The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council met on Thursday, 23 July 2026. The meeting included discussions and decisions on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2027-28, the relocation of the crematorium lodge depot, the adoption of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the annual Corporate Health and Safety Report.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2027-28

The Cabinet approved the continuation of the income-banded Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for the 2027-28 financial year. No significant changes were made to the existing scheme, with the maximum percentage discount remaining at 80%. The only adjustment will be a percentage increase to the income bands, aligning with the Department for Work and Pensions' annual percentage uplift. This decision was made to maintain a simplified, inbuilt claiming process that covers a wide range of income ranges and to ensure consistency with neighbouring West Kent authorities ahead of local government reorganisation. The scheme, which provides financial assistance to low-income households, has seen its cost rise to an estimated £7,034,025 for 2026-27.

Crematorium Lodge Depot Re-location

The Cabinet approved proceeding with the works for the relocation of the cemetery depot to the Crematorium Lodge site. This move will enable the redevelopment of the former Benhall Mill depot site. The decision was deemed urgent and not subject to call-in due to the potential for serious prejudice to the Council's or public interest if delayed. The budget for these works, which forms part of the approved Capital Programme, was also approved. The Head of Property and Estates, in consultation with the Director of Finance, Growth and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, will oversee the development. The Cabinet also approved entering into necessary deeds and agreements, with the Head of Mid-Kent Legal Services authorised to complete all legal formalities. This relocation is expected to ensure best value for the Council by reducing capital costs and making better use of existing assets.

Adoption of Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Cabinet noted the publication of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Henceforth, the Council will have regard to the LNRS in relevant decision-making, in accordance with Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021. Authority for the consideration of the LNRS within development management procedures and plan-making has been delegated to the Head of Planning. Information on the LNRS, including a link to the published strategy, will be made available on the Council's website. The Council will continue to engage with the LNRS team at Kent County Council to ensure ongoing compliance with statutory duties, particularly following local government reorganisation.

Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report for 2025-26, which detailed the work undertaken to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. The report highlighted a reduction in conflict, threats of violence, and actual violence incidents, particularly at The Amelia Scott. While slips, trips, and falls saw a slight increase, the overall number of incidents remained relatively low given the number of public sites and staff. The report also confirmed no reportable incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) involving members of the public, and only one involving a staff member. The corporate Health and Safety priorities for 2026-27 were approved, including a review of personal protective equipment, preparation for Martyn's Law, and a review of property-specific health and safety policies.

Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet noted the strategic risk register and the arrangements for managing strategic risk. The register identifies key risks that could impact the Council's ability to achieve its objectives, including those related to the Royal Victoria Place development project and the capacity to deliver the transition to a new unitary authority. The report indicated that the unmitigated risk score for the successful development of Royal Victoria Place had increased due to uncertainties surrounding financial, timescale, and control impacts related to the potential listing of the Friendly Society building. The Council will continue to monitor and manage these risks, with risk owners providing updates and identifying mitigation strategies.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Cabinet resolved that appointments be made and considered for various outside bodies for the 2026-27 period. This included filling statutory appointments where required, such as for the Tunbridge Wells Commons Conservators and PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Joint Committee). Consideration was also given to vacant posts where the Council may appoint a representative, with a commitment to encourage members to fill these positions where possible.

Civic Award Nomination

The Cabinet resolved that Full Council be recommended to support the nomination of an individual for the award of a Civic Medallion, and to approve the award of a Civic Medallion to that individual. The report noted that this award is one of the highest honours the borough can bestow, and the nominee was described as having given decades of service. The decision to support the nomination was made in private session due to the confidential nature of the nominee's identity.

Property Transaction Reports

Two reports on property transactions were noted by the Cabinet. The Property Transaction Report for January to June 2026 detailed transactions completed under delegated authority, including lease and licence renewals, rent reviews, and the acquisition of the TN2 Community Centre. The Royal Victoria Place (RVP) Investment Transactions Report for April to June 2026 outlined lease renewals, new leases, deeds of agreement, and licences for short-term occupation at the shopping centre. Both reports were noted without further discussion in the public session.