Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Borough Council’s preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation.   Due regard was given to the views of the Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications detailed in the business case attached at Annex 3.   Cabinet welcomed the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, recognised the detailed and robust debate of Members and shared the concerns expressed regarding the financial impact of local government reorganisation and the overall devolution timetable.   The business case (attached at Annex 3) proposed a 3-unitary model  (option 3A) with a West Kent authority comprising Tonbridge and Malling, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas.  Following positive engagement and collaborative working with other Kent authorities, this option was potentially supported by five councils across the County.   It was observed that this was an important decision which would have significant consequences for the future of the Borough for decades and generations to come.  Particular reference was made to the views of parish/town councils and Cllr Boughton proposed that relevant supporting documentation could be included in the Borough Council’s final submission if provided in sufficient time.  It was also proposed by Cllr Boughton that any final drafting changes to the Borough Council’s submission before the Government deadline be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader.  Both of these proposals were seconded by Cllr Taylor and supported unanimously.   In recognition that the Borough Council had to submit a response to Government by 28 November 2025 and that option 3A offered the most efficient and least disruptive multi-unitary option for Kent, enabled long-term financial sustainability and reflected the position previously confirmed by Tonbridge and Malling at the interim submission to Government in March 2025, Cllr Boughton proposed, seconded by Cllr Taylor and Cabinet   RESOLVED:  That   (1)             the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the draft proposals for Local Government Reorganisation, be noted;   (2)             based on the evidence set out in the business case (Annex 3), the 3 unitary model, Option 3a be submitted to the Government by the deadline of 28 November 2025 as the Borough Council’s preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation;   (3)             any final drafting changes ahead of the submission deadline be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Borough Council; and   (4)             any relevant supporting documentation be included in the Borough Council’s final submission to Government if received in advance of the 28 November 2025 deadline.