Councils spent thousands to mark coronation
Figures reveal what was spent on celebrations
Over the long weekend people across Kent came together to celebrate the coronation.
Many of these events were funded by local councils but it appears Dartford wins the title of most patriotic, having spent more than £30,000 - more than double its closest competitor. Ashford council and Maidstone council were the next highest spenders, both shelling out £15,000, as revealed by an investigation by the openDemocracy media platform. Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe and Thanet budgeted nothing while Sevenoaks spent just £69.90. Thanet council cited the “cur
rent financial climate” and said it had chosen to focus spending on “delivering essential services” for residents. Canterbury said it chose not to fund events to avoid competing with the hospitality sector.
Dartford council spent £7,500 on its Great Big Coronation Party in Central Park, handed out 60 £100 street party grants and forked out more than £7,000 on royal mugs.
Leader of Dartford council, Jeremy Kite (Con), said: “We’re proud to support local people who wanted to mark this historic occasion.
“The mayor and I had the privilege to drop in on a number of the street parties underway and it was pretty clear that the benefits of residents coming together to share a happy afternoon with neighbours will last long after the national weekend of celebration is over.”
The £15,000 Maidstone budget was spent on a street party for 150 primary school children at Lockmeadow. The pupils were
treated to a picnic lunch and presented with a coronation medal for attending.
Mayor of Maidstone Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem) said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to host this very special event for the children.” Ashford council also splashed out £15,000, hosting a live screening and community showcase in Victoria Park, but clarified this came from its annual allocation for civic and ceremonial events.
At the other end of the spectrum,
parting with just £69.90, was Sevenoaks. The council has revealed the money was used to purchase two coronation plant pots.
While Swale chose to use the opportunity to host a lunch thanking volunteers for their good work, for just £250. A spokesman for Canterbury City Council, which chose not to allocate any money to coronation events, said: "We were very happy to support local events by dedicating officer time to ensuring street parties
and other events went ahead safely for residents to enjoy, waiving the normal administration and site charges." A Thanet council spokesmansaid: “Whilst we fully support people’s choice to commemorate the coronation, in light of the current financial climate we believe that our spending must remain focussed on delivering essential services for our residents.”
Other councils in Kent did not respond to the Freedom of Information request.