Ashford Town Council proposals put on hold

Community Governance Review (CGR) on Ashford Town Council – paused.

Ashford Borough Council decided in July 2026 to create an Ashford Town Council following the outcome of a Community Governance Review. 

The review was initiated by the council to check whether our local democratic arrangements were best designed to serve residents and communities in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Kent, which would see the Borough Council replaced by a larger unitary council in 2028.

Ministers have since asked councils to pause work that depends on a specific LGR decision, including activity based on the proposed four-unitary model for Kent and Medway.

Although proposals for an Ashford Town Council were not part of LGR, the decision to create one was based on LGR taking place in 2028. 

In light of the pause to LGR, Full Council decided at its meeting on 15 October to pause implementation of the Town Council.

The proposal has not been cancelled, but the council will await further government guidance on LGR before reviewing its future. As a result, the Town Council will no longer be established in April 2027 as planned.

Background to the Review

The Community Governance Review covering the unparished area of Ashford was completed in July 2026. Following two stages of public consultation, a final report was considered by Full Council, which approved the creation of a new Ashford Town Council.

To support implementation, an Ashford Town Council Advisory Group was established. The group was overseeing the arrangements required to establish the new council, including governance, finances, staffing and service delivery considerations.

Ashford Town Council was due to be established on 1 April 2027, with the first elections taking place on 6 May 2027. These dates will no longer be met because work on the town council has been paused in light of the changes to LGR timetable. 

For further information about the background to the CGR, please visit our website.