Tonbridge Bean

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Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has launched the next phase of its community engagement regarding the creation of a dedicated Town Council for Tonbridge. following a significant show of support from residents during the summer.

While a final decision on the formation of the council will not be made until early 2026, the Borough Council is now seeking specific feedback on how such a body would be structured and governed.

Strong Support from First Consultation

The initial consultation, which ran from 2 June to 14 July 2025, garnered a substantial response from the community. TMBC received 3,257 responses, representing approximately 12% of the eligible population.

The results indicated a clear appetite for local representation:

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

Among those who voted in favor, the primary motivation was a desire for greater local influence. 47% of supporters felt a town council would give residents a stronger voice in local decisions. Other key drivers included the desire to improve local facilities and support (31%) and enhancing the status of Tonbridge (19%).

Phase Two: Defining the Structure

With the majority of respondents signaling that they would like a town council established, TMBC is now asking for views on the practical details of how the council would operate.

This new survey moves beyond the “yes or no” question and asks residents to help shape the framework of the potential council. The key areas currently under consultation include:

• Warding arrangements: How the town should be divided for electoral purposes.
• Representation: The number of councillors the town council should have.
• Civic Leadership: Whether the town council should appoint a Mayor.

Next Steps

This consultation is a vital step in ensuring that if a Town Council is formed, it is structured in a way that best serves the local population.

Residents are encouraged to participate in this survey to ensure their views on the council’s size and makeup are heard. The findings from this stage will inform the final decision scheduled for early 2026.

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