Tunbridge Wells Agreement.pdf

The Tunbridge Wells Agreement is a collaboration between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and local councils in the area. Key principles include:

1. Consultation and Engagement: Quarterly Chairmen’s Forum meetings and electronic communication.
2. Information-Sharing: Essential for effective day-to-day engagement and service development.
3. Leadership: Shared leadership roles and promoting community interests.
4. Planning: Close cooperation due to landscape designations.
5. Policy and Service Delivery: Shared roles and responsibilities for excellent services.
6. Learning and Development: Sharing training opportunities for partnership working.
7. Standards and Governance: Promoting exemplary practice in public administration.

The agreement outlines procedures for:

Consultation responses within 6-12 weeks
Notification of decisions and reasons within 2 weeks
Priority submission of consultation responses for key decisions
Electronic communication and 'nil' replies
* Extension requests for deadlines and potential refusal by the Borough Council

Signatories include 17 local councils, with the Borough Council ensuring new councillors and staff are aware of the agreement, and local councils ensuring new clerks are informed. The agreement will be reviewed every 4 years, with oversight by the Parish Chairmen’s Forum.