Tonbridge Bean

Tonbridge could be poised for a significant shift in its local governance as a formal review into the establishment of a town council gains momentum. This initiative follows a decisive vote by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) and the validation of a petition signed by over 2,000 residents, signaling strong community interest in creating a dedicated local body to represent the town and manage specific services.

A Push for Local Representation

Currently, Tonbridge stands out as the only area within the TMBC jurisdiction without a town or parish council. Local services such as public toilets, parks, and community spaces are managed directly by the borough council and funded through an additional charge known as “special expenses” on residents’ council tax bills. For the fiscal year starting April 2025, this charge is projected to be approximately £77 per household.tmbc.gov.uk

The proposed town council would encompass around 16,000 households, providing a more localized governance structure. Advocates argue that this change would allow for more tailored services and a stronger community voice in decision-making processes.tmbc.gov.uk

Community Governance Review Underway

The process to evaluate the feasibility and implications of establishing a town council is formally known as a Community Governance Review (CGR). This review is being conducted by a cross-party group of borough councillors and is mandated to be completed within a year.

A key component of the CGR is public consultation. Residents will have the opportunity to express their views on the proposal, ensuring that any decision reflects the community’s preferences. The consultation phase is expected to commence in the summer, with details to be disseminated through official TMBC channels.

Broader Context and Implications

The review coincides with broader governmental plans to reform council structures across England, potentially leading to the merging of borough authorities like TMBC with neighboring councils. In this context, establishing a town council for Tonbridge could provide a measure of local autonomy and ensure that the town’s specific needs and priorities are addressed.tmbc.gov.uk

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Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of TMBC, emphasized the significance of the review:

“The creation of a town council would mark a significant change for Tonbridge in how some local services are delivered and paid for. We’ll be doing our utmost over the coming months to ensure as many people as possible have a voice in the decision.tmbc.gov.uk

“The review will need to be thorough in exploring all the implications of creating a town council and share the relevant information with residents so they are well informed when responding to the forthcoming consultation on this proposal.”tmbc.gov.uk

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Next Steps

As the CGR progresses, TMBC will provide regular updates and information to keep residents informed. The outcomes of the public consultation will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations, which will be subject to a vote by the full council.

A review has started to explore the possibility of creating a town council for Tonbridge.

This follows a vote by Tonbridge and Malling borough councillors and the submission of a petition with over 2,000 signatures to conduct a review into the idea of a local body to represent the town and manage some local services.

Currently, these services are provided by the borough council and funded through a precept on council tax bills.

The review will be completed within a year.

What happens next?

• A Community Governance Review (CGR) will now take place, led by a cross-party group of councillors.

• The review will include a public consultation to gather feedback from residents.

• Recommendations will then be made and voted on by the full council.

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