With the May 1st local elections fast approaching, many candidates are making big promises about solving national issues. But here’s the truth: local councils don’t control immigration, NHS reform, or national housing targets.

We want to set the record straight. This election is about local issues—things your council can actually change.

What Local Councils Actually Do

Local councils have real power over:

Fixing roads and potholes
Managing waste and recycling
Supporting social care and vulnerable residents
Overseeing schools and education
Improving public health and leisure services
Making local planning decisions

These are the things that will be decided on May 1st—not national policies.

**What This Election Isn’t About**

Immigration Policy

Some candidates are talking about stopping immigration or controlling borders. But the reality is Kent County Council has zero power over immigration. That is a national issue controlled by Westminster, not local councils.

What councils can do is support local communities by improving schools, healthcare access, and public services—things that directly affect your daily life.

NHS Reform

Promises about fixing the NHS sound great, but local councils do not control NHS funding or policy. That’s up to the government and NHS England.

What Kent County Council can do is improve local health services, fund community care, and make sure residents have access to good doctors, dentists, and mental health support.

Changing Housing Targets

The number of houses built in our area is set by national government targets—not local councils. Councils are responsible for planning permissions and infrastructure, but they do not set how many homes must be built.

What councils can do is fight for better infrastructure, ensure new developments have proper roads, schools, and healthcare, and make sure local people benefit from planning decisions.

The Green Party: Focused on Local Issues That Matter

Green Party councillors like Paul Stepto and Mark Hood are focused on real local change—not empty promises about things the council has no control over.

If you want councillors who will fight for better roads, fairer housing, cleaner streets, and improved public services, vote Green on May 1st.

Support Mark and Paul’s Re-Election Campaign

Support Tonbridge’s hardworking Green Councillors Mark Hood and Paul Stepto by donating to their 2025 campaign. Even small donations make a big difference. Help keep Green voices on Kent County Council.

Learn More Here

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