I thank Helen for this update and also her personal comment. it is clear that the lifts are of importance to the area. 

Last week as part of regular updates on community issues, I spoke to both our local MP's about the future plans for both Broadstairs and Ramsgate lifts.

To be clear, Cabinet have always argued that the lifts need to be opened; myself especially, as I am aware from personal experience just how important access is.

For those who don't know, I have inflammatory arthritis of the spine and a connective tissue disorder that results in joint dislocations; I do my best to manage, day to day, but if a major joint moves out of place, I do require support to access the outside world.

Both lifts are currently being assessed for repairs and will be opened as soon as those are completed; the costs for temporary repairs to try and keep them running throughout the Summer season is currently estimated to be around forty thousand pounds, and we will do everything we can to get them running and keep them running.

But the long term issue is, and always has been, the reliability of the lifts, as, bluntly, they need replacing, and are not Equality Act compliant in terms of access and size. COVID has also added complications into the mix in terms of ensuring social distancing within the lifts.

So long term we are getting quotes for replacement of the lifts, to ensure their reliability; but to say this is likely to be expensive is an understatement, and we need to do our best to find funding sources and other sources of support to continue maintaining this provision, which isn't easy or simple.

As I have been in a senior post within local government for over a year now, I can say without any hesitation that financially Councils are struggling with an extraordinary burden. Councils always have to figure out exactly how to provide services, and funding that comes directly to us for central services has been diminishing for a long time.

We do our best, and will continue to; but the issue as always is that there is no quick fix for systemic problems. What I can guarantee, however, is that we will always manage to solve those problems more quickly with a supportive and inclusive approach, and I thank those Councillors who have been working hard on this issue and communicating with me over it, and confirm that the actions that we need to happen are already happening, and that they have our continuing support in working out long term provision.

Helen Elizabeth Whitehead