Swanley Town Council



 

The Town Council is the smallest and most local level of Government.  With a population of 16,588 (2001 census), the Council is one of the largest Town Councils in the country.  Swanley Town Council lies at the northernmost point of the area of Sevenoaks District Council and also within the administrative area of Kent County Council.



Swanley Town Council came into existence in 1974.  It is essentially a Parish Council but has adopted Town Status which means the Chairman of the Town Council is designated Mayor.  The Town Council, unlike the County and District Council, has few statutory duties (things that have to be done) but many powers (things that can be done).  Swanley Town Council seeks to exercise its powers for the benefit of the community of Swanley and Swanley Village.

The Council provides a variety of recreation, social and other facilities for the benefit of residents and people who work in and visit the Parish area, working in partnership with other Councils and agencies to promote and deliver local services.

The Council has 16 Councillors elected by the residents every four years. The Council considers issues affecting the town and services provided.  There are also Committees - Development Control (planning), Policy and Resources, Community,Health, Safety and Environment, Performance Review and Personnel.  The Swanley Banqueting Board considers matters relating to the Council's catering organisation Swanley Banqueting.

Meetings are open to the public and have a public question time.  More information about the Council meetings can be found on noticeboards throughout the Parish and at the Civic Offices.

Each year the Council hosts an Annual Town Meeting (usually in March or April).  This meeting is chaired by the Mayor who reports briefy on work of the Council in the previous year and any resident of the Parish may attend and ask any questions relating to the work of Swanley Town Council.

Swanley Town Council is the part of the Government closest to residents.  The Town consists of Christchurch, St Mary's and Whiteoak wards in Swanley as well a ward in Swanley Village.  The Town Councillors do not receive any payment for the work that they do at the Council or in the community.  They recognise that at times there may be confusion as to who does what in the Parish, and endeavour to ensure that by continuing to work closely with other agencies duplication of services can be avoided.

Local organisations and groups working for the benefit of the community and Parish of Swanley may apply for a grant from Swanley Town Council to assist in their work.  Application forms may be obtained from the Civic Centre and grants are awarded in July and March each year.

The Town Council is also consulted in the planning process.  Any application for planning permission within Swanley or Swanley Village submitted to the Local Planning Authority (Sevenoaks District Council) is referred to Swanley Town Council for consideration.  Members of the public are welcomed at meetings of the Development Control Committee to express their views on any application on the Agenda.  Details on how to do this are available from the Civic Offices.

Swanley Town Council's vision for the Parish of Swanley is:

"Working together to create a better community"

Working together with the people of Swanley, Swanley Village and and other local providers to develop caring, quality services for the changing needs of the community at an affordable cost, Swanley Town Council is committed to ensuring the Swanley Parish remains a vibrant and attractive place in which to live and work.

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