19/11/2025
Should the Isle of Sheppey get its own council?
Could Sheppey end up with its own council in a major revamp of town and parish councils?
What is certain is that the lowest rung of local authorities will become far more important once Swale Borough Council is abolished in a couple of years’ time as part of a radical shake-up demanded by the government.
That will include axing Kent County Council and replacing it with one, two or three unitary authorities which will mean there will be no need for the middle tier of borough and district councils.
That is likely to will put more power into the hands of parish and town councillors.
To prepare for that day, members of Swale council’s important policy and resources committee have asked for a community governance review.
They want to look at whether any new parish or town councils should be created and consider any changes to existing ones.
There are currently 37 parish councils and three town councils in Swale.
On Sheppey that includes Sheerness Town Council and Queenborough Town Council plus Minster on Sea Parish Council, Eastchurch Parish Council, Warden Parish Council and Leysdown On Sea Parish Council.
But some areas like Halfway are not represented at this tier of government.
Supporters of parish and town councils say they represent their areas best and have their own money, which they raise from council tax, to spend on things like Christmas lights, public events and grants to help local organisations.
Objectors say it is another tier of bureaucracy and a drain on council taxpayers.
The review, which must first be signed off by Swale’s full council tonight (Wednesday, November 19), will consider establishing a new town or parish council for Sittingbourne including - but not limited to - the electoral wards of Homewood, Roman, Murston, Kemsley, Milton Regis, Chalkwell, The Meads and Woodstock.
It will also look at creating a new parish council for Halfway and changing the name of Warden Parish Council to Warden Bay Parish Council.
There could also be changes to existing parish or town councils’ boundaries.
A spokesman for Swale council admitted “other possible changes could be identified through the consultation process” which means it could be suggested that Sheppey stands on its own.
Town and parish councils are designed to enhance local representation, improve services, give residents a direct voice in local affairs and attract funding that boosts the local economy.
If agreed, the review will seek feedback from residents to prepare draft recommendations. Another consultation will then be launched to get the public’s views on any proposed changes with a decision made next year.
Council leader Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman), who also chairs the policy and resources committee, said: “We are planning this review to make sure parish or town councils both represent and benefit local communities. But this has to be with the support of local people.
“When done right, parish and town councils can have great benefits for our local communities. But we want to make sure this is what you want.”
He added: “They aren’t free. They are funded through an additional charge on your council tax. But they do have more flexibility to decide how they spend their funding.”
He said: “We are still very early in the process but it is important that we hear from local people during the consultations we will be running. Ultimately, the decision to introduce new councils must be based on what local people want.”
To make comments or suggestions email [email protected] BEFORE the end of next Monday, November 24.
