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Cabinet - Thursday, 25 June 2026 - 6.00 pm
June 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026, approving the sale of Cemetery Lodge to generate capital receipts for council projects and noting the Royal Victoria Place Investment Transactions for January to March 2026. The meeting also saw the establishment of a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board and the approval of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review timetable and notice of intention to commence preparation.
Sale of Cemetery Lodge
The Cabinet approved the disposal of Cemetery Lodge, granting delegated authority to the Head of Property and Estates to negotiate and agree the terms of the sale. The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services was authorised to negotiate and complete all necessary legal documentation. The reason for this decision was to provide the Council with a substantial capital receipt to invest in its capital projects.
Royal Victoria Place Investment Transactions January to March 2026
The Cabinet noted the report on investment transactions at Royal Victoria Place (RVP) for the period January to March 2026. The report indicated that RVP continued to perform well in terms of footfall and net operating income. Two lease renewals were completed, and two new leases were agreed, with all terms in accordance with the RVP 2025-27 Business Plan and the engagement of the Investment Advisory Panel.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review
The Cabinet noted the Local Plan Review, which will be prepared in accordance with new plan-making regulations that came into force on 25 March 2026. They approved the Local Plan Timetable and its publication, along with the Notice of Intention to commence local plan preparation, which is to be published online on or before 30 June 2026. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Planning Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, the Leader of the Council, and the Chief Executive, to approve any updates to the Notice of Intention and its publication. The Cabinet also approved the approach to delegation and sign-off arrangements for the key timetable stages in the production of the new Local Plan. The reason for this decision was to comply with the Development Strategy that an early review of the Local Plan should take place within six months of adoption.
Establishment of a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board
The Cabinet resolved to establish a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board and support its operations. They approved the draft terms of reference for the Board, appointed the Portfolio Holder for Planning as its Chair, and authorised the Leader to appoint borough councillors to the Board until the Council's annual meeting in 2027, after which they will be eligible for reappointment. The reason for this decision was to assist with ongoing stakeholder discussions and improve the delivery of infrastructure, ensuring regular communication.
Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report Quarter 4
The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator position for 2025/26. They also noted the unaudited actual for investment and bank interest, which was £2,738,000, an increase of £738,000 from the approved budget of £2,000,000. Other interest and investment income received was £69,000, an increase of £20,000 from the approved budget. The reason for the decision was to ensure effective cash flow management, vital for supporting all services provided by the Council, with interest received from investments being an important source of income for setting a balanced budget.
Capital Management Report Quarter 4
The Cabinet noted the unaudited actual gross and net expenditure for the year and the sources of finance, as shown in Appendices B to D. They approved the proposed variations to the Capital programme, the inclusion of new schemes into the capital programme, and the proposed movement between years. The reason for this decision was that managing and forecasting capital expenditure effectively is vital to support all services provided by the Council.
Revenue Management Report Quarter 4
The Cabinet noted the unaudited actual revenue expenditure outturn and impact on reserves for the year ended 31 March 2026. The report highlighted strong income streams, particularly from parking, and a generally healthy revenue budget.
TWBC Net Zero
The Cabinet recommended to Full Council that progress to date, achieving a 54% reduction in the Council's Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018/19, be noted. They approved the Corporate Net Zero Strategy and recommended it for adoption by Full Council. The Cabinet also recommended realigning the corporate net zero target to 2046/47, approving the new short- and long-term interim targets set out in the strategy, and that the 2046/47 target supersede the initial 2030 corporate target element of the 2019 climate and biodiversity motion. The reason for this decision was to adopt a robust, evidence-based, and verified pathway to net zero, ensuring the Council's climate commitments are credible, achievable, and aligned with recognised best practice.
Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-31
The Cabinet approved the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-2031. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy in response to future legislative or guidance updates. The reason for this decision was to comply with the requirements of the Government's Regulators' Code and RRA statutory guidance.
Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy
The Cabinet approved the Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy in response to future legislative or guidance updates. The reason for this decision was to comply with the requirements of the Government's Regulators' Code and RRA statutory guidance.
Performance Summary Quarter 4
The Cabinet noted the summary of service performance over quarter four, 2025/26. The report indicated that 16 out of 21 performance indicators with targets were performing against target.
Complaints Summary Quarters 2025-26
The Cabinet noted the summary of complaints for the year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. They approved the LGSCO Self-Assessment against the Code of Practice at Appendix B and noted the Annual Review Letter relating to Council performance for 2025-26. The reason for the decision was to enable Cabinet to understand the Council's current performance in relation to complaints handling.
The meeting concluded at 7:18 pm.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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The Cabinet decided to establish a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board. The board will oversee the delivery of strategic sites and infrastructure for Paddock Wood and East Capel. The Portfolio Holder for Planning will be appointed as Chair, and borough councillors will be appointed to the Board.
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Complaints Summary Quarters 2025-26
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to note the summary of complaints for 2025-26, approve the LGSCO Self-Assessment against the Code of Practice, and note the Annual Review Letter relating to Council performance for 2025-26. This decision was made on 25/06/2026. The council's complaints handling procedure has been amended to a two-stage process with set response times, and a new mandatory council-wide training is being implemented.
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Sale of Cemetery Lodge
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to approve the disposal of Cemetery Lodge on 25 June 2026. Delegated authority was granted to the Head of Property and Estates, in consultation with others, to negotiate and agree the terms of the disposal. The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services was authorised to negotiate and complete all necessary legal documentation.
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RVP Investment Transactions January to March 2026
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to note the report on property transactions at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre. This decision was made on 25/06/2026. The report detailed lease renewals, new leases, agreements, wayleaves, short-term use licences, tenancy at will letters, and a section 25 notice served under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
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Performance Summary Quarter 4
Decision MadeCabinet decided to note the summary of service performance for quarter four of 2025/26 on 25/06/2026. The report detailed performance across various services including contact centre, community safety, housing, health, environment, HR, economic development, finance, parking, planning, and revenues.
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Revenue Management Report Quarter 4
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to note the unaudited actual revenue expenditure outturn and impact on reserves for the year ended 31 March 2026. This decision was made on 25/06/2026. The report indicated that council services were £1,624,000 better than budget.
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The Cabinet decided to note the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator position for 2025/26. They noted that investment and bank interest was £2,738,000, an increase of £738,000 from the approved budget, and other interest and investment income received was £69,000, an increase of £20,000 from the approved budget. The surplus to budget will be transferred to reserves.
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Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-31
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to approve the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-2031 on 25 June 2026. They also delegated authority to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy.
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*TWBC Net Zero
Recommmend Forward to CouncilThe Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council decided on 25/06/2026 to recommend to Full Council the adoption of the Corporate Net Zero Strategy. This strategy realigns the corporate net zero target to 2046/47 and approves new short- and long-term interim targets. The decision also notes progress to date, achieving a 54% reduction in the Council's Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018/19.
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Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review
Decision MadeThe Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council decided on 25 June 2026 to approve the Local Plan Review timetable, the Notice of Intention to commence plan preparation, and the approach to delegation and sign-off arrangements for key stages. They also noted the Local Plan Review, including the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan. The decision included authorising the Head of Planning Services to update and publish the Local Plan Timetable, and giving delegated authority to the Head of Planning Services, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Leader of the Council, and Chief Executive to approve updates to the Notice of Intention.
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Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy
Decision MadeThe Cabinet decided to approve the new Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy on 25 June 2026. This policy will enable the council to meet its statutory enforcement duties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The decision delegates authority to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy.
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Capital Management Report Quarter 4
Decision MadeThe Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells decided on 25/06/2026 to note the unaudited actual gross and net expenditure for the year, approve proposed variations to the Capital programme, approve the inclusion of new schemes into the capital programme, and approve the proposed movement between years. The decision included approving variations to the Capital programme, the inclusion of new schemes, and movements between years.
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