Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the Tunbridge Wells Council Cabinet meeting on 25 September 2025. The Cabinet is expected to discuss the council's financial performance in the first quarter of the year, including capital and revenue management, as well as the treasury and prudential indicators. Also on the agenda is a review of the council's risk management policy, proposed improvements to the Putlands Leisure Centre, and a new procedure for temporary accommodation recharges.

Temporary Accommodation Recharge Procedure

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss and decide on recommendations regarding a new temporary accommodation recharge procedure. According to the Temporary Accommodation Recharge Procedure Cabinet Report, the council has a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation for people who are homeless and meet certain criteria¹. The report states that the council can recover the cost of providing temporary accommodation from residents, but the charges must be reasonable and affordable. The proposed new procedure aims to ensure a consistent and transparent approach to recharging residents for temporary accommodation.

The report outlines the proposed recharge procedure, including details of how the charges are calculated, how residents will be informed of the charges, and how they can appeal if they believe the charges are unreasonable. The procedure also sets out how the council will deal with arrears and recover outstanding debts.

Appendix A provides a schedule of dwellings used for temporary accommodation, while Appendix B details the proposed Temporary Accommodation Recharge Procedure.

Financial Performance: Quarter 1

The Cabinet is scheduled to review several reports related to the council's financial performance in the first quarter of 2025-26. These include the Capital Management Report Quarter 1, the Revenue Management Report Quarter 1, and the Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report Quarter 1.

The Capital Management Report Quarter 1 provides an overview of the council's capital programme, including details of expenditure, funding, and progress on key projects. Appendices to the report provide further details on the capital programme, including a schedule of projects, a summary of expenditure, and a review of key risks.

The Revenue Management Report Quarter 1 provides an overview of the council's revenue budget, including details of income, expenditure, and variances from budget. Appendices to the report provide further details on the revenue budget, including a summary of income and expenditure, a review of key variances, and a forecast of outturn for the year.

The Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report Quarter 1 provides an update on the council's treasury management activities, including details of borrowing, investments, and compliance with prudential indicators². Appendices to the report provide further details on treasury management activities, including a summary of the investment portfolio and a review of borrowing.

Risk Management Policy, Strategy and Framework

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider the Risk Management Policy Strategy and Framework. The covering report states that the council is committed to managing risk effectively, and that the policy, strategy and framework provide a structure for identifying, assessing, and managing risks across the organisation.

The report outlines the key elements of the policy, strategy and framework, including the risk management process, the roles and responsibilities of officers and members, and the arrangements for monitoring and reporting on risk. Appendix A is the Tunbridge Wells Risk Management Framework, and Appendix B is the Recovery Plan.

Putlands Leisure Centre - Improvement Works

The Cabinet will discuss proposed improvement works to Putlands Leisure Centre. According to the Putlands Improvements September Cabinet 2025 report, the council is committed to providing high-quality leisure facilities for residents, and the proposed improvements aim to enhance the facilities at Putlands and improve the customer experience.

The report outlines the proposed improvements, including details of the scope of works, the costs, and the timetable for delivery. Appendices to the report provide further details on the proposed improvements, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates.

Disposal of Surplus Former Store Building

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the disposal of a surplus former store building. The Former Store disposal Cabinet Report notes that the building is no longer required for council purposes and is considered surplus to requirements. Appendix A is a location plan, and Appendix B contains photographs of the building.

The report recommends that the building be disposed of on the open market, and that the proceeds of sale be used to support the council's capital programme. However, the Exempt Appendix to the report is exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972, as it contains:

Information relating to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority holding that information.

Annual Operating Plan 2025-26

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the Annual Operating Plan 2025-26. The Annual Operating Plan Covering Report states that the plan sets out the council's priorities and objectives for the year, and how it will deliver services and achieve its ambitions.

The report outlines the key elements of the plan, including the council's vision, priorities, and performance targets. The draft Annual Operating Plan is also included.

Performance Summary Quarter 1

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider the Performance Summary Quarter 1 2025-26. The report provides an overview of the council's performance against its key performance indicators³ in the first quarter of the year. Appendix A is the Q1 2025-26 Performance Report.