LOCAL

Shaping the borough, making a difference

Winter 2018

Get your skates on! Pg 5

Free parking

Pg 5

Festive collections

Pg 17

Library moves

Ice skating in Calverley Grounds

Follow the latest news at... TWellsCouncil TunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncil tunbridgewells.gov.uk

 Christmas at Drusillas
from Saturday 17th November 2018
Meet Father Christmas
A meet-and-greet experience that includes a quality gift
(see website for dates, times and prices)

The Husky Cave

You’d be barking mad to miss it!
(see website for dates and times)

Christmas Lights
Daily from Saturday 17th November - Tuesday 1st January

Hello Kitty Parlour

Pop into the Parlour for seasonal activities
including Christmas face painting and tattoos
(see website for dates and times)

Festive Food
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine
and delicious mince pies

Book your
tickets
ONLvIaN E
in ad nce
n d S A V E 1 0%
a o.uk
las.c
www.drusil

Check out the details at www.drusillas.co.uk

At Alfriston just off the A27 near Eastbourne Call: 01323 874100
 Welcome to
5 to 10
Festive Special

Winter Local! 8
Ice rink in Calverley Grounds
We’re coming to the end of 2018, and will soon be welcoming in another
year, but before we do... there is a little matter of Christmas! Are you
ready? Check out our Festive Special on pages 5–10 from shopping,
events to info about when your bins will be emptied over the holiday
season. 12 to 15
In our autumn edition we highlighted some of the projects we are Shaping the borough, making
progressing and, in particular, how they are shaping the borough. a difference
In this edition, pages 12–14 have focussed on some of the
initiatives that are making a difference to residents in the borough
#shapingtheboroughmakingadifference.
16
You’ll also see our Statement of Accounts on pages 22–25. We’re In Bloom
asking for your views on the budget for the next financial year, so please
complete the online questionnaire – there are only eight questions to
answer and we would appreciate as many responses as possible.
There’s more information about the new recycling and waste service
for 2019, and we’ll be giving you lots more information in all the future
18 to 19
editions of Local. Our new contractor, Urbaser, will be doing a leaflet New recycling and waste
drop so please look out for this next February. service
We have packed in loads more news, updates and four pages of info
about shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre.
I hope you enjoy this edition, and I wish you all the best for 2019. 22 to 25
Statement of Accounts
Lizzie Goodwin, Editor

We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about Council

services and news. If you have any comments about the
26 to 28
magazine, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us by: What’s On at the Assembly
Hall Theatre
E-mail: Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Phone: 01892 526121
Post: Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager, Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS

S
TWellsCouncil TunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncil ign up for our Corporate
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd on 01892 677721 e-newsletter that will be
or e-mail davidh@spacemarketing.co.uk launched in the new year.
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do not endorse the communications@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
external products and services advertised in Local.
The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or subsequent changes.

If you require Local magazine in large print or on audio please phone 01892 554273
3
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 HEADER
FESTIVE

Everything you need Christmas Bin

Collections
for Christmas is right
here (well almost!) in O ver Christmas an
collections will co
brown bins empt
d New Year refuse
ntinue with the gr
ied as usual.
een and

our special festive Collections in Ch

Day onwards, will
ristmas week, fro
be collected two
m Christmas
days later than
feature.
normal. Collectio
ns in New Year we
Year ’s Day onwa ek, from New
rds will be collect
than normal. Mon ed one day later
day collections on
Eve and New Year Christmas
’s Eve are unaffec
ted.

Christmasurs Monday 24

opening ho
collection as norm
al
Tuesday 25
no collection
r Wednesday 26
nd New Yea no collection
Christmas a , Thursday 27
e Town Hall Tuesday's collect
closing at th ion
d The Weald
Friday 28
Gateway an
Wednesday's co
llection
Centre Saturday 29
Information Thursday's colle
ction
December Sunday 30
cl o se d o n Monday 24 Friday's collectio
We are ber. We are n
y 27 Decem Monday 31
until Thursda nuary. collection as norm
al
cl o se d o n Tuesday 1 Ja Tuesday 1
also no collection
ry
n b ri d g e Wells Cemete Wednesday 2
Tuesday's collect
Tu e
out th ion
pen through Thursday 3
will remain o r period. Wednesday's co
nd New Yea llection
Christmas a Friday 4
Thursday's colle
ction
Saturday 5
Friday's collectio
n
No Civic Amenity
Vehicle weekend
30 December an of 29 &
d 5 & 6 January

Farmers’ Market
Free Par king
Christmas
Come to
Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells
on 8 December, 9am–2pm
Monday 17 December

T
he Council is offering FREE
PARKING to shoppers and visitors
in the week before Christmas.
FREE PARKING from 4pm until
charging time the following day in all our
car parks where charges apply on:
to get early supplies for Christmas. Then
Tuesday 18 December head to the market on 22 December
Wednesday 19 December for all your last minute necessities
Thursday 20 December and delicious goodies to make your
entertaining extra special this year. You’ll
Friday 21 December
also find plenty of gift ideas. The stall-
Saturday 22 December holders look forward to seeing you.

5
FESTIVE

Christmas Recycling WHAT’S ON

This Christmas do your bit for the environment ROYAL VICTORIA
and please recycle what you can. Unfortunately, PLACE
it isn’t possible to recycle everything, so here’s a Santa’s Grotto open every
quick guide to what you can and cannot recycle day between Monday 19
November and Saturday 24
this festive season:
December.
THE SPA VALLEY
RAILWAY
Starting on 1 December
and running on many days
throughout December, the
Spa Valley Railway will be

 Cards and wrapping

Christmas Cards – YES Please put these in your
Teddy Selfie in aid
running their popular Santa
Special trains, starting from
of ellenor – Sunday 18 the Eridge end of the line
green box.
November – 24 December. into Tunbridge Wells. All info
Wrapping paper – NO As this is often made from poorer
quality paper and decorated with foil and/or glitter it can’t be Late Night Shopping can be found on Spa Valley
recycled. Please put it in your waste bin. til 8pm with FREE parking website spavalleyrailway.
from 4pm, Monday 17 – co.uk
Gift packaging – YES Paper and card can be recycled in
your green box. If you can, purchase gifts that aren’t over- Saturday 22 December.
packaged or request less packaging if you are able to.
THE FORUM
Check their website for
CHAPEL PLACE
 Food packaging
Turkey foil – YES This can go in the green box with any
Live Jazz band playing
everything that is going on
throughout December. Two
every Saturday throughout very different nights in the
plastic bottles, cans, pots, tubs and trays. December, funded by the run up to Christmas – Mike
Black or microwaveable trays – NO These can’t be retailers, with free festive Wilton of The Standard Lamps
recycled so should go in with your domestic waste. refreshments being served. (Kent/East Sussex band
Sweet and biscuit tins – YES Those made of either metal who supported The Who on
or plastic can be recycled in your green box. Or, alternatively, THE PANTILES their British Summertime
why not use them as storage boxes for crayons, pens, nuts, Markets will be taking place tour) is playing on Thursday
screws, curtain hooks and so on. every weekend throughout 20 December, and the Anti
Glass bottles – YES At the bring banks around December with Christmas Nowhere League have their
the borough. carols and music on the very loud and very anti-
bandstand and some establishment Christmas
 Christmas Trees
Real trees – YES As long as the trunk is under
outstanding Christmas
gift ideas from small, local
Party night on Saturday 22
December (this is very anti-
three inches (7.5cm) thick. If your tree is over six businesses. establishment – Christmas
feet, please cut it in half. Please put your real tree stuff definitely not for the faint-
out with your brown bin for collection. And don’t hearted or Bing Crosby White
forget to remove all the decorations! Christmas fan).
Artificial trees – YES Only by taking to
the Tunbridge Wells Household Waste
Recycling Centre at North Farm (the tip) SUPPORT LOCAL POP-UP
not at the kerbside. CHRISTMAS EVENTS

 Food waste
If you can’t freeze leftovers, please
Pop-ups at One Warwick Park Hotel, Royal
Tunbridge Wells on 9 and 16 December –
fabulous chance to pick up lovely Christmas
put any food waste into your gifts – go to supportlocalpopup.co.uk/
brown bin. popupeventdates for more information.

