Our vision for the next five years
Our values and priorities
Efficient services for all residents, maintaining and effective Council
We want the people of Tonbridge and Malling to enjoy good quality public services, to feel safe and enjoy the benefits that digital technologies offer. Between now and 2027 we will:
- Promote well-being and help people, especially our most vulnerable residents, to live healthy and active lifestyles. This includes facilitating good quality leisure facilities and services across Tonbridge and Malling.
- Through key partnership working with Kent Police and other partners, support residents and ensure safeguarding is an integral part of Council activity.
- Make our services and advice available to residents 24 hours a day through digital innovation, and ensure the borough council is able to respond efficiently to the needs of local residents.
- Further move the borough council forward so its services are delivered innovatively and in the most cost-effective and efficient way.
Sustaining a borough which cares for the environment
We’re committed to creating a borough which protects the environment and provides beautiful spaces for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Between now and 2027 we will:
- Deliver climate change plans which focus on cutting emissions and increasing biodiversity.
- Build on our track record of recycling more than anywhere else in Kent with measures to further improve rates while reducing overall levels of waste and fly-tipping.
- Improve environmental quality in the borough by tackling sources of pollution such as car idling and taxi emissions, backed up by design-led approaches in new developments and encouraging sustainable travel.
- Continue our successful management of parks, open spaces and leisure centres so the best recreational facilities are available to everyone.
- Recognise and support our local built heritage to give people pride in the place they live.
Improving housing options for local people, whilst protecting our outdoor areas
Improving housing options for local people, whilst protecting our outdoor areas of importance.Improve standards in the rented sector and support those at risk of homelessness through ensuring a strong focus on affordable housing. Between now and 2027 we will:
- Develop a Local Plan which will ensure the provision of new homes in appropriate locations, focusing on tackling the need to deliver a range of housing for the whole community.
- Ensure a supply of affordable housing for people who would struggle to buy on the open market.
- Use every power we can to support those who are most in need of housing support and at risk of becoming homeless.
- Improving standards in rented accommodation, including offering help to make flats and houses more energy efficient in order to recognise that this isn’t just an issue in the privately rented sector.
Investing in our local economy to help support residents and businesses, fostering sustainable growth
Investing in our local economy to help support residents and businesses and foster sustainable growth. We want to support businesses which are the lifeblood of the local economy and help them adapt and grow in the future. Between now and 2027 we will:
- Deliver a range of measures to help our local economy bounce back from the covid-19 pandemic and current economic pressures.
- Identify ways we could use our land and other assets better, especially in Tonbridge town centre.
- Develop proposals to raise the profile of Tonbridge Castle and all council assets, boosting income generation opportunities and our reputation as a partner to work with.
- Strengthen our links with strategic partners and funding bodies in the public and private sectors to maximise the support available for our local economy.