Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s cabinet considered a proposed artificial intelligence governance framework on 1 September 2026, following a recommendation from its Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee that the policy be adopted to regulate the ethical and secure use of AI across the authority.
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s cabinet considered a proposed Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework Policy at its meeting on 1 September 2026, after the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee recommended its adoption at a meeting on 21 July 2026.
What the policy covers
The framework is intended to establish governance, risk management and oversight arrangements for the use of AI across the council. It sets out that AI should support rather than replace professional judgement, and that human oversight must be maintained over AI-assisted decision-making. The policy covers transparency, data protection, cyber security, equality duties, procurement and the right of individuals to challenge AI-assisted decisions.
The current approach is restricted to approved Microsoft corporate AI tools used within the council’s enterprise environment, with officers stating this ensures organisational data remains protected. Any future use of specialist AI systems or wider implementation of AI technologies would be progressed through appropriate governance routes and subject to member scrutiny.
Governance structures proposed
The policy proposes the establishment of an AI Governance Board, an AI Risk Register and an AI System Register to provide oversight and assurance. Officers said the council’s use of cloud-based infrastructure was aligned with Microsoft’s net zero commitments, and that staff development programmes were already incorporating AI awareness and capability training.
Scrutiny committee discussion
When the scrutiny committee considered the policy in July, members discussed the definition and scope of AI within the policy, environmental impacts including data centre energy and water use, the management of AI output accuracy, data security, copyright issues relating to AI training data, potential costs, and the possible effect of AI on workforce development and recruitment pathways.
Members were told that varying levels of AI maturity existed across district councils and Kent County Council, with many authorities having already adopted governance frameworks. Officers said they remained engaged in sector-wide discussions and were monitoring good practice. Examples were provided of work being undertaken to improve the handling of Freedom of Information requests through AI-supported triage processes.
The scrutiny committee recommended that cabinet approve the adoption and implementation of the policy, the establishment of governance and oversight arrangements, the principle of human-centred and transparent AI use, and ongoing investment in workforce skills and responsible procurement.
The council had not published the minutes of the meeting at the time of writing, so the committee’s decision is not yet on the public record.
Sources
- Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council — Cabinet, 1 September 2026 (agenda and papers)
- Recommendation of Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee of 21 July 2026 — AI Governance Framework Policy (Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council)
- Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework Policy — Report of Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive (Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council)
Top image: illustrative, computer-generated. Illustrative image generated by AI — this is not a photograph of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council or any real council chamber.