6
 FESTIVE

BENENDEN EVENTS that Arthur is destined to be king

The (Almost) World Famous Benenden
Panto: ‘The Legend of King
Arthur’.
Thursday 31 January to Sunday 3
February 2019.
Matinees (2.30pm start) Saturday 2 and
Sunday 3 February.
Evening performances (7.30pm start) on
Thursday 31, Friday 1 and Saturday 2
February.
Tickets on sale to general public from
3 December.
More details at benendenplayers.co.uk
The Legend of King Arthur takes place
in Kent (Camelot and all that Tintagel
nonsense is merely shameless cultural
appropriation by Cornwall). We see
Arthur being brought up by his two
aunts (Nelly and Nora Nockers), with
his friends Guin and Merlin, facing peril
from the evil Major Bragalot. Bragalot
is deeply envious of Arthur, particularly
when he learns from the village crone
hereafter. But his evil plans are thwarted
by three feisty witches, who ensure
that Arthur grows up safely. As an adult
Arthur manages to prove his rightful
inheritance, but he still has to face up to
Bragalot, his nemesis. Will he secure his
crown and the lovely Guinevere? Will
his Nelly and Nora get the men of their
dreams? Will anyone pay their taxes in
full before the Tax Inspector catches up
with them?
CRANBROOK EVENTS
9 December 2018, 7pm
Folk Concert – Peter Knight and
Jon Spiers at St Dunstan’s Church,
Cranbrook. Tickets £16.00. See
stedithfolk.co.uk for more details.
15 December 2018, 6pm
Cranbrook Choral Society
Christmas Concert
at St Dunstan’s Church, Cranbrook.
See cranbrookchoral.org.uk for more
details.
Travelling home at
Christmas?
Taxi safety this festive season
This Christmas and the New Year
remember to think ahead about travel
arrangements and always use a licensed
taxi. Taxis in Tunbridge Wells (also
known as Hackney Carriages) are white
with a licence plate on the rear, these
can be hailed (flagged down) or are
located at a taxi rank; inside they have a
meter which calculates the fare based on
charges set by the Council.
Private Hire vehicles in the borough
also have a licence plate on the rear
but can be any colour. They charge a
fare set by the Private Hire Operator
not the Council. You should always
book a private hire vehicle in advance;
if you haven’t pre-booked, the driver
commits an offence and passengers
place themselves at risk, as the driver’s
insurance does not cover ‘plying for
hire’ and his/her passengers will not be

T
here’s still time to donate a gift to the Mayor’s Toy Appeal insured.
and add a little joy to a child or teenager’s Christmas. Using a licensed vehicle improves your
safety. The licence means that, through
With some help from Father Christmas, your donated gifts will be
the Council’s application process, the
passed on to a local family where Christmas may be an especially difficult
drivers’ background has been checked
time of year. Last year your support meant
to an enhanced level and the vehicle has
over 500 children received presents they
regular mechanical checks. In addition,
otherwise wouldn’t have had.
passengers have the security of knowing
This year’s appeal closes on 12 December, that licensed drivers of taxis and private
new gifts only please and no soft toys, hire vehicles will be wearing a Council-
weapon-type toys or candles. There are lots issued photo ID card.
of local drop off points and you can find out
Anyone who has any concern about
more at twmta.co.uk. Thank you for helping.
a taxi can contact the Council’s
licensing team on 01892 554034,
quoting the licence plate details.

7
FESTIVE

Ice rink is now open!

Calverley Grounds has become our Singles Soirée (5 December) and Tickets are now on sale
perhaps meet a new friend in a fun setting
a Winter Wonderland as the ice Adults £14.50 and children £9.75
at the ice rink. including skate hire. We highly
rink is now open and bringing
Feeling particularly Christmassy? How recommend booking online in
the spirit of Christmas to about our Wreath Making workshops advance to get the best deal. Booking
Tunbridge Wells! (5–12 December) presented by The fees are 85p per ticket online or by
The ultimate winter destination and the Polar Bar. With all Christmas materials phone (over 50 per cent off other
definition of the festive season, book now provided, we create the most amazing booking methods). If you’d prefer to
or just come along for stylish skating, and beautiful wreaths together for our pay on arrival, booking fees are £2 in
festive food, drink and music. homes at Christmas. Don’t forget to bring person.
along some baubles and pine cones for Sessions sell out quickly so it is
By day or night, visitors can skate in the extra points though! advised that visitors book tickets in
beautiful splendour of Calverley Grounds advance to avoid disappointment on
decorated for Christmas with twinkling And of course, the ice rink is a perfect
place to take the kids. Dedicated the day. Go! Card tickets available at
festive lights. Come for a £5 and seals will be available at £4.
wander, grab some delicious 30 minute Parent
treats at our café or just delight The ice rink and Toddler sessions
in the splendour of the beautiful will take place every
experience is the morning at 9.45am, Full access is provided daily for all
Christmas lights.
perfect Christmas 10.15am and at 2pm events. Motorised and non-motorised
Also on offer are storytelling until the schools break wheelchair users are welcome to enjoy
sessions for small children from night out for the up for Christmas. the rink in their own wheelchair, but
KCC Libraries. The ice rink is Seals skating aids must be accompanied by an assisting
once again collaborating with
family
are available for companion.
The Forum – the lifeblood of youngsters to introduce
the live music scene – hosting live music The ice rink closes on Wednesday 2
them to the wonders of skating, so all the
events for the first four Thursday nights. January.
family can take to the ice together.
We also have local choirs performing
between 4pm and 6pm every Sunday, The ice rink experience is the perfect
and we present special ‘Tunbridge Wells Christmas night out for the family, with a
In Winter’ themed talks from museum skate in Calverley’s beautiful and majestic
staff including local expert Ian Beavis. winter surroundings followed by a stroll
up the hill to the Assembly Hall Theatre
And that’s not all… to see this year’s brilliant pantomime,
Sleeping Beauty! Starring Claire Sweeney
Perhaps romance is on your mind? and Milkshake’s Derek Moran, expect
Come along to our Date and Skate (28 dazzling special effects and all kinds of
November), and share a hot chocolate, mischief. Tunbridge Wells is the place to
before you take to the ice. Want be this Christmas.
something a bit more lighthearted? Join

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ice-skating
8

Panto is about to begin… Oh, yes it is!
The Wind in the
Willows
The Wind in the Willows brings an
explosion of anarchy, humour and heart
to Trinity Theatre this Christmas!
The adventures of Toad, Ratty, Mole
and Badger will be enjoyed by a new
audience this winter as Trinity Theatre’s
Christmas extravaganza brings this
sparkling new musical to life. Featuring
spectacular stagecraft and a company
of professional actors, as well as an
ensemble of young local performers
and a live orchestra, this is set to
be Trinity’s wildest adventure! This
beautiful adaptation, by Downton Abbey
creator Julian Fellowes and based on
Kenneth Grahame’s treasured novel,
features amazing designs, explosive
choreography and a gloriously British
score by Olivier Award-winning
FESTIVE
Sleeping Beauty
Friday 7 December – Wednesday 2 January
The Assembly Hall Theatre is very excited that this year’s panto
will be Sleeping Beauty! Starring musical theatre fave Claire
Sweeney as The Fairy Queen, Milkshake’s Derek Moran as
Silly Billy, and the returning Quinn Patrick as our Dame!
Following last year’s record breaking production of Aladdin, the
Assembly Hall Theatre and Martin Dodd for UK Productions
proudly present another spectacular Christmas pantomime.
Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful princess was
born. Cursed by a wicked fairy, she was destined to spend her
life as the Sleeping Beauty, until awakened by true love’s kiss...
This magical story promises to be jam-packed with smash-
hit songs, stunning sets, spectacular costumes, and majestic
special effects.
The panto runs from Friday 7 December to Wednesday 2
January and tickets are available now on our website, at
Tunbridge Wells Gateway and from our Box Office.
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sleeping-beauty
Happy
composer and lyricist George Stiles Christmas from
and Anthony Drewe.
TWLotto
This Christmas swap magic carpet
rides and poisoned apples for this
heartwarming story of friendship as you
venture through the Wild Woods with
Toad and his band of rambunctious You can now buy Lotto tickets
friends, in fantastical style. as a gift
To book visit trinitytheatre.net/ TWLotto.co.uk
events/the-wind-in-the-willows or
call 01892 678 678.
9
FESTIVE

