The Audit and Governance Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of member complaints, a constitutional review, an update on the strategic risk register, and the committee's annual report. Additionally, the committee will consider the draft annual financial report and audit findings for 2025/26.

Update on Member Complaints

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on complaints received under the Members' Code of Conduct. The report covers the period from 1 March to 31 August 2026. It is noted that the Localism Act 2011 requires councils to adopt a Code of Conduct based on the Nolan Principles of Conduct in Public Life. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, along with most parish and town councils in the area, adopted the 'Kent Code'. The Borough Council is responsible for handling complaints against borough, parish, and town council members throughout the Tunbridge Wells Borough area. The report indicates that there are currently no outstanding complaints.

Constitutional Review Working Party Meeting

A report from the Constitutional Review Working Party is scheduled for discussion. This will cover proposed changes to the Constitution, specifically focusing on alterations to the Planning Committee and its operational protocols.

Strategic Risk Register Update

An update on the Strategic Risk Register is on the agenda. This report outlines the strategic risks identified by the Council, detailing the evaluated threat level and existing controls for each risk. The risks are developed in alignment with the Council's Strategic Plan 2025 objectives, which include Climate Action, Community Wellbeing, Sustainable Development, and a Vibrant Economy. Risk owners are responsible for identifying current mitigations and future actions to further mitigate these risks. The Council's risk management process is overseen by Mid Kent Audit, and risk owners are invited to attend Audit and Governance Committee meetings to discuss the Council's approach to managing specific risks.

Audit and Governance Annual Report

The committee is set to review the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report for 2025/26. This report details how the committee has discharged its duties throughout the year, providing assurance to the Council that internal control, governance, and risk management issues are being monitored and addressed. The report is expected to be presented to Full Council at a future meeting.

Draft Annual Financial Report and Audit Findings Report for 2025/26

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of the Draft Annual Financial Report and Audit Findings Report for 2025/26. This includes the appointed auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP's, Audit Findings Report and Auditor's Annual Report for 2025/26. The committee will be asked to approve the draft Statement of Accounts and the Annual Governance Statement. The report highlights that the audit is nearing completion with no material control deficiencies or significant issues identified, and an unqualified audit opinion is anticipated. The report also details the Council's financial performance, including a revenue underspend of £1.624 million and a capital underspend of £10.7 million, largely due to project deferrals. The Council's treasury management activities and pension liabilities are also discussed, alongside the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for the Council's future.

Changes to the Planning Committee

A supplementary report addresses proposed changes to the Planning Committee, stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the subsequent Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations introduce a national scheme of delegation for planning functions, with applications categorised into Schedule 1 (automatically delegated to officers) and Schedule 2 (delegated to officers unless referred to committee based on specific tests). The report outlines proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution, including the establishment of a referral protocol, the designation of nominated members and officers, and the continuation of delegated powers for certain application types such as Listed Building Consent and Tree Preservation Order applications. The changes are mandated to be in place by 31 October 2026.