The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026, approving updates to the planning validation checklist and noting progress on the maintenance of The Pantiles Colonnade. The meeting also reviewed the council's financial performance for the first quarter of the year, with reports on treasury management, capital expenditure, and revenue management all being noted and discussed.

Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report Quarter 1

The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicator position for 2026/27. It was also noted that the forecast for investment and bank interest is £2,200,000, an increase of £200,000 from the approved budget of £2,000,000. Councillor Christopher Hall, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, highlighted that this increase was due to more cash being available for investment as some capital projects had been rescheduled, and the council was achieving a higher than budgeted average interest rate. The reason for this decision was stated as: Ensuring effective cash flow management is vital in order to support all the services provided by the Council. The interest received from investments is an important source of income in helping to set a balanced budget.¹

Capital Management Report Quarter 1

The Cabinet approved variations to the capital programme and the inclusion of a new scheme, as well as noting the actual gross expenditure and sources of finance. Councillor Hall explained that managing and forecasting capital expenditure effectively was vital to support all council services. The report detailed that the capital expenditure for the year was forecast to be £19,901,000, a decrease from the opening forecast due to the rescheduling of disabled facilities grant expenditure and variations to the capital programme. The Cabinet approved the proposed variations, the inclusion of a new scheme for an electrical substation in Calverley Grounds, and the proposed movement of budgets between years.

Revenue Management Report Quarter 1

The Cabinet noted that the council anticipates a net expenditure of £18,032,000 on services by the end of the year, which is £525,000 over budget. Councillor Hall stated that the council would need to carefully manage and control costs to return to a balanced budget position. The report highlighted that the overspend was largely due to Fusion Lifestyle, the leisure centre managers, entering administration. The costs of keeping the centres open, along with lost revenue from the contract, had created a deficit. The Cabinet approved the transfer of £2,001,000 from the Grant Volatility Reserve to the Capital and Revenue Initiatives Earmarked Reserve to finance the capital programme. Jane Fineman, Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking, also reported that the Council's Annual Report and Accounts and Value for Money report had been signed off by Grant Thornton with no amendments or recommendations, making Tunbridge Wells Borough Council the first in Kent to achieve this.

New Updated Planning Validation Checklist (Post Public Consultation)

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Draft Tunbridge Wells Local Validation List, which will be used in the validation and processing of planning applications. Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, explained that the updated list was necessary due to the adoption of the Local Plan, changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, and new legislation regarding biodiversity net gain. The Head of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, was authorised to make any essential editorial, presentational, and other non-material changes prior to its online publication. The reason for this decision was To comply with the national requirements in keeping the Local Validation List up to date and increasing efficiency in validating and assessing planning applications going forward.²

Update on the Full Council Motion regarding the Maintenance of The Pantiles Colonnade

The Cabinet noted the report providing updates on the Full Council motion concerning the maintenance and protection of The Pantiles Colonnade. Councillor Lowe reported that repairs to the urgent columns were scheduled to begin on 28 September, with work progressing from the south-western end. He noted that each column presented unique challenges and that issues with guttering and downpipes, not owned by Targetfollow, would require permissions to be sought. Signage was being erected to inform residents and businesses that repairs were in progress and that businesses were open as usual. The Cabinet also agreed that updates would be provided verbally by the Cabinet Members for Planning and Economic Development at future Full Council and Cabinet meetings in the form of announcements, before a final written report is submitted to Full Council. This decision was made To follow up the agreement made at Full Council on 22 April 2026 regarding the protection of the historic assets at the Pantiles.³