The 12 Days of Christmas

C
hristmas is that
enchanting time of year
when we change our
focus to think about others.
As our youngsters take part in
nativity plays and we gather to
sing Christmas carols, we give
gifts to symbolise our affection
for each other, as well as how
much we value our friends,
neighbours and relatives.
The book ‘A Christmas Carol’ was written everyone’s step, including those providing
by Charles Dickens in 1843. The book
highlighted the difference between rich
and poor and the joy to be found not only
in helping those less fortunate but also
in being engaged with their lives. Over
175 years later there are still millions of
people living in poverty across the world. play a fairer game.
One simple way we can help to bring
about a better and fairer world for
others is to choose products carrying
the Fairtrade Mark. With the help of
Fairtrade, millions of farmers and workers
throughout the world are able to earn
their way out of poverty and transform
their communities.
Using the popular Christmas tune, we
have come up with an alternative list of
Fairtrade items for ‘The Twelve Days of
Christmas’, to get your shopping off to a
good start. Many of these products can
be bought in our local shops.
Here are just a few of the
Fairtrade items available:
Top of the list is the Fairtrade Advent
Calendar. Less than eight per cent
of chocolate we buy is Fairtrade; when you
add Fairtrade chocolate to your shopping
Mulled wine tastes even better with
list you support struggling cocoa farmers.
Fairtrade spices, especially
cinnamon and cloves.
We all love new socks at Christmas
(don’t we?); when you make a gift of
Fairtrade socks you put a bit of warmth in Treat your loved ones to Fairtrade
beauty products. There are nearly
150 different products, many of which are
fairly traded textiles and materials.
available in local stores. Be environmentally
friendly – buy Fairtrade soap bars.
Fairtrade sports balls make a real
difference to the lives of those who
make them. Footballs, netballs, rugby balls Fill your Christmas stockings with
and futsal balls are all available, so why not Fairtrade gifts, not forgetting nuts
and Fairtrade gold coins, and decorate
your tree with handmade decorations.
Adding Fairtrade sugar and fruit for
Have a Fairtrade breakfast with
your Christmas baking makes
festive tea, coffee, jams and
Christmas taste better for producers as well.
marmalade. You can even buy chocolate
and nut spreads to make the day taste
’Five Gold Rings’ – 16 million men, sweeter!
women and children are pushed into
small scale gold mining by poverty. You can
help change their lives by buying Fairtrade Pair a great tasting Fairtrade
gold and jewellery. wine with your Christmas
dinner, and don’t forget the Fairtrade
after-dinner chocolate mints.
Don’t forget Fairtrade spirits and
nuts for your Christmas party. Finally, put the finishing touches
There are many soft drinks to your Christmas table with
available, including cola and lemonade. Fairtrade flowers. Or simply give them as a
gift to a loved one.

Buying Fairtrade is easy: Find out more about the Fairtrade products and
producers at:
With over 4,500 Fairtrade products available,
the power to change lives is in our hands. So Fairtrade.org.uk/Buying-Fairtrade
this year, before you fill your trolleys with the Fairtrade.org.uk/Farmers-and-Workers
usual branded items, please pause and take
a moment to consider a Fairtrade option. twfairtrade.org.uk

10
 PARTNERSHIP

Full Service started on
21 November 2018
If you need to make a claim for one of
the following benefits/tax credits the
process will now be different.
Universal Credit replaces the following
working-age benefits:
●● Housing Benefit
●● Income Support
●● Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income
Based)
●● Employment and Support Allowance
(Income Based)
●● Working Tax Credit
●● Child Tax Credit
If you are already receiving any of these
benefits, you will be transferred as part
of a managed process by 2023. You
may be transferred sooner if there is
a change to one of your benefits or if
you need to make a new claim. You'll
receive a letter if you are affected by the
change to Universal Credit.
How to apply for Universal
Credit after 21 November 2018
You need to apply for Universal Credit
online. Please go to gov.uk and search
for Universal Credit.
If you don't have access to a computer
or device with internet access, you can
use the internet at our Gateway or local
libraries.
When you apply you'll need:
●● photographic ID, for example a
passport or driving licence
●● evidence of bank accounts
●● evidence of income
How Universal Credit is paid
A single monthly payment will be paid
into your bank, building society or Credit
Union account.
If you live with your partner you will
have to make a joint claim for Universal
Credit and will receive a single payment
that covers you both.
This means you'll need to manage your
bills and costs for the whole month.
If you need help with budgeting you can
find help online at the Money Advice
Service website or contact local advice
agencies such as Citizens Advice
Bureau. If you are a housing association
tenant they may also be able to help.
Help with your Council Tax
Claims for Council Tax Support will
remain with Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council. If you claim Universal Credit
with the Department for Work and
Pensions and you already receive
Council Tax Support, you do not need
to reapply. If you are a new claimant for
Council Tax Support, you will need to
apply through the council.
For more information about Council
Tax Support please visit our website
at tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Changes to opening hours at

Weald Information Centre, Cranbrook
The number of visitors to the Weald pre-booked appointments will be held at
Information Centre (WIC) has been the WIC on Wednesdays.
declining over the last few years as more
Further reductions to the centre’s
residents choose to use the Council’s
opening hours will be put in place during
online services or contact us by phone.
the latter part of next year, and from
This has resulted in a change to the
April 2020 the Council will no longer be
WIC’s opening hours. The centre is
providing a service at the WIC. You can
currently open Monday to Friday, 10am
always contact our Customer Service
to 3pm.
Team on 01892 526121.
From January 2019, the WIC will be
Further information on the changes and
open from 10am to 3pm on Mondays,
details on how to book appointments will
Wednesdays and Fridays.
be published in future editions of Local
From 1 April next year the centre will be and on our website.
open for drop in visits on Fridays only;

