We were delighted to recently hear from Leo Whitlock, Head of Policy & Communications at Canterbury City Council. During his talk, Leo provided valuable insights into the Council’s diverse responsibilities and outlined its Corporate Plan for the coming years.
Following a brief introduction by Rotarian Andrew Clague, who has known him for years, Leo began by assuring the audience, “I’m not a politician” – possibly pre-empting a wave of political questions. With a background as a newspaper journalist – including a stint at the Kentish Gazette – Leo shifted into communications at the Council, where he now oversees both policy and the Council’s customer contact centre, as well as emergency planning and business continuity.
During his talk, Leo described the Council’s “many different arms,” from managing housing and parking … to regulating zoos. As a politically neutral officer, he describes his role as “sitting on the shoulder of [the Council’s] politicians” and ensuring they stay on track and within budget while delivering the priorities they were elected to deliver.
Leo noted that despite his apolitical role, he faces the challenge of an ever-shifting political landscape.
This is especially true given the current Labour-led Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition, which requires collaboration despite many differences (even within party lines).
“Elections are never far away,” and the politicians are already looking ahead to the Kent County Council elections in May.
Leo also pointed out that, as for many councils facing tight budgets amidst growing demands for services, “Cash is always a challenge”.
The talk provided insights into the Council’s current Corporate Plan, which aims to shape the future of Canterbury. Leo noted that the plan, structured around the acronym “PRIDE,” marks a shift from its predecessor.
Under PRIDE, the Council’s priorities are:
P – Partnership
R – Results-focused
I – Inspiring
D – Data-driven
E – Embedded in the community
The latter, of course, if of particular interest to community groups such as ours.
Leo highlighted the Council’s commitment to making Canterbury greener, fairer, and stronger.
Among its “green” objectives, the Council aims for net-zero emissions, intends to expand citizen science (involving residents in issues like sewage monitoring), and will promote sustainability initiatives such as high-street recycling, Park & Ride enhancements, and council housing upgrades. The Council also supports the circular economy, hoping to keep more financial resources circulating within the district.
In striving to make the community “fairer,” the Council has identified priorities like addressing homelessness, helping with the cost-of-living crisis, and supporting local businesses. Leo also emphasized a commitment to inclusivity and public safety, with projects focused on creating safe spaces and a comfortable living environment, particularly for women. Additionally, the Council remains keen on apprenticeships and continues to encourage local civic engagement and access to services.
On infrastructure, the Council has secured £19.9 million from the Levelling Up Fund to revamp Canterbury’s city centre, adding additional funds to transform heritage sites and public spaces. Planned improvements include pedestrian pathways, electric vehicle charging stations, and repairs to landmarks like Westgate Towers, St. George’s Tower, and Canterbury Castle.
Leo also explained the ongoing work on the Council’s Local Plan, which must be updated every five years and sets a 15-year vision for the city. Following extensive consultations, the Council’s new cabinet decided to replace the previous zone-based approach with a bus-led strategy to improve urban transportation. Juggling the diverse stakeholder interests—ranging from Natural England to National Highways—is, in Leo’s words, “like nailing jelly to the wall.”
As Leo noted, this balancing act requires responsiveness to both big-picture planning and everyday issues central to residents, including the proverbial “dog poo, parking, and rubbish.”
Closing with a few light-hearted anecdotes, including his stint years ago as a judge at Ashford’s carnival, Leo managed to give us interesting insight into the work of the Council and its relationship with Kent County Council and Central Government.
Picture: Leo Whitlock from Canterbury City Council tell us about his roles. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
