Tonbridge Town Council Campaign: Green Party Councillors Lead the Charge for Local Representation

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. Our councillors are constantly listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and pushing for meaningful change—even when the cameras aren’t rolling. A prime example of this commitment is the ongoing campaign for a Tonbridge Town Council, a joint venture between the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats that aims to bring local decision-making back to the heart of our community.

Why a Town Council Matters

Tonbridge is the only area in the Tonbridge and Malling borough without a dedicated town or parish council. Since 1974, when local government was reorganised, the town has lacked a local body to champion its interests directly. Every other village or town in the borough has representation for their community needs, but Tonbridge residents rely on broader borough and county-level governance, leaving a democratic gap in our local decision-making.

A Tonbridge Town Council would bridge that gap, ensuring that decisions about local services and priorities are made by councillors who live in and understand the town. This council could advocate for our local businesses, protect essential services, and address environmental concerns with a focus that prioritises the people of Tonbridge.

The Green Party’s Role

Green Party councillors, led by Cllr Mark Hood, have been at the forefront of this campaign, working tirelessly to gather signatures for the petition and engage with residents. Cllr Hood has been a vocal advocate for the town council, emphasising the importance of local representation and accountability.

“It’s all good news,” Cllr Hood told West Kent Radio. “It is great to see the Conservative group have finally come on board. It is nice they support a Town Council now, but we were in the process of triggering it anyway.”

The petition, which needed 2,075 signatures (7.5% of the voting population), successfully hit its target on 10th February, thanks to the hard work of Green Party volunteers and supporters. This milestone has paved the way for a Community Governance Review, which will determine whether a town council is established.

What a Town Council Could Achieve

A Tonbridge Town Council would take responsibility for local assets and services, such as open spaces like the River Lawn and sports grounds, and could eventually oversee Tonbridge Castle. It would also provide a strong local voice to advocate for improvements to Kent County Council assets like libraries and roads.

One of the key advantages of a town council is that it would prioritise Tonbridge residents’ needs, rather than being subject to borough-wide priorities. For example, when Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council decided to sell River Lawn and 1-4 River Walk, it was against the wishes of local ward councillors. A town council would ensure that such decisions are made with the best interests of Tonbridge residents in mind.

How Much Would It Cost?

Residents currently pay £76.82 annually in “Special Expenses” to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for services that are typically handled by parish or town councils elsewhere. These funds could be redirected to a town council, ensuring local decisions on spending.

Costs would vary based on the services provided, with examples like Hildenborough Parish Council costing £59 per household and Sevenoaks Town Council costing £145.33 per household annually. Importantly, town councillors are unpaid, with funds going only to staff and service delivery.

Looking Ahead

The campaign for a Tonbridge Town Council is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Green Party councillors like Mark Hood, who have spent countless hours engaging with residents, gathering signatures, and navigating the complexities of council processes.

As part of our Working Hard, Not Just During Elections series, we are proud to highlight the efforts of our councillors in making Tonbridge a fairer, greener, and more democratic place for everyone.

If you support the campaign for a Tonbridge Town Council, let us know in the comments below or get in touch to find out how you can get involved. Together, we can bring local decision-making back to Tonbridge.

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