11
COUNCIL
SHAPING THE BOROUGH
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Dowding House is buzzing
We are delighted that
all 25 flats are occupied
by families who have
been in need of a safe
and supportive place to
live. Some families have
already moved on and
found permanent homes,
others will stay a little
longer. Local magazine
spoke to a few families
that moved in during
September to see what
Dowding House means
to them.
How are you
settling in?
Ellen – Lovely. I’m a
traveller and was brought
up differently. I was left to
live my way, but I don’t need
to change to fit in here. My
daughter attends the local
nursery school and I have
applied for a local primary
school place.
*Suzie – Good, I love it.
We celebrated my son’s first
birthday here - I was sofa-
surfing before moving in.
12
Mary-Jane – I love it, I’m
settled and don’t want to
move. It’s perfect for me at
the moment.
What’s been the best
thing about being at
Dowding House so far?
Ellen – It’s a nice place, and
it feels like home, especially
after being in hostels. It’s
good to have my own space
to cook and care for my
children in
*Suzie – Annoying Liz every
day! My child sits on the desk
and eats her sweets!
Mary-Jane – The planned
Halloween party for all the
children. Liz and Denise are
making it a community for all
of us.
How does it feel to be
here with your family at
Christmas?
Ellen – It means everything
to me. I’m going to have
a Christmas tree, cook
Christmas dinner. It’s lovely
to be here after moving
around so much.
*Suzie – It’s quite emotional,
I’ve been through some tough
times. This feels like home.
My sister is down the road
and our babies are close in
age.
Mary-Jane – It’s lovely, I’m
more than pleased.
What advice and
support has been
useful?
Ellen – I’ve had all kinds
of support. I’m not good at
reading and writing, but Liz
is going to help me with the
school application.
*Suzie – The financial
advice has been really helpful
as this is the first time I’ve
had to manage bills.
Mary-Jane – The baby
club and Paddock Wood
Foodbank. I’ve received lots
of help from local people too
which has meant a great deal
to me.
Is there anything else
we can do to help?
Ellen – I couldn’t have
asked for more, but secure
more properties like this
and get people out of B&Bs.
It’s scary on your own
(sentiments echoed by *Suzie
and Mary-Jane).
Anything else you’d like
to say?
Ellen – This has given me
back my confidence. I am
secure and safe. Thank you
to everyone involved. You are
helping me and my children
live a normal life.
*Suzie – I feel very secure
here and safe, I have no
concerns going to bed at
night. I’d like to thank Gill, the
Housing Officer. I wouldn’t
have got where I am without
her.
Mary-Jane – We all
support each other and the
community has been so
helpful. Thank you.
*name has been changed
 COUNCIL

Housing team secures extra £1,000s Availability of accommodation can

We are delighted to receive
more government funding to
support work with rough sleepers
following a successful bid from
the Rough Sleeper Initiative
Funding.
The additional £211,000 for 2019/20
means the Council can continue the
work started this year, that is making a
difference to tackle rough sleeping and
homelessness.
Some of the funding will also be used for
an outreach worker who will engage with
rough sleepers to help them move on
from the streets as soon as possible – if
that’s what they want to do; not all rough
sleepers want to receive help from the
Council.
The money will also secure tenancies for
rough sleepers, and a support worker to
help them sustain their tenancies in either
private rented accommodation or housing
association flats.
sometimes slow down the process of
getting people housed and so the Council
is looking for studios, and one or two
bedroom flats for the project. We would
like to hear from any private landlords
or letting agents who would be willing
to work with us and Look Ahead (a
charitable organisation we work with)
to provide homes for rough sleepers.
Full support will be given to landlords
throughout the tenancies.
Please contact the Housing team on
01892 526121 or housingadvice@
tubridgewells.gov.uk to discuss further.

HAPPY 10th
BIRTHDAY
TO GATEWAY
It’s all in a day’s work for staff as
we help residents with queries
online, over the phone and face
to face.
Did you know, since January 2017 until
October 2018 our switchboard took
230,056 calls? – 185,036 of these were
transferred to the Gateway Customer

Service team.
Our busiest service was Council Tax with
55,094 calls followed by Streetscene with
38,198.
Gateway helped 51,786 customers face to
face during this time, and also managed
26,984 e-mails that came in via info@ and
11,079 online forms.
WHAT A TRIBUTE...
Our residents and friends (as far as
Spain!) have contributed over 20,000
crafted poppies commemorating the
end of the First World War, and in
remembrance of all who lost their lives
then and in later conflicts.
The words are from For The Fallen,
Robert Laurence Binyon…
’They fell with their faces to the foe.
(They shall not grow old…)’
Thank you to everyone who made this
spectacular display on the town hall
possible.

Need information during the cold weather?

GET TEXTING… It’s ‘snow’ problem with For full terms and conditions see tunbridgewells.
our text alert service. We are continuing to give gov.uk/severeweathertextalerts
residents the opportunity to sign up. We will provide The text you send to register for the service will be
the latest updates about Tunbridge Wells Borough charged at your operator’s standard rate. There is
Council services affected by the weather. no charge to receive texts from Tunbridge Wells
Text the word SNOW to 07491 163299 to register. Borough Council.
13
COUNCIL
NEW VIRTUAL PARKING PERMITS
Our Parking Permits
team are starting work
on an exciting project
to create a new Virtual
Permits system.
The system will be rolled
out from April 2019 and will
provide a digital solution for
all permit types within the
borough. The system will
remove the need for paper
permits to be displayed and
allows applications to be
A new look for made and paid for online.
Crescent Road Car Park
Applicants can attach any
required documents at the
point of applying online –
If you’ve parked in Crescent Road Car Park in no need to photocopy and
post copies to us. Once
Royal Tunbridge Wells recently you will know
the application has been
that it is being improved. We hope you like the verified our Civil Enforcement
new look. Officers’ handheld devices
will immediately be updated
The contractors are now off-site and the car park is back in
with the details of the permit
use for the Christmas and New Year period. Work will start
purchased. This allows our
again on 8 January 2019 and should be completed mid-
February.
The project has taken longer than first anticipated because
the refurbishment uncovered additional repairs that could not
have been reasonably foreseen. During the final phase of the
work a limited number of spaces will be out of use, however
the car park will be open to all users, both permit holders and
pay-as-you-park non-permit holders.
Work on an extension to the car park will begin in 2019
and we will give you more information about this in the next
edition of Local.
A new town square
Y
ou can make a
difference, support
local good causes and
Public realm improvements are planned for Mount Pleasant
be in with a chance to win a
Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells between its junctions with
whopping £25,000 if you sign
Monson Road and Church Road. These will include
up to play TW Lotto.
enhancements to Civic Way and the setting of the War
Memorial, and the introduction of traffic restrictions. It will TW Lotto is a weekly online
be a 20mph zone, and access will be limited to emergency lottery set up by the Council
services, buses, taxis and delivery vehicles. to benefit local charities and
organisations that work within
It is anticipated that the work will start in early 2019, and
the community. From every £1
likely take between 6–8 months to complete.
ticket sold 60p will go to good
14
Officers to scan any vehicle
number plate and identify
whether a permit has been
purchased.
This new system will
improve our speed of service
considerably. From the
moment you complete the
process online, your permit
will be valid, whether you
are buying a season ticket, a
residents’ permit or a visitor’s
voucher (although you’ll have
to give us the vehicle details
of your visitor online too).
This new service will also be
good for the environment,
removing the need for paper
permits, letters, envelopes
and postage miles.
Please see our website
for progress. We’ll be in
touch with all of our existing
customers to provide more
detailed information soon.
causes in Tunbridge Wells –
you can’t argue with that.
There is no cost to the charities
and organisations that sign up
to the scheme and you can
choose which organisation you
want your lottery ticket money
to support when you sign up
to TW Lotto. Since the lottery
was launched 69 organisations
have signed up and they have
collectively benefited from over
£40,000 in additional funding.
The draw takes place online
every Saturday night, earlier
this year Mrs D won the
£25,000 jackpot so it can
happen, and it might be your
turn next!
Sign up online at twlotto.co.uk
 COUNCIL

Love Where We Live Awards 2018

I
n October our annual
community awards
ceremony, the Love Where
We Live Awards, was held at
the Assembly Hall Theatre, and
we celebrated those individuals,
charities, businesses and groups
that make our borough such a
special place.
The importance of mental health and
providing support to those who need
it, young and old, was a key theme
across this year’s awards. Fegans,
the children’s charity that supports
children and their families through
counselling and parent support, was
crowned the overall 2018 Love Where
We Live winner. Fegans also won
this year’s Charity of the Year award.
Tunbridge Wells Citizens Advice Bureau
volunteers, who help those who have
nowhere else to turn and are often
struggling with mental health issues as
well, won the Best Group award.
In addition, David Hardie, one of the
founding members of Tunbridge Wells
Mental Health Resource, the local
charity which supports over 500 people
annually with enduring mental health
conditions, was presented with a special
recognition award by the Mayor to say
thank you for his 25 years of dedication
to improving mental health services in
the borough.
The winners gave moving and heartfelt
thank you speeches, often sharing their
inspirational reasons for doing what
they do to help make their communities
better places. The 2019 campaign will
be launched in May next year, so keep
an eye out for details and nominate
the person, group or organisation you
feel should be recognised for their
commitment locally.

