The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 11 September 2025, and recommended that the Cabinet note the progress on the Angel Leisure Centre replacement project, supported a review of resources for managing information requests, and approved a revised Executive/Scrutiny Protocol. The committee also reviewed the Annual Service Delivery Plan 2025/26 - Quarter 1, noting areas of progress and those needing focus.

Angel Leisure Centre Replacement Project

The committee was updated on the progress of the Angel Leisure Centre replacement project¹, currently in the RIBA Stage 2 design phase. A public engagement exercise had commenced and would run until 24 September 2025. Members were informed that over 1,000 responses had been received, demonstrating strong public interest. Councillor Adem Mehmet, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, assured the committee that the project timeline was designed to address risks associated with anticipated local government reorganisation and potential future borrowing controls, emphasising that timely decision-making was critical.

Angel Leisure Centre

The proposed facility mix was expected to include a larger gym, group exercise studios, a dedicated spin studio, soft play and café, multiple use community facilities and a sports hall, together with changing rooms and flexible multi-purpose rooms. The committee was assured that the proposed facility mix included three community rooms, flexible spaces and that community use was a key consideration in the design.

The committee recommended that the Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board consider options for using proceeds from the redevelopment of the current Angel Centre site to offset debt incurred for the new leisure centre. They also noted the intention to present a fully costed business case before seeking approval for the final construction.

Annual Service Delivery Plan 2025/26 - Quarter 1

The committee reviewed the Annual Service Delivery Plan 2025/26 - Quarter 1, which provided data on the council's performance against milestones and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The report of the Chief Executive, Damian Roberts, indicated that 70% of activities were making good progress, with only two activities rated as red, both due to government delays.

Members discussed several matters:

• The managed return to IDOX² was making positive progress, with project management now handled by the Transformation Manager.
• An increase in fly tipping incidents and the implementation of higher fines.
• The need for improved communication with community groups, particularly regarding changes at Barden Lake.
• The installation of Digital Information Boards and contractual provisions for prompt restoration of out-of-action sites.

The committee recommended that appreciation be recorded for the overall progress and achievements made during Quarter 1, and that areas needing focus be noted.

Executive/Scrutiny Protocol

The committee reviewed the effectiveness of the Executive/Scrutiny Protocol to ensure it remained fit for purpose. The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Mrs Anita Oakley MA BA, had requested that the section on the Scrutiny Work Programme be amended to include reference to IT Strategies within the standing items for consideration.

Members recognised the importance of regular scrutiny of IT matters, citing the anticipated impact of technological changes such as AI. The committee recommended that the revised Protocol be approved.

Information Rights Request - Update

The committee received an update on the council's management of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI), the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).

Members were advised of the increasing volume and complexity of information rights requests, which had risen from approximately 720 three years ago to over 1,223 last year. This increase was attributed to greater public awareness, more requests from organisations, and frequent use in contentious matters such as planning applications.

The committee supported a review of resources for managing information requests, subject to any proposals being considered by the General Purposes Committee and the council.

South East Councils - Outside Body Update

Councillor Matt Boughton, Leader of the Council, provided an overview of the role and activities of South East Councils, an organisation uniting local authorities across the region to advocate for regional priorities and attract investment.

Other Matters

The committee noted the record of decisions taken by the Cabinet and Cabinet Members during August 2025, and the Work Programme setting out potential matters to be scrutinised during 2025/26.