Can you afford even more tax?
Maidstone Borough Council has launched the first phase of a two-part public consultation as part of a Community Governance Review. This review aims to explore whether new parish or town councils should be created to represent the currently unparished areas of the borough.
This review comes in the context of population growth in Maidstone and expected local government changes, including the anticipated creation of new unitary authorities — such as a proposed ‘West Kent Council’ — which would replace both Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council by around 2028/29.
Currently, in the ME16 area, all local services are delivered directly by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and Kent County Council (KCC).
What Would a New Parish or Town Council Do?
A new local council could take on a range of responsibilities, such as:
- Managing local parks and public spaces
- Funding small-scale, community-led projects
- Applying for grants from bodies like the National Lottery
- Providing a stronger local voice on neighbourhood matters
Supporters argue that parish and town councils improve democratic representation and responsiveness to hyper-local issues, especially where residents feel their borough or county councillors are distant or unresponsive.
Points to Consider
However, there are also potential downsides:
- An additional layer of government may increase confusion about responsibilities
- Parish and town councils do not control major services like education or highways
- They can raise council tax through the ‘parish precept’, which may result in higher bills for local residents
Why Your Opinion Matters
This is an important decision about how your local area is represented in the future. The final decision will be made in April 2026, and your views are vital in helping us get it right.
👉 Please take a few minutes to complete our consultation survey below
Together, we can help shape the future of our community.