Other winners were:

Ethical Business: Childrensalon Young Volunteer: Milly Evans
Childrensalon do a huge amount, in a very practical Milly is an outstanding individual who has
way, to help people in need in our area. The staff been a very well respected member of
are inspirational, identifying what people most need the Family Planning Association Youth
and doing all they can to help them. Committee. Milly is a Brownie leader
and has also been actively involved at
Sports Achiever: Tunbridge Wells school in raising awareness of mental
Hockey Club health problems.
Last season TW Hockey Club established Tunbridge
Wells Flyerz, enabling those with physical or
Young Sports Achiever:
learning disabilities to access hockey and all its Fern Sneddon
benefits. The club has demonstrated that sports 12 year old Fern competed at
clubs can be outstanding at the highest levels, the Dwarf Sports Association
whilst also being truly inclusive. National Games in May
where, in addition to medals
Individual Hero: Gill Daniels for athletics, swimming,
Gill has been involved in scouting since the ‘70s. basketball, hockey, football
She runs the 19th RTW St Matthew’s group, is the and cycling, she was awarded
Assistant District Commissioner and a Training the Sportsmanship Award of
Advisor. Gill also runs a craft group locally for ladies the games.
with physical and/or mental disabilities, and heads
up two Community Garden projects.
15
COMPETITION

Tunbridge Wells in Bloom

Bloomin’
Marvellous
O
nce again we had a great response to this year’s Royal
Tunbridge Wells in Bloom competition with a record
number of entries. This fantastic support helped ensure
a great set of results at the South & South East In Bloom
Awards which took place in September at the Amex Stadium in
Brighton. Tunbridge Wells Common was not only awarded silver
gilt but was also declared category winner in the Commons
In the Large Park category we won two golds for Dunorlan
category; Barnett’s Wood local nature reserve went one
Park and Grosvenor & Hilbert Park and a silver gilt for
better than 2017 and this year secured silver gilt in the Large
Calverley Grounds; Woodbury Park Cemetery won a
Conservation Area category.
silver gilt in the Churchyard category and Tunbridge Wells
Cemetery & Crematorium secured a gold in the Large And to crown it all, Royal Tunbridge Wells was awarded
Cemetery category. gold in the Large Town category!

GOLD AWARD FOR REGIONAL ‘BLOOMING COMPETITION’

Cranbrook has once again had
a busy and very eventful year,
winning a Gold Award in the
regional, South and South East in
Bloom competition, and a Silver
Gilt in the prestigious Britain in
Bloom competition.
The awards are very well deserved and
proof of the amazing work done by so many
volunteers in the town over the past years.
The judges showed enthusiasm, with the
Community Participation and Environmental
Responsibility, awarding a Gold standard at
national level for these two sections.
A presentation and thank you evening on
Friday 26 October was well attended and
gave the Chairman of Cranbrook in Bloom
the opportunity to thank everyone involved
in this year’s campaign.
Many thanks were given to sponsors Don
Bros and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish
Council for their support.
The Mayor of Tunbridge
Wells presented certificates of
excellence from South and South
East in Bloom to 11 well deserved
groups and businesses.
● Food for Thought
● The White Horse
● Travis Perkins
● Hurstways Construction
Ltd
●● Cranbrook Primary School
Gardening Club
●● Cranbrook Primary School Forest
School
●● Cranbrook School (Combined Cadet
Force)
●● George Hotel
●● Rainbow Pre School
●● Cranbrook Cubs And Scouts
●● Cranbrook Brownies and Guides
Out of 42 entries, 11 Gold and 16
Silver Gilt Awards were presented to
residents and businesses that entered
the front garden competition, a wonderful
achievement, showing a great sense of
pride and community involvement.
Special congratulations to Sue Page ,
Sharon and James Pashley and Val Piper
for their double Gold Awards.
Cranbrook in Bloom is now a Registered
Charity and is looking forward to another
flourishing year in 2019!

16
 COMMUNITY

The work that the Winter during the winter months. We will
be working with Look Ahead Care
Shelter has done over the and Support who will be employing
years has been an invaluable support workers to work solely with
resource for helping those these 10 rough sleepers to help
living on the streets of them with the key skills required for
tenancy sustainment.
Tunbridge Wells, however
further work is still needed to We are still looking for privately
rented properties to be used for this
help rough sleepers. project. If you are a landlord with any
TWBC has successfully bid size of property available, and would
for funding from the Ministry of be interested in working with us on
Housing, Communities and Local this project, please get in contact.
Government, which will be used to For more information, contact
extend the services available. chris.white@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
or call 01892 554160.
There will be an extension to the
Winter Shelter throughout November
and December. This will be run by
Look Ahead Care and Support and
will provide a bed for three rough
sleepers prior to the Winter Shelter
opening in January.
We will also be sourcing 10 bed-
spaces via private landlords and
Town and Country Housing Group
which will provide vital direct
access housing for rough sleepers

What one of the volunteers has to say…

Patrick Fuller, 52 year old cold winter months of January, February
and March.
digital strategy consultant
‘The evening is split into three shifts: some unemployed, some chatty, some
from Royal Tunbridge Wells evening, night and morning, and quiet. I’ve met ex-soldiers, a musician,
volunteers help to set up the hall, a hedge fund manager, a doctor, a
Although I’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells
prepare and serve food, clear up and married couple, a publican, a chef. They
for 30 years, my connection with the
do the laundry. Typically, a volunteer are people to whom life has not been
Winter Shelter comes from my dad’s
does one shift in an evening, although kind and their current situation, although
business in East London: building. To
some might do two or even three. We all sometimes made worse by drink or
a young child who grew up around
eat together and the food made by an other dependencies, is as much down to
carpenters and bricklayers, having a
army of volunteers is, without exception, bad luck as bad decisions.
roof over your head seemed a basic
human requirement. amazing. ‘Through the volunteer network I’ve
‘Each guest has a background check got to know many new places and
‘I’ve been volunteering for five years
and signs up to the rules before joining people thanks to the warm, supportive
now, having started with a few shifts at
the shelter and surrenders drink or environment the shelter thrives on. The
the church hall where my children went
drugs at the door, in my experience organisation is overseen by experts
to playgroup at King Charles the Martyr
without complaint (they get the alcohol from the local social services and,
near the Pantiles. The shelter is in fact
back in the morning). although made possible by churches,
a collaboration between churches, each
the guests are not preached at. It’s a
of which provides a space for about
‘So what about the guests themselves? light-touch environment where the focus
a dozen ‘guests’ – sometimes more,
They are just like the rest of us: some is on hospitality and human interaction.
sometimes fewer – each night in the
happy, some sad, some working,
17
REFUSE

New contractor starts in March 2019

The Council in partnership with
Tonbridge & Malling Borough
Council has awarded an eight-
year contract for a new recycling
and waste collection and street
cleansing service to Urbaser
Ltd, a resource and waste
management company.
The new contract starts in March 2019
and will mean an improved recycling
service for the 101,000 homes across
both boroughs. Whilst the partnership
will mean that services will be operated
across the two boroughs, each council
will still manage its own services and What services are
deal with enquiries from residents in included in the new
their borough.
contract?
NO CHANGES TO THE
CURRENT SERVICE ●●Fortnightly mixed recycling
UNTIL SEPTEMBER collection for cans and
plastics, which will now also
When the new contract begins services include glass
will continue as normal while the details
of the new collections are finalised.
The new service will be introduced on ●●Separate weekly food waste
a phased basis and we will inform you collection
before any changes take place.
We are working hard to minimise any ●●Fortnightly collection of
changes to your bin collection day. paper and cardboard

