Karen Constantine is your county councillor for Ramsgate
I’m passionate about fairness but I believe Ramsgate is being left behind. With some vision and hard work it could be, and should be, a vibrant community full of opportunities for all who live, work and visit here.
Local voters elected me to Kent County Council to be a vocal champion for our area. I have taken on the role knowing I am a strong voice for our corner of Kent and promising to fight for a fairer future for Thanet.
Championing Thanet
I love our isle. That’s why I fight at County Hall and within organisations like the NHS to ensure it’s a great place to live and work. We need decent jobs, homes, healthcare and education, and to feel safe as we live our lives. Within these pages you’ll find details of my activities as a councillor and a Labour Party activist.
Latest news from your county councillor
Even before the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment, Marie Curie estimated 68,000 retirees die in poverty each year.
Read more...
This week I have slammed Kent County Council’s cuts to funding for adult education in the arts.
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I was privileged to attend the TUC women’s conference on the 6th – 8th of March at Congress House London.
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Campaigners against the redevelopment of Manston into an air cargo hub have won the right to appeal an earlier decision that gave the green light to developers.
Read more...Mother and baby home stories
In 1978 I was ‘packed off’ to a mother and baby home many miles from where I lived… I had just turned 15 and I didn’t have any choice or say in the matter.
Now I am writing a book that recounts the experiences of women, many of whom were forced to give up their babies for adoption.
This largely hidden history is gaining media interest and I have joined the campaign to call for an official Government apology.
Read more at motherandbabyhomestories.com
Concerned about OUR NHS? Worried about Stroke services being moved from Margate to Ashford?
The local Labour team, myself included, continues to fight against the potentially damaging changes to our NHS services, including moving Stroke Services to Ashford and reducing the number of local GP surgeries. Look out for Labour Party stalls in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Cliftonville, with more locations planned. Come and meet us to discuss the plans and air your own concerns. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for upcoming activities.
Media coverage
Although I aim to write a lot on this site about the things that matter most in Thanet, Kent and further afield, it’s sometimes easier to link to news coverage from local and national media. For the latest stories where I have provided a Councillor’s opinion please visit my media pages.
Fill in the form to fill in a pothole
As your Ramsgate County Councillor, I am urging Thanet residents to report more potholes on roads and footpaths in an effort to get Thanet roads and footpaths repaired.
Despite Kent County Council finding £7.5 million to fix potholes, Thanet still has many dangerous potholes and I am urging residents to report them. The on line reporting tool is simple to use and includes a video of how to fill in the form.Or call KCC to report the potholes.
Thanet is riddled with potholes but people need to report them while there are funds to ensure their repair. Once this money is gone we’ll struggle to get repairs done.
Pop-Up Surgeries around Ramsgate
I hold regular surgeries at various venues in and around Ramsgate. If you have a matter that you wish to discuss, please come along to the next date. I also publish these details on my Facebook and Twitter pages.
No appointment is necessary for a surgery, but if you wish to meet me an another time or location please call me on 07984 532212.
Know your rights at work
Do you want to know your rights at work? Do you have a problem that you need help to solve?
As a former senior trade union officer and Kent County Councillor for Ramsgate, I can provide help and advise on employment issues for Thanet residents. Call my mobile on 07984 532212 or email me on karen@karen4labour.uk in strictest confidence to arrange a chat.
South Thanet Labour Party Office, 30 Newington Road, Newington, Ramsgate, CT12 6EE.
Responsibilities
At Kent County Council I am Deputy Group Leader for Labour.
I’m privileged to sit on the following committees at County:
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC),
Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee.
Additionally I am co-leader in the Kent and Medway Fire Authority.
Supporting our community
A list of local organisations that I have been able to support with my KCC Member Grant is available here.