Issue - meetings

This report sets out the results of the recent Community Governance Review consultation and seeks approval for the next steps in the process.

The report of the Chief Executive set out the results of the recent Community Governance Review consultation (attached at Annex 1) and sought approval for the next steps in the process.

Following public consultation, the majority of responders were in favour of a town council being established in Tonbridge.  The full results of the consultation were provided in Annex 1.   Members noted that the response rate compared favourably to other areas that had recently undertaken community governance review consultations. 

It was proposed that a second consultation be undertaken, as per the consultation plan, to seek views on more detailed aspects of a future Tonbridge town council such as whether the town council should be warded, the potential number of town councillors and whether it should have a mayor.  A draft consultation questionnaire was attached at Annex 2.

To minimise any conflict with the Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation it was proposed that the consultation take place for a 6-week period from 31 October to 12 December 2025. 

Members recorded appreciation to the Election Services Manager, the Strategic Economic Regeneration Manager and the Communications Team for a well-managed and well promoted consultation.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the Community Governance Review process be continued; and

(2)            the proposed next steps, detailed in 6.1 to 6.4 of the report, be approved.