Forum for residents to have their say
Published
Monday 9 February, 2026
Updated
Tuesday 10 February, 2026
Local people will be given an even greater voice after councillors agreed changes to local area committees.
Swale Borough Council has approved changes to the area committees, to encourage more engagement and collaboration with local people.
The new councillors and residents forums, which are replacing area committees, will run three times a year in four areas of the borough, giving people the chance to share their views on local issues.
The meetings are the Sittingbourne, Western, Sheppey and Eastern councillors and residents forums.
Members of the public will be able to vote on certain items, agreed by the chair of the forum, and the topics covered will be shaped by local interests and concerns.
These forums aim to improve the quality of life and council services in communities, and to bring greater local insight into the council’s decision-making.
An important function is to engage with the public, parish and town councils and community groups about:
- key local issues that matter most to the area’s residents
- changes to council services and new policies and strategies
- council led projects in the borough
- changes in government legislation which may impact residents
The summer round of meetings will be a chance for people to meet their councillors in a less formal setting, with networking and discussions about the local issues that matter to them.
The meetings will also include more updates on the action taken by council in response to concerns raised by local people, to better show how residents’ voices are heard and help improve their community.
People unable to attend in person will get a better experience of the meetings online, with new audio equipment to make sure speakers can be heard clearly.
Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of Swale Borough Council, said:
“We asked people what they wanted from our area committees, and what improvements we could make, because we think it’s important to really engage with local opinions at these meetings.
“The revamped forums will help us get better local insight to guide our decisions, give people the chance to see for themselves what we are doing to improve their area, and hear about any changes that could affect them.
“These changes are a direct response to what people told us they wanted from the meetings, and we hope the new look will help strengthen the important link between councillors and the people we represent.
“Please check when your next local area committee will be taking place, and get involved, you can help make a real impact on what happens in your area.”
