The Panel will be provided with an update by the Chief Executive and the Leader on the Local Government Reorganisation as well as an update by the Head of Electoral Services on the outcome of the Community Governance Review into a Town Council for Tonbridge.
Minutes:
In the first part of the presentation, the Chief Executive (Mr D Roberts) and the Council Leader (Cllr M Boughton) provided a comprehensive update to Borough, Town and Parish, and County Councillors on the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution process, including the Government’s legislative agenda, options for proposed models for new unitary authorities within Kent and Medway currently under consideration, and the implications for local councils and services.
Particular attention was drawn to the seven models under consideration for Kent and Medway, including three, four, and five unitary authority options, as well as the Kent County Council’s proposal of a single unitary with three Area Assemblies. Population criteria and the distribution of services and assets were discussed, with maps showing proposed boundaries of new unitary councils and population figures to illustrate the various options. The increased complexities and risks associated with boundary changes under some unitary models were highlighted and acknowledged given the requirement for a full Boundary Commission review process. The three Unitary option, based on initial consultancy analysis, proved to be a more financially sustainable model compared to the four Unitary option, and was the preferred option by the Borough Council alongside another four Councils in Kent and Medway.
With regard to the Neighbourhood Area Committees as introduced in the latest feedback from the Government, it was understood that these committees were intended to address concerns about local democracy and responsiveness, but their exact powers and relationship with parish councils remained to be determined.
In terms of the next steps and milestones of the Local Government Reorganisation programme, the proposal submission deadline of 28 November 2025 for all Councils within Kent and Medway was reiterated, with Government feedback and possible public consultation to follow in early 2026, elections to the new Unitary Councils in May 2027, and full implementation in April 2028. During the transition year between May 2027 and April 2028, existing Borough Councillors would continue delivering services for the borough, while the newly elected Unitary Councillors would prepare the new Unitary Council’s structures and policies.
Concerns were raised by Members of the Panel about the distribution of existing debts, particularly the risk of West Kent authorities inheriting a disproportionate share. It was noted that discussions with the Government and MPs to advocate for fair allocation were ongoing, noting that the new Unitary Councils would inherit both assets and liabilities, and that financial sustainability would be a key criterion for the proposals.
In response to questions raised by parish representatives about the implications of the Local Government Reorganisation for Town and Parish Councils, including precepts, asset ownership, and the role of Neighbourhood Area Committees, it was advised that parish assets and precepts would remain unchanged and that, while the relationship between Neighbourhood Area Committees and parishes was yet to be fully defined, there was no expectation that parish councils would be replaced or subsumed.
Furthermore, there was concern raised over the impact of the Local Government Reorganisation on Council staff, particularly regarding job security, staff transfers and the risk of staff leaving for other authorities that were included in the Devolution Priority Programme. As explained by the Chief Executive and based on what happened elsewhere in the country where reorganisation had taken place, the vast majority of staff would transfer on existing terms and conditions to the new Unitary Council and continue to deliver the services that residents needed. However, the main risk identified was retaining and attracting sufficient staff to maintain service delivery, due to retirements as a result of an aging profile and existing difficulty across the sector in recruiting to specialist roles.
Finally, reference was made to a communications campaign being coordinated across all 14 Councils in Kent and Medway to raise awareness among residents about the forthcoming reorganisation. The Borough Council committed to ongoing communications with Town and Parish Councils throughout the process, including regular updates, presentations and meeting with representatives of the Kent Association of Local Councils, especially while approaching key milestones.
In the second part of the presentation, the Head of Electoral Services provided an update on the outcome of the consultation in respect of a Community Governance Review into a town council for Tonbridge, showing a strong support from 72% of the 3,257 respondents for establishing a Tonbridge Town Council, although a 12% response rate of the electorate was noted.
A full report on the results of the consultation and the recommended next steps as part of the Community Governance Review would be presented to the next meeting of Council on 28 October 2025 for a final decision to be taken and, subject to approval by Members, legal orders would be prepared and elections for the new town council could take place in May 2027, aligning with the local election cycle.