Tonbridge Bean

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Residents of Tonbridge are now being invited to share more detailed views on how a potential elected town council could operate, marking the second stage of a year-long review process.

The move follows an initial consultation this summer, which revealed significant support for the formation of a town council in the area, currently the only part of the borough without one.

Strong Support Found in Initial Consultation

The first phase of the Community Governance Review (CGR), triggered by a councillor vote and a public petition earlier this year, attracted 3,257 responses—representing approximately 12% of the eligible population.

The results showed a clear preference for the proposal:

• 72% of respondents supported the creation of a town council.
• 23% were opposed.
• 5% were unsure.

The primary reasons for support included giving residents a stronger voice (47%) and improving local facilities (31%). However, those opposed mainly cited concerns over additional costs to council tax (41%) and the duplication of services (27%).

Focus Shifts to Operations and Structure

The current six-week consultation focuses on the practicalities of a new council, which would serve around 16,000 households. Key questions being posed to residents include:

• Whether the town council area should be divided into wards.
• The number of councillors that should be elected.
• Whether the town should have a mayor.

Damian Roberts, Electoral Registration Officer at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, emphasised the importance of this stage.

“With our first consultation showing strong support for a town council among those who took part, we now need to hear further views on some of the more detailed considerations that will inform the final decision,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who took part in the first stage… With a majority of responses in favour of the proposal, we are now inviting further views on key aspects of how a town council could operate.”

What Would a Town Council Do?

If established, the new body would be a separately elected council that could raise a precept (an additional amount added to council tax) to fund its activities. While Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council would continue to provide most major local services, a town council could take on responsibilities such as:

• Management of allotments and open spaces.
• Running community schemes.
• Providing support for tourism.
• Representing the interests of the community on a range of matters.

Next Steps and Final Decision

The second consultation runs until 12 December 2025.

The results will feed into the overall year-long review process, with the final decision on whether to establish a town council due to be taken by a meeting of borough councillors in February 2026.

To take part in the consultation, residents should visit the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council website.

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