
If you attended the Tonbridge Rotary Club Christmas Festival on 24th November, you may have noticed a standout stall promoting an important campaign for our town’s future. Green Party councillors Mark Hood, Anna Cope and Stacey Pilgrim were joined by a dedicated group of volunteers to collect signatures supporting the creation of a Tonbridge Town Council.
Why Does Tonbridge Need a Town Council?

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.
What Could a Town Council Do?
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.
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.

How Do We Get There?

To initiate the process, a petition with 2,075 signatures (7.5% of the local population) is required to request a governance review. If successful, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council would then consult the community and potentially hold a referendum to gauge support.
This is the first step in returning control of local decisions to Tonbridge residents—a process long overdue after 50 years without a dedicated local council.
Want to Get Involved?
To follow the campaign and learn more about how you can contribute, visit the website today and follow the campaign on Facebook and X/Twitter. Together, we can ensure a brighter, more community-focused future for Tonbridge.
A big thank you goes to Sam Gallon for capturing the moment with incredible photography that highlighted the community spirit.




