The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council met on Thursday 26 March 2026, approving the Royal Victoria Place business plan for 2026-27 and adopting a new housing payments policy. The meeting also saw the recommendation to Full Council for the award of a new Household Waste and Street Cleansing Contract, and the endorsement of refreshed plans for community safety and health inequalities.

Royal Victoria Place Business Plan 2026/27

Cabinet endorsed the Royal Victoria Place (RVP) Business Plan for 2026/27, which outlines the strategy for the shopping centre's regeneration and continued operation. The plan builds on the previous year's focus on stabilising the asset and retaining key tenants, with a new phase of working towards medium and longer-term goals, including a major redevelopment at the Ely Court end. Positive interventions, such as improvements to the car park and the introduction of new retailers, are beginning to yield results, with increased economic and social benefits and growing footfall. The plan aims to create an environment where new brands are attracted and existing tenants wish to remain. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director of Finance, Growth and Delivery to approve expenditure in line with the aims and objectives of the business plan.

Housing Payment Policy

Cabinet adopted the new Housing Payments policy, which has been developed in response to changes in government policy. The policy aims to prevent homelessness and provide support to those in financial hardship to remain in rented accommodation. It is also intended to be simpler to administer and more straightforward for residents. The funding for housing payments will remain the same as the current year for the next two years, at £130,000 for Tunbridge Wells. From April 2026, this funding will go into the Crisis and Resilience Fund, but while Tunbridge Wells remains a district council, it will remain with the council. The policy has been written in conjunction with the Housing Team to ensure it covers the Renters' Rights Act, which comes into effect from 1 May 2026.

Household Waste and Street Cleansing Contract Award

Cabinet recommended to Full Council the award of the new Household Waste and Recycling and Street Cleansing Contract from April 2027. This is a joint contract with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and the process has been ongoing for a considerable number of months, involving a wide range of officers and members. The report recommends the award of the contract to a preferred bidder, identified in an exempt appendix. There are no proposed changes to the current collection methodology, with the service continuing as is. The council is already ahead of the game in terms of government changes to recycling services and simpler recycling coming in this year and next. The collection of cartons will start in April, and for the new contract, flexible plastics will also be collected. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Head of Legal Partnership, Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, to accept any minor changes to the contract and associated documents. Authority was also delegated to the Head of Legal Partnership and Section 151 Officer to undertake all legal and financial requirements to complete the final contract and all ancillary documents, including property leases and partnership agreements as may be necessary. Finally, authority was delegated to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking, to implement an effective open book approach to the management of the contract's finances.

Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report Quarter 3

Cabinet noted the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator position for 2025-2026. The Council is on course to deliver an uplift on what was forecast for interest from investments and bank interest, with a forecast outturn of £2.72 million, an increase of £720,000 from the approved budget of £2 million. This is a further £120,000 from the quarter two position. The Council has had more cash to invest, mainly because some of its capital projects have been rescheduled. The average funds available for investment were budgeted to be £41.5 million, but by the end of quarter three, it is forecast that £59.5 million will be available. The Council forecasts an interest rate of 4.57% in quarter three, compared to the original budget of 4.82%. This is because although the additional funds available will result in more interest, the additional funds are being invested at lower rates than the existing portfolio. None of the prudential indicators were breached in quarter three.

Capital Management Report Quarter 3

Cabinet noted the changes to the capital budget as of Q3, including new capital projects, deferrals, and the acquisition of the TN2 Community Centre. An asset disposal was also recorded this quarter. Cabinet approved proposed variations to the capital programme and the inclusion of new schemes, as well as the proposed movement between years. Cabinet noted the actual gross expenditure and that net of revenue for the year and the sources of finances as shown in appendices B to D.

Revenue Management Report Quarter 3

Cabinet noted the revenue management report for quarter three. From a financial perspective, revenue performance as of Q3 looks broadly in line with what was forecast so far, with an expected underspend. Much of the underspend is being utilised to fund improvements to Torrington and RVP car parks. The work on the Torrington lifts has started, with one lift completed and work moving on to the second. Planning income is starting to recover and move in a more positive direction following the adoption of the Local Plan. However, there are concerns over the income being generated from both the Assembly Hall and the crematorium. Plans are being put in place to address these issues. Parking income, in particular, is helping to balance the difference in the revenue budget and is significantly above budget. RVP income is showing as being underachieved, but with the business plan endorsed earlier, there is confidence that rental income will gradually come through in the next financial year. Cabinet also agreed to move into exempt session to discuss an additional exempt appendix to the report.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026/27

Cabinet approved the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-27. The plan sets out five priorities that particularly affect or concern residents, including domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour (including business-related crime), substance abuse, road safety, and stalking and violence against women and girls. The plan builds on previous work, with falling crime rates showing effectiveness, but also includes new actions such as promoting support schemes for domestic abuse survivors, using roving CCTV cameras and diversionary activities to target anti-social behaviour, improving signposting for support services, engaging with young people through school programmes, and working with local businesses to enhance safety in the night-time economy.

Proposal for a Dogs on Leads Public Spaces Protection Order for The Grove

Cabinet agreed to implement the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order requiring dogs to be kept on leads in The Grove Park as soon as practicable following the cabinet call-in period. The decision followed extensive consultation, which revealed a majority in favour of the order. The PSPO aims to balance access to the park for all its different users, including pedestrians, children, and dog walkers, and will add an enforcement capability to the existing rule that dogs should be on leashes in this small and busy park. The order will be implemented for 18 months, allowing for a trial period to be revisited.

