Agenda item

Consideration of the recommendations of Cabinet in respect of Setting the Budget 2026/27.

Due to the timescales and print deadlines, the recommendations of the meeting of Cabinet held on 10 February 2026 will be circulated to Members in advance of the meeting of Council.

In accordance with CPR 8.5 of the Constitution there will be a recorded vote for this item.

Item CB 26/19 referred from the Cabinet of 10 February 2026.

The Leader of the Borough Council proposed that Council Procedure Rule No 6.4 be suspended to allow the leading speakers from each Group to exceed the time limit on speeches when debating the budget proposals. Time limits on speeches would be reapplied following discussions on Setting the Budget and Setting the Council Tax.  This was seconded by Cllr Betts and supported by the Council.

In presenting the budget proposals, which had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet on 22 January and 10 February 2026 respectively, both the Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services and the Leader highlighted the positive financial outlook, the Borough Council’s continued debt-free status, the achievement of a balanced budget for 2026/27, the removal of savings targets and significant transfers to reserves totalling approximately £5.2 million.

The budget also included allocations for the replacement Angel Leisure Centre, a Local Plan reserve and a Local Government Reorganisation reserve.

Although Tonbridge and Malling faced the second highest reduction in core spending nationally strong financial planning had allowed for a balanced budget without the need for a Savings and Transformation Strategy.   The importance of maintaining flexibility and investing in key capital projects was emphasised.  Planned capital investments included digital CCTV, water safety systems, new sports facilities and improvements to public spaces.  The Borough Council would also continue supporting services such as temporary accommodation and homelessness initiatives.

Members expressed support for the positive financial management and the focus on protecting services.

It was proposed by Councillor Boughton and seconded by Councillor Betts  that the recommendations at Minute CB 26/19 be adopted. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 8.5 voting was recorded as follows:

Members voting for the motion:

Cllrs Banks, Barton, Bell, Bennison, Betts, Bishop, Boughton, Boxall, Bridge, Brown, Cannon, Chapman, Clokey, Cope, Dalton, Davis,  Hammond, Harman, Hickmott, Hood,  Hoskins, Hudson, Keers, King, Lark, McDermott, Mehmet, Oakley, Oliver, Palmer, Parry, Pilgrim, Rhodes, Roud, Tanner, Tatton, Taylor, Thornewell, Tunstall and Williams

Total: 40

Members voting against the motion: 0

Total: 0

Members abstaining: 0

Total: 0

(Total number of Members eligible to vote = 40)

RESOLVED: That the recommendations at Minute CB 26/19 be approved.