Council Tax Bills in Tonbridge and Malling to Rise 4.09% as Government Funding Falls

The weekly shop just got more expensive. So did living in Tonbridge and Malling.

Council tax rises across every authority have combined to push the average Band D bill up by £97.15 for the year ahead. Like it or not.

The Numbers Behind the Rise

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council confirmed its council tax levels for 2026-27 on 24 February. Band D properties will pay £252.65 for the borough’s share – that’s £7.35 more than last year. A 3% increase that works out to £4.85 per week for the borough’s services alone.

But residents get hit from all sides. Kent County Council’s precept rose 3.99% to £1,758.60. Police services jumped 5.55% to £285.15. Fire and rescue climbed 5.22% to £99.81.

The borough council expects to raise £13.8 million from council tax in 2026-27, up from £13.2 million this year.

Why Bills Are Climbing

According to the council, central government funding has been slashed by 15% compared with 2024-25. The council claims this is the second biggest drop in the country this year – forcing greater reliance on local taxpayers to fund essential services.

Those services include weekly bin collections, maintaining parks and open spaces, processing planning applications, and running leisure facilities. Without the council tax increase, according to council officials, there are potential service cuts. Or deeper raids on financial reserves.

Where Your Money Goes

More than 70% of every council tax bill flows to Kent County Council. Education, social care, highways – the big-ticket items. Police services account for about 12%, while the borough council’s portion covers just over 10% of the total.

Parish and town councils across the borough add an average £75.62 to Band D bills. Though this varies by location.

The Household Impact

For many residents, the 4.09% total increase arrives during continuing cost-of-living pressures. A Band D household faces an extra £97.15 annually – those in lower council tax bands will pay proportionally less, higher bands proportionally more. The rises reflect broader financial pressures across Kent’s public services, from adult social care demand to maintaining police officer numbers. And it’s unlikely to get easier.

Key Takeaways

• Band D council tax in Tonbridge and Malling rises to £2,471.83 in 2026-27, up 4.09%
• The borough council’s 3% increase is the smallest among major authorities, with police services rising 5.55%
• According to the council, central government funding to the borough has fallen 15% since 2024-25, which the council claims is the second biggest cut nationally

What This Means for Kent Residents

Households across Tonbridge and Malling will see council tax bills arrive in March with the new charges taking effect from April 2026. Those struggling with payments should contact the borough council about support schemes and payment plans before bills become overdue. The increases reflect a shift towards greater local funding as central government support continues to decline – a pattern likely to continue in future years.