Does Royal Tunbridge Wells need a town council?

Currently, Southborough and Paddock Wood have town councils, with the rest of the borough, Cranbrook, Pembury, and everywhere else, having parish councils, except for the actual town of Royal Tunbridge Wells which is un-parished and has no town or parish council.

Being independent of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, a Royal Tunbridge Wells town council could take over a number of the services that the borough council currently undertakes for the town, especially if these services could be at risk of cuts in the current financial climate.

As a local council, a Royal Tunbridge Wells town council could also apply for grants, opening doors to new sources of finance for the town. The message seems to be that you can look upon a town council as an enabler to provide enhanced benefits and services especially for the currently un-parished area and its residents.

A town council would, of course, cost money, although the councillors would not be paid. Additional costs would be incurred in hiring a town council clerk plus any additional staff, contracts and services, rent for offices and meeting rooms and day to day operating costs. The additional costs for a town council would be charged as a ‘precept’ through your council tax bill. The average town council precept across the country is £57, but this varies a lot depending on the population, house values and services provided. Royal Tunbridge Wells is large, which reduces costs per head. A town council precept is not capped. Many towns have a mechanism whereby they consult with their residents on what services they want. It should also be noted that people in Bands A, B and C pay less and those on low incomes and/or benefits are entitled to an 80% reduction, depending on their circumstances.

A quick scout around the Internet provides a number of case studies showing the benefits of town councils. Having formed a town council in Aylesbury (population 40,000), they were able to form an agreement with the county council to deliver minor maintenance to footpaths and roads. In addition, Aylesbury town council now maintains street furniture and signs and tackles what they call ‘grot spots’. A funding package was also agreed with their county council colleagues to match the spend of the town council, opening the door to investment in staff and equipment for maintaining and regenerating the appearance of the town.

I believe a town council could open up great opportunity to really get behind Royal Tunbridge Wells’ community events such as Local & Live. It would also give residents a democratic say in helping to shape a prosperous and vibrant new future for the town. It is bizarre that the residents of the un-parished area of Royal Tunbridge Wells do not have an official say in such important matters as planning like other parishes and towns in the borough.

Had there been a town council years ago, perhaps we would not have the eternal grot-spot gracing our town’s centre.

First prospective candidate announced for 2023 local elections

The Alliance has announced their first prospective candidate for the borough council elections in May 2023 – Alison Webster in Goudhurst and Lamberhurst. Alison is already working hard for her community and would be a fantastic borough councillor.

Alison said: “I am delighted to have been selected by The Alliance as their prospective candidate for May 2023 and will work hard to do all I can to help all the residents in our community.“

We are in the process of talking to other prospective candidates and will announce them over the next few months.

If you are interested in representing the Alliance on the council, working for the residents in your local area, independent of all national political parties, or want to support the Alliance in other ways, please get in touch with our chair, Nick Pope at nick@twalliance.com.

2022 Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Tunbridge Wells Alliance will be held on TUESDAY 19th JULY at 7.00 p.m. at Sankeys, 39 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8AA.

Although most memberships have lapsed due to Covid, invitations to the AGM are being sent to previous members and supporters. To receive an invitation to the meeting, please complete The Alliance Subscription details on the home page (twalliance.com).

The agenda for the formal business at the meeting is as follows:

1. Apologies for absence (Officers and Executive Committee Members only)

2. Report by the Chair

3. Report by the Group Leader

4. Presentation of the Financial Statement for the period, and Treasurer’s Report

5. Election of Officers

   1. Chair

   2. Treasurer

   3. Nominating Officer

   4. Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee

6. Any other business

Following the May local elections we have nine councillors forming part of the Borough Partnership with Lib Dem’s, Labour and Independent, Rodney Atkins.

As well as the formal business, the purpose of this meeting is to begin the process of building on our strong performance in May. We are an important and influential party on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

We really need to understand the local policy issues that affect you and how best they can be addressed. This will also be an opportunity to meet the Alliance councillors and discuss issues of concern with them as well as to offer comments on our manifesto.

To succeed we need members who support us through donations and other encouragement and join us in roles such as Press Officer, Party Secretary / Manager, Website Manager, Campaign Manager and Policy Champions, as well as potential future candidates.

Please do not hesitate to put yourself forward if you would like to get involved in any of these roles. You can do this at the meeting, or in advance by contacting the Chair by email or telephone below. Contact: Nick Pope on 07956340255 or nick@twalliance.com