●●Fortnightly household waste

collection
Glass collection
Residents have told us for a long time that they would like ●●Opt-in fortnightly garden
kerbside glass collection and the new contract means we waste collection
are now able to provide the service. Until the new service
is introduced please continue to recycle your glass at ●●New fortnightly collection
one of the bring banks or your nearest household waste
recycling centre.
of small electrical items,
such as a toaster or kettle,
textiles and household
batteries

●●Street cleansing services

a n k you –
T h e
her w
toget easing
cr
are in t we
wha e
l
recyc

18
 REFUSE

What is the separate

food waste collection?
Food waste will be collected every
week. We will supply you with a 23 litre
lockable food waste bin that you may
prefer to keep outside, and a 5 litre
kitchen caddy that you can fill and then
empty into the larger food waste bin.
Food waste will be composted and
converted into soil improver which can
be used to improve growing conditions.
The colour of the bins are shown
opposite.

Garden waste
Garden waste will be an opt-in service
provided for an annual charge of
£52. When you subscribe to the
service you will receive a new 240
litre wheeled black bin which will be
for garden waste only. Most other
councils in Kent charge for garden
waste collection and more that half
of councils in England do so.
You don’t have to subscribe to the Will my collection day Assisted or pull-out
service, you can take garden waste
to your nearest household waste change? service
recycling centre or compost at home. Working across two boroughs means If you are already registered and
Look out for information about how we can make collection rounds more receive the service to pull-out and
to sign up for the new garden waste efficient and so, when we introduce the return your bin on collection day you
service in the new year. new service there may be changes to do not need to worry, this will continue.
collection days. We will let you know
Register your interest in the about this in advance, but we are
garden waste service at working hard to minimise any changes.
tunbridgewells.gov.uk/garden Look out for the information.

Keeping you informed

Look out for information in forthcoming editions of your Local magazine,
local advertising, leaflets through your door, the Council’s website,
Facebook and Twitter pages and local roadshows in the coming months.
Please refer to FAQs on our website which will be updated regularly.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk/new-recycling
TWellsCouncil TunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncil

19
PARTNERSHIP

Forest Time winning for families

A pioneering project developed experienced Forest
School leaders and
and run by the Kent High Weald family support staff.
Partnership (KHWP) has won an
During the woodland
award for its innovative scheme sessions families
working with families. take part in activities
The partnership was recognised in the such as fire lighting,
2018 Kent Housing Group & Joint Policy shelter building,
and Planning Board Excellence Awards outdoor cooking,
in the Excellence in Delivering Services natural arts and
for Vulnerable People category for their crafts, woodworking,
Forest Time scheme. Forest Time is run and mindfulness.
by KHWP and Southborough CE Primary The activities are
School. designed to promote
self-confidence,
Forest Time was developed to work with cooperation, and trust.
families with children under the age of skills and practical ideas for changing
18, who are experiencing difficulties Forest Time offers rare, quality time for behaviour and improving their wellbeing,
with relationships, communication and these families to spend together, in a that they can use in their daily life.
behaviour. Families attend weekly calm, non-judgmental and supportive
sessions in a nearby woodland run by setting. In the woodland people learn new

ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE WILL

BECOME TEMPORARY HOME FOR
New year, new you! LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
This new year, take control of your health Great news – a Whilst we will be offering named after local social
with the One You Kent campaign. One temporary home a service which is very reformer Amelia Scott. The
You encourages adults to move more, limited compared to what’s redevelopment has been
for Kent County currently available, it made possible thanks
eat well, drink less and be smoke-free.
As part of the campaign, if you are aged Council’s library does ensure the museum to generous funding by
between 40 and 74, you can have a free service and Tunbridge still has a presence in Heritage Lottery Fund
NHS Health Check which is designed Wells museum, whilst the town which is very (HLF) and Arts Council
to spot the early signs of stroke, kidney their current building important. England (ACE).
disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes is redeveloped, has The redevelopment of The museum has now
or dementia. You should receive a letter
from your GP inviting you for your free
been secured in the the existing museum and closed for the complex
town centre. library and adjoining adult work of dismantling
health check every five years. education building will and putting the existing
You can also use the One You Heart Age Thanks to support bring them together under museum displays into
test to find out how old you heart is and from British Land, the one roof into a unique storage. Building work is
learn how to lead a healthier life. kent. owners of Royal Victoria space that offers both expected to begin early in
gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/ Place, KCC’s library and heritage and learning. 2019.
one-you-kent/healthy-heart. There registration service and This new heritage, cultural
are a number of One You apps you can the museum service will and learning centre will be
download to help you lead a healthier relocate to the shopping
lifestyle such as Easy Meals, Couch to centre in spring 2019.
5K, and Drink-Free Days. Search ‘One
You apps’ to find out more.

20

Employment and
Skills update
This autumn, the Economic
Development team, along with
other partner organisations, ran a
number of exciting events:
West Kent Jobs & Training Fair – we
welcomed more than 250 jobseekers
to the Assembly Hall Theatre, where
there were over 30 employers and
training providers offering a range of
opportunities. Three seminars during
the day gave people tips on how to
undertake job searches and prepare
for interviews. Positive feedback was
received, and some jobseekers have
moved into employment as a result.
Both the quantity and quality of visitors to
the recent Jobs Fair was very impressive
and we know that companies who
attended have appointed individuals they
met there.
Royal Tunbridge Wells Together West
Kent Skillsfest was a very busy day,
Winter
at the Forum
I
t’s been a great silver anniversary year
for The Forum arts and music venue,
including a week’s exhibition at Trinity
Theatre art gallery, and a nomination at
the Love Where We Live Awards. These
events, as well as many well-known acts
returning to the venue to perform special
shows, have made 2018 very memorable.
We start the Christmas season with
Thursday night sessions at the Calverley
Grounds ice rink. Each evening three
acts, a mix of Forum favourites and stars
from our Stable evenings, will entertain
the crowds in the skate marquee. Some
of these artists will also play headline
Christmas-week shows at The Forum –
including Mike Wilton (shown opposite)
and The Gallerys.
with 16 schools visiting – nearly 1,200
students. 54 local employers were
represented, from a range of sectors,
who talked to students about the world of
work, and highlighted the opportunities
available in their organisation. We have
had great feedback from both the schools
and employers.
‘We thought Skillsfest was a great day
and a wonderful opportunity for the
young people to engage with so many
different organisations.’
‘It was an excellent forum to engage
with students. An absolute must for
businesses to get involved’.
As well as supporting live music, The
Forum hosts several dance evenings,
such as Boogie Nights, Switch House,
Back to the 80s and The Indie Disco.
These are all very popular, and we
recommend buying tickets in advance for
any of these over the festive period.
PARTNERSHIP
Two successful events were held
recently at the Spa Hotel aimed at
local businesses wishing to work with
the Council. At ‘Doing Business with
the Council’ our TWBC procurement
process was explained, encouraging
registration on the Kent Business
Portal. The Local Supplier Event gave
businesses the chance to engage with
Mace, the contractor for the Calverley
Square development, and opened up
opportunities to register as a potential
supplier. Both events were well attended.
We also have some private Christmas
party bookings, and into 2019 we
already have many pre-booked party and
wedding dates – full details about event
hire are on our website.
2018 has seen The Forum host many
charity fundraising events, as well as
being used as a community space,
part of its role as a Community Interest
Company. One last charity event for
2018 will be HEAD UP on Saturday 8
December, a town-wide event to raise
awareness of mental health issues,
male suicide prevention and other such
causes, organised by Friends of The
Forum.
Music carries on into 2019, and tickets
for shows as we approach the 27th
year since opening are on sale online at
twforum.co.uk or follow @twforum on
social media for latest updates.
21
ACCOUNTS

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2017/18

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has one of
the lowest levels of Council Tax and provides
your services for the lowest cost to the tax payer
per household, in Kent. Government spending
power statistics show that we deliver all of your
services for just £233 of tax (including government
funding) per dwelling.
Every year we have our accounts audited and for the ninth year
running have delivered a clean audit. In their 2017/18 Audit
Findings Report, Grant Thornton (our auditors), said that the
Council ‘had proper arrangements in all significant respects
to ensure it delivered value for money’ and concludes that the
Council has ‘made proper arrangements to secure economy,
efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources’. We are very
proud that we have been recognised for our robust financial
management and controls and we have continued to provide
value for money for our residents.

