funding from landowners and government bodies. 

7. Again, the precise areas within which WCCP operates varies depending on funding; however, if you include nature reserves in peri-urban areas, then WCCP has undertaken land management and/or engagement work in New Romney, Hythe, Folkestone, Dover, Walmer, Deal, Sandwich and Aylesham.