Tonbridge Bean

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has officially awarded a contract to private firm Kingdom to deliver borough-wide anti-social behaviour enforcement services, marking a major step in the council’s continued efforts to combat nuisance behaviour and improve public safety.

The decision, formally signed off by the Cabinet Member for Community Services on April 14, 2025, follows a rigorous procurement process using the Kent Business Portal. The newly awarded contract, worth £84,809.92, will see four enforcement officers deployed in the borough between May 7 and November 2, 2025.

Four-Officer Team to Patrol Borough

The team, composed of four officers working in two pairs across Tonbridge, Malling, and surrounding communities, will focus on addressing a wide range of anti-social behaviours. These include public drinking, littering, begging, and other nuisances that affect community well-being and local businesses.

The enforcement team will operate under the direction of TMBC and will work variable shifts in different areas depending on need. Their presence is intended to support existing police and council efforts while being more visible and proactive in local neighbourhoods.

Kingdom Selected Following Competitive Tender

The contract was opened for tender on March 19, 2025, with submissions due by April 4. Several organisations were invited to bid, with Kingdom emerging as the top candidate after the evaluation on April 8. Their bid was determined to be the most cost-effective and comprehensive, particularly in meeting key requirements like staff accreditation and operational readiness.

A key part of the evaluation was whether firms were accredited under Kent Police’s Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), which grants officers powers such as requesting names and addresses, seizing alcohol, dealing with begging, and stopping moving vehicles.

Funding from Local and National Sources

The £84,809.92 funding for the initiative is sourced from a combination of local council budget and national support. Specifically, £37,000 comes from a community initiatives fund for the 2025/26 fiscal year (as approved in December 2024), and £45,000 has been drawn from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

In addition, Parish and Town Councils have contributed £12,235 towards the scheme, with a further £5,000 pending approval. These combined resources reflect strong cross-sector support for addressing the rise in anti-social behaviour across Tonbridge and Malling.

Background: Ongoing Efforts to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

The decision to recommission an enforcement team follows a previous successful pilot, with councillors voting in March 2025 to reinstate the initiative for a six-month term. The need arose from increased reports of public disorder and complaints from residents and local businesses about anti-social conduct in public areas.

A council spokesperson said, “Our communities deserve to feel safe and respected. This contract represents a continuation of our commitment to cracking down on unacceptable behaviour that disrupts daily life.”

Community Reaction and Next Steps

While the full rollout of the enforcement team is set to begin in early May, many local residents have already welcomed the news. A post on a local Tonbridge Facebook group saw dozens of comments supporting stronger public order enforcement, especially around transport hubs, parks, and shopping districts.

However, some have expressed concern about the use of private firms in public policing roles, urging transparency and accountability throughout the operation. TMBC has assured the public that regular oversight will be maintained and that Kingdom will work closely with local police and council departments.

The council also noted that this initiative is part of a broader package of safety improvements, including more CCTV coverage, support for vulnerable individuals, and community outreach programmes.

Have Your Say

What do you think about Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s decision to bring in a private enforcement team? Do you think it will help curb anti-social behaviour in your area?

---

Have you subscribed?

Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.