Revenue Outturn for 2017/18

2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
with comparator years Income & Expenditure Actual Actual Budget

T
he full statement of accounts for 2017/18 was Directorates £000’s £000’s £000’s
approved on 20 July. You can find it on our
website at tunbridgewells.gov.uk (under Council/ Chief Executive 166 179 150
Finance and Budgets). Our Net Cost of Services for Finance, Policy & Development 6,224 4,860 4,144
the year was £14.37 million (full details can be seen
Change & Communities 8,417 9,333 8,486
in the June 2018 Cabinet papers), which was £1.0m
under budget. This was the result of our consistently Net Cost of Services 14,807 14,372 12,780
tight control of costs and revenue increases driven
by the improving local economy. All costs of services Net Interest Receivable -817 -852 -686
were fully financed from Council Tax, grants and Government Grants -3,814 -2,273 -1,995
investment income.
Council Tax Income -7,123 -7,562 -7,922
The table opposite shows that the net cost of
providing your services decreased by £435,000 Retained Business Rates -2,769 -4,533 -2,381
between 2016/17 and 2017/18. This is due to a (around 4% of total collected)
number of efficiencies made and increases in Transfer to/from Reserves -2,701 1,451 204
income through fees and charges. These efficiencies
are also forecast into the 2018/19 budget. Both Asset Depreciation/Impairment 2,417 -603 0
the 2016/17 and 2017/18 actual costs include the Adjustments
Property Development Programme where the Council Fully Financed 0 0 0
is obtaining the appropriate expertise to produce
business and development cases for various sites
around the borough.
The Council is investing in digital transformation projects, which will
It was fully anticipated that Government Grants offer customers easier access to our services, more choice over how
would continue to fall into the future and we had they interact with the Council, better and more timely information,
projected that by 2019/20, the Council would not provided more efficiently. However, the Council will need your help in the
receive any revenue support grant at all. However, future to interact with us online wherever possible, as this enables us
the government brought forward these plans and to administer more cost effectively in order to protect the services you
removed our grant fully in 2018/19. Government value. This will be very important in the continuing challenge to reduce
considered that we could raise sufficient additional our Net Cost of Services.
funding locally from Council Tax. The Council
has continued to make savings and has avoided The table above shows Government Grants reducing by £1.54 million in
compromising services to the public to any great 2017/18, and by a further expected £0.28 million in 2018/19, so we will
extent. Contracts have been re-tendered, partnership need to continue to pursue cost savings and be innovative in creating
agreements have been entered into, efficiencies new revenue opportunities and investments. It is really important that
have been made and assets used to better effect. We we understand the views of the people of the borough so that priorities
are constantly pursuing productivity and efficiency, for where to retain services or perhaps release services are clearly
whilst maintaining service innovation in our efforts to understood, should the need arise. Please help us by participating in our
balance the revenue budget. budget consultation – see opposite page for details.

22
 ACCOUNTS

‘We continue to review our property Capital Expenditure for 2017/18

and land assets as part of the Land Asset
Strategy process. The programme has
raised in excess of £14.5m, including the
completion of the sale of Holly Farm in
Hawkenbury in May. ‘
We spent £3 million on new capital investments in the year.
This was over a range of projects as can be seen below.
£1.91m was funded by grants or developer contributions
and £0.7m from the sale of surplus land. This year we
also invested £0.4m of the Council’s reserves on these
investments; some to improve facilities for the people of the
borough and some to generate revenue for the Council into
the future to help offset government funding cuts.

We also have a strong asset base as is shown on the

Balance Sheet below. 2017/18
Capital Expenditure
£000’s
2017/18
Balance Sheet Disabled Facilities Grants 732
£000’s
Dowding House Emergency 357
Council Assets 121,169 Accommodation
Cash & Cash Equivalents 3,923 Calverley Grounds Play Area 306
Investments Net of Borrowing 25,899 Telephony Modernisation 281
Money Owed to the Council -16,024 Affordable Housing Grants 250
Money Owed by the Council 14,528 Mary Caley Play Area 114
Capital Grants Receipts in Advance -1,005 Other Smaller Projects 958
Long Term Pension Liability -60,032 Total Capital Investment 2,998
Net Assets 88,458 Financed by:
Usable Reserves 21,911
Reserves 385
Unusable Reserves 66,547
Government Grants 1,073
Total Reserves 88,458
External and Developer Contributions 835
Sale of Surplus Land 705
Total Financing 2,998
We have £121 million of property, plant and equipment,
heritage and software assets that can be utilised. The
challenge is to use them to their very best effect in delivering
your services. We also have £22 million in reserves that ‘The new A21 cycle and walking
were largely created when we sold our housing stock to the route linking Royal Tunbridge
Town and Country Housing Group. These reserves are either
invested, the interest supporting the revenue budget, or Wells and Tonbridge was
are put to use creating new capital assets or delivering new officially opened by the Rt Hon
initiatives, rather than just supporting existing services until Greg Clark MP in May.’
they run out.

‘Work is due to start on the planned

improvement scheme for Mount Pleasant
Road including the War Memorial early
next year. The improvements will see
a more pedestrian-focused space, with
widened footways, steps either side of the
War Memorial and a raised town square.’
‘The extension to the Crescent Road
car park was approved in September
and work is due to start in the spring,
creating 96 new parking bays and 26
new cycling stands.’

23
ACCOUNTS

Council Tax and Business Rates Collection So, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council gets only 46p per
day of the Council Tax you pay and for this we provide
many, many services, some of which you may be aware
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council collects Council Tax on of and some you might not. Here’s how we spend some
behalf of Kent County Council, the Kent Police and Crime of your 46p.
Commissioner, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the parishes
in addition to the amount it collects for itself. An average
property in the borough paid £1,629.80 for the year 2017/18
broken down as follows: Here's how we
Band D breakdown spend some
£000’s %usage
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 168.59 10% of your 46p a day
Kent Police Authority 157.15 10%
Kent Fire & Rescue 73.35 5%
Parishes 51.89 3%
Parks & Woodlands 4p
Kent County Council
Total
1,178.82
1,629.80
72%
100%
Supporting Homeless People 2p
Environmental Protection & Taxi Licensing 3p
Total cost per day of Band D property
Refuse Collection 5p
is £4.46: Street Cleaning 4p
Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council
46p
Community Grants & Centres 1p
Economic Development 1p
Planning Functions & Development Control 3p
Community Safety & CCTV 1p
Kent County
Council Museum & Art Gallery 2p
£3.23 Kent Police
Authority Assembly Hall Theatre 2p
43p

‘The Tunbridge Wells Cultural & Learning

Kent Fire
Hub project was awarded Stage 2 funding
& Rescue
of £4.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund
20p
Parishes earlier in the year. Planning permission for
14p the project was granted in February, and it
is expected that building work will begin in
early 2019.’

