Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge

During January 2024 the Local Government Association (LGA) undertook an on-site Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) at the council.

This was a peer assessment looking at how well Tunbridge Wells Borough Council performs across a range of its work; how the council manages its resources and relationships and how it is seeking to set out and deliver priorities for the local area.

The CPC process includes a progress review which took place in June this year (2025). The CPC team returned to Tunbridge Wells and once again met with councillors, staff and partners. The report following the review has now been published and concludes that, against a background of significant change, the council has accomplished many things since the peer team were originally on site.

Acknowledging a period of significant change for local government the report says Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is working effectively to manage the challenges and opportunities of Local Government Reorganisation. Since the original visit the council has accomplished a number of things including a greater emphasis on social value, strong progress on the Local Plan, continued robust management of the council’s finances and the delivery of a number of key priorities set out within the Strategic Plan.

Council Leader Chapelard said: ‘I welcome the review report by the Corporate Peer Challenge team. It pays tribute to the amazing work our talented and dedicated staff do for the benefits of our residents and businesses. I am particularly pleased that the team recognises the progress we are making on delivering our Strategic Plan priorities at a time when councils are being reorganised into bigger councils.’

You can read the progress review report.