New West Kent Council Confirmed

Sunday, 19 July 2026 15:57

The Government has confirmed how Kent will be split into 4 new unitary councils.

The Government has confirmed that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will become part of a new West Kent unitary council. The new council will bring together the current council areas of Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, and Maidstone.

From 1 April 2028, the new authority will bring together the services currently provided by borough and district councils and Kent County Council into a single organisation. Put simply, residents will deal with one council instead of two, making it easier to access the services they need.

Councillor Ben Chapelard, Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council wanted to reassure residents that, for now, it will be business as usual. Your council services will continue as normal and there will be no immediate changes for residents.

Over the next 22 months, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will work with neighbouring councils to create this new council. While there is a significant amount to do, we are starting from a strong position. We already work closely with Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, and Maidstone councils, and those relationships will help us make this transition successfully.

Local government plays a vital role in supporting communities, improving places and delivering the services people rely on every day. This reorganisation gives us the opportunity to bring services together, reduce complexity and build a council that is well placed to serve residents and businesses across West Kent for years to come.

For more information visit: https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/council/local-government-reorganisation