24
 ACCOUNTS
In 2013/14 Government changed the way in which
The accounts below show that we billed for £73 million of Business Rates are administered. Whilst the vast majority
Council Tax in the year and had to make provision for only of Business Rates recovered still go to Government, there
£73,000 not to be recovered. This shows that we recover well is now the opportunity to share in any Business Rates
over 99% of the Council Tax due. Our Revenues and Benefits growth from 2013/14. This growth is shared amongst Kent
team work incredibly hard to achieve this recovery rate and County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the
pursue all debts wherever possible. Council. This has helped us to offset some of the reductions
in Central Grants to date. We will only get to keep some
2017/18
Collection Fund of the growth in Business Rates over and above that
£000’s collected in 2019/20. This is why we have been cautious
Balance 1 April 2017 1,363 about including Business Rates growth into our budget. The
Government continues to change the scheme, the amounts
Income from Council Tax 73,265 chargeable to businesses for Business Rates and the law
Bad & Doubtful Debts Provision (73) surrounding business rate appeals, so we now also hold
some funds in reserves to protect the budget should our
Total Income Available 74,555
income be reduced in the future.
Apportionment of Council Tax It is important to note that this Council has lost £4.6 million
Kent County Council (52,758) through cuts to Revenue Support Grant which helps to fund
local services. The ability to fund these services depends
Kent Police Authority (7,034)
on the Council being able to replace the funding lost from
Kent Fire & Rescue (3,284) central government cuts with a share of Business Rates
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (9,868) from growing the local economy. This Council recognised
the need to become financially self-sufficient very early and
Total Paid (72,944) set about a strategy of growing the local economy, through
Balance 31 March 2018 1,611 investing in culture and leisure which in turn provided
confidence to the private sector to also invest substantial
sums into the local economy. This strategy is already
resulting in more income from Business Rates growth being
retained locally, with further significant growth expected
from schemes that are due to start construction such as the
former Cinema Site, redevelopment of Royal Victoria Place,
the Amelia Scott and Calverley Square.

HELP SET THE BUDGET FOR 2019/20

E
very year we aim to set a balanced
Revenue Budget that reflects the
services you want, whilst also
fulfilling our statutory obligations.
With the ever-reducing grants from
Government, prioritisation is a key part
of the Revenue Budget process. Like all
councils Tunbridge Wells is facing further
reductions and in fact will not be receiving
a grant this year.
Therefore, we would appreciate your
views to help form decisions for the
2019/20 budget and would be very
grateful if you could complete our online
budget consultation survey. We’re keen to
hear from as many residents as possible
as well as businesses and interest groups.
The link to the survey will be available on
our website from Monday 3 December
2018 at tunbridgewells.gov.uk/
consultations
Please complete the survey before 31
December 2018. We will store your data in
line with TWBC’s data protection policy.T
Thank you for taking part.

25
ENTERTAINMENT

Assembly Hall Theatre

Mini Guide - Winter/Spring 2019

Sun 13 Jan
Orchestra of the Swan: Mon 4 - Sat 9 Feb
Vivaldi and Piazzolla Caroline’s Kitchen

Music Music
Sat 12 Jan Fri 15 Feb
Think Floyd Let’s Hang On

Music
Music
Fri 18 Jan Faith - The George Sat 2 Mar
The Rocket Man
Michael Legacy
Music
Music
Sat 19 Jan Sun 3 Mar RTWSO: Katherine
Bowie Experience
Lacy
Music
Sun 20 Jan The Chicago Blues
Brothers
English Symphony
Sun 27 Jan Orchestra: Celebration
of Dvořák

Music
Sat 2 Feb
Magic Of Motown

Music
Sun 3 Feb RTWSO: Aleksandar Tues 5 Mar
Djermanović Good Dog

Music Music
Thurs 14 Feb
Beyond The Barricade Thurs 7 Mar Arrival - Tribute To
Abba

26
 ENTERTAINMENT

Music
Fri 8 Mar
Sun Records

Film
Sat 9 Mar Banff Mountain Film
Festival

Music
Sun 10 Mar
Brendan Cole

Weds 3 Apr
Here Come The Girls

Dance
Fri 4 Apr
DanceFest 2019

Mon11 - Sat 16 March

Cat In The Hat

Music
Weds 20 Mar
Someone Like You

Music
Thurs 21 Mar
Dire Straits UK

Music Sat 6 Apr

Fri 22 Mar Ben Portsmouth: Russell Watson
Taking Care of Elvis

Music Music
Mon1 Apr Sun 7 Apr
Collabro RTWSO Apr

Dance
Family
Tues 2 Apr The Big Dance Thurs 11 Apr
Brainiac Live
Extravaganza

Music
Fri 12 Apr
Michael starring Ben

Music
Sat 13 Apr
The Drifters
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
27
ENTERTAINMENT

Mon 8 Apr Weds 22 - Thurs 23 May

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Jools Holland

Music Music
Sun 14 Apr Fri 24 May
RTW Choral Illegal Eagles

Music Comedy
Tues 16 Apr Sat 25 May
That’ll Be The Day Ruby Wax

Comedy Music
Sun 28 Apr Sun 26 May
Rhod Gilbert Walk Right Back

Dance
Comedy/Music
Tues 30 Apr Fri 31 May Kevin Clifton in Burn
Ladyboys of Bangkok
The Floor
Musical
Tues 7 - 11
TWODS - Legally
May
Blonde

Musical
Mon 13 May
Les Musicals

Music
Thurs 16 May Luther Vandross
Celebration

Music
Fri 17 May Thurs 27 – Sat 29 June
The Summer Of Love
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Comedy
Sat 18 May
Julian Clary

Music
Sun 19 May Rumours Of
Fleetwood Mac
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
28
 ENTERTAINMENT
HEADER

Pre-show Food
Our new pre-show food menu is available to pre-order only when you book
your show tickets. Pre-show food will be offered on the majority of events at
the theatre up to 48 hours before the show when you book tickets online, by
telephone or in person. Pre-ordered food is available from the upper bar from
an hour and a half before the start of the show for 45 minutes. Simply present
your food ticket or show your food e-ticket on your smart phone or tablet to
claim your pre-order. A table will be reserved for you in the bar area.

Choose from the following Sharing Boards:

Vegetarian Mezze - £14.50 Charcuterie & Cheese - £15.50
Enjoy a taste of the Middle East with A delicious combination of
this veggie selection. cured meats and cheeses with
accompaniments.

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01892 530613
AssemblyHallTheatre ahttw AssemblyHallTheatre

29
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31
 Helping Couples
Remain Together With
A Little Support

Our care team support 71 year old customer Val in
her own home and are proud to do so as it enables
her to keep living with her husband Fred as
opposed to moving into a residential care
environment.
Val, who worked as a phlebotomist at St George’s
Hospital before being a doctor’s receptionist,
experienced a stroke that left her paralysed on the left
side of her body and affected her speech.
We would like to thank Val who shared a bit of her story
with us:
“When I was working as a receptionist, the doctor I was
working with said I should go and see my GP as I was
fairly regularly feeling a little unwell, however it was
when I was on the phone to my daughter and
collapsed that everything completely changed.
The next thing that I remember is waking up on the
intensive care ward in the hospital. I learnt that I had
experienced a brain aneurysm and after being
discharged I experienced a few more strokes.
This first big stroke completely changed my life and
that of my husband Fred overnight. I found that I was
paralysed down the left side of my body which made
everything very difficult.
I have help from Bluebird Care four times per day and
it is lovely to have the regular visits from such friendly
people! As well as helping, my Care Assistants are very
much like my friends!”

Our Flexible Support Includes:

Trips out
Care visits
Medication
Personal care
Social support
24h Live-in care
Overnight support

Our Expert Team Is Always

Happy To Help!
01732 373 024
tunbridgewells@bluebirdcare.co.uk
bluebirdcare.co.uk/tonbridge-tunbridgewells