Review of Housing Assistance Policy 2026-30

Cabinet adopted the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy for 2026-30, which commences on 1st April 2026. The policy sets out the Council's approach to grants and financial assistance for adapting homes for disabled people, improving and repairing homes, bringing empty properties back into use, and installing energy efficiency measures. The policy includes several changes that expand some grants, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, and make other grants more generous. The Home Enablement and Home Straight grants are both increasing by £500. A fees grant has been added to the Disabled Facilities Grant to support applicants with professional costs or if an applicant sadly dies before improvement works are complete. The policy also makes housing assistance more accessible for armed forces veterans by no longer counting payments from certain compensation schemes in the means test for the Disabled Facilities Grant. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make any necessary changes to the policy if there is a change to legislation or budgetary pressures that impacts the application of the policy, provided it remains within the Council's agreed budget and policy framework.

Performance Summary Quarter 3

Cabinet noted the summary of service performance over quarter three for 2025-26. The Council has 21 performance indicators, 16 of which have targets, and 15 are currently performing well, with one underperforming: the collection of council tax. The target is 84%, and the current rate is 82.5%, a 1.5% drop. The reason for this dip is attributed to collection rates typically dipping at Christmas time, and confidence remains that the council is on track to recover this. Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Deputy Leader, commented on the Assembly Hall Theatre, noting a reduction in drop calls due to a recovery plan that includes training, a different staffing structure, and customer messaging to encourage contact via email or chat. The latest figures show a 4.44% drop in calls.

Refreshed Health Inequalities Action Plan 2026-29

Cabinet adopted the refreshed Health Inequalities Action Plan for 2026-29. The plan aims to reduce health inequalities through promotion, raising awareness, and increasing partnership working. It builds on the existing 2023-25 plan and retains the five priority areas: mental health, loneliness and isolation, addictions, obesity and physical inactivity, and people with disabilities and older people. The plan places a stronger emphasis on collaboration, prevention, improved signposting, and targeted support for those most at risk of poor health outcomes, particularly in areas of deprivation. The adoption of the plan will provide a shared strategic framework for partnership working over the next three years, support Kent County Council's wider public health objectives, and enable more robust monitoring of progress and impact.

The Biodiversity Duty Report

Cabinet approved the Council's first statutory Biodiversity Duty Report, covering the period 12 February 2024 to 1 January 2026. The report, prepared in line with the 2021 Environments Act, details the state of biodiversity in the borough and the plans and policies in place to improve it. It includes information on biodiversity net gain outcomes through the planning function, as required by law, as well as voluntary information on all work carried out by or on behalf of the Council for biodiversity. Cabinet also agreed that the report be published on the Council's website to meet the statutory deadline of 26 March 2026 and endorsed the Council's continued commitment to delivering and monitoring the actions set out in the report to ensure ongoing compliance with the biodiversity duty.

New Updated Planning Validation Checklist (Pre-Public Consultation)

Cabinet approved the draft Tunbridge Wells Local Validation List for public consultation for at least six weeks. The list provides guidance on the level and type of information required to accompany planning applications to ensure they are valid and can be properly processed. Changes have been made to integrate new policies from the adopted Local Plan and to address common omissions or errors identified by officers. Cabinet also authorised the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, to make changes to the wording or layout of the draft list before the consultation period begins, provided these changes do not materially alter the meaning of the consultation documents.

Review and Update of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Statement of Community Involvement (Pre-Public Consultation)

Cabinet approved the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for public consultation for at least six weeks. The SCI sets out how the Council will involve and consult the community in planning matters, including for strategic and policy documents, planning applications, appeals, and enforcement. The SCI was last reviewed in 2020, and the updated draft reflects changes in national policy and the new Town and Country Planning Regulations 2026. Cabinet also authorised the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, to make changes to the wording of the draft SCI before the consultation period begins, provided these changes do not materially alter the meaning of the consultation documents.

Sandhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan (Pre-Referendum Report)

Cabinet agreed to progress the Sandhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan (SNDP) to referendum, subject to modifications recommended by the independent examiner. The examiner concluded that the Plan meets the basic conditions and should proceed to a local referendum. Cabinet noted the examiner's report and agreed to the proposed modifications, which will be incorporated into the referendum version of the SNDP. If the referendum is positive, the Council will formally make the SNDP, which will then become part of the statutory development plan for Sandhurst Parish. Cabinet recommended that if the referendum result is positive, the Council formally makes the SNDP, subject to being satisfied that doing so would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations. This will be subsequently considered at the next Full Council meeting post-referendum.

Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan (Pre-Referendum Report)

Cabinet agreed to progress the Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan (SHBNDP) to referendum, subject to modifications recommended by the independent examiner. The examiner concluded that the Plan meets the basic conditions and should proceed to a local referendum. Cabinet noted the examiner's report and agreed to the proposed modifications, which will be incorporated into the referendum version of the SHBNDP. If the referendum is positive, the Council will formally make the SHBNDP, which will then become part of the statutory development plan for Southborough and High Brooms. Cabinet recommended that if the referendum result is positive, the Council formally makes the SHBNDP, subject to it being satisfied that doing so would not breach, or otherwise be incompatible with, any EU or human rights obligations. This will be subsequently considered at the next Full Council meeting post-referendum.

Revenue Management Report Quarter 3

Cabinet noted the revenue management report for quarter three. The Council is forecasting a net underspend of £790,000 for the year, an improvement of £183,000 compared to quarter two. However, £388,000 of this is public realm net income, which must be transferred back to reserves. £219,000 is to be transferred to the Capital and Revenue Initiatives Reserve to pay for the Torrington lift refurbishment, and £143,000 is to be transferred to the RVP Car Park Maintenance Reserve to fund the car park refurbishment. The remaining £40,000 is the forecast underspend for the year. Cabinet also agreed to move into exempt session to discuss an additional exempt appendix to the report.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of the date of the next meeting as Thursday 25 June 2026 at 6pm in the Town Hall.