‘Big Society’ encourages Port of Dover privatisation
There will now be further discussion of the Port of Dover’s plans to opt out of its Trust status. Photo: R Strutt
The news that a key feature of the UK Port of Dover’s strategy could soon be ready has prompted a ministerial call for more discussion on the the port’s privatisation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning said that in recognition of ongoing discussions and the importance of the issue to all concerned, he has decided to ask Dover Harbour Board ‘to publish more information about the nature and likely impact of the scheme than was available at the time of the statutory consultation.’
Both the Port of Dover Community Trust (PDCT) and the Employee Share Ownership Trust are included in this request for detail.
It appeared that the port was making mileage out of UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent call for the ‘Big Society’, by saying that the port’s plans to opt out of it’s trust status and find private investment was in line with overall government strategy. Bob Goldfield, CEO of the Port of Dover said last week that ‘Mr Cameron wishes communities to have more control of their destinies and with government now less able to invest in regenerating places such as Dover, the port is providing a unique opportunity for the people of Dover to do just that.’
However, Mr Penning said that the extra time ‘will give those organisations and individuals with an interest in the Port of Dover a further and better informed opportunity to comment on Dover Harbour Board's proposals’, adding that notices inviting written representations will be published in local newspapers, and those who have already written to the Department, including the local councils, local organisations and port users, are welcome to write again and provide any further comments they may have.
The period for further comments will run until Friday 27 August 2010.
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