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Changes to Swale's town and parish councils

Published

Wednesday 5 August, 2026

Updated

Wednesday 5 August, 2026

Local feedback is leading to changes residents want to see to the most local level of government in Swale, including the establishment of five brand new councils.

Swale Borough Council have begun working towards implementing the 23 recommendations that make changes to the borough’s town and parish councils.

The proposals, which were approved at full council last month, were shaped by over 2,300 responses from across two consultations and several community events.

The first stage consultation asked what locals would like to see changed, while the second focused on specific proposals like creating a Sittingbourne Town Council, forming a Halfway Parish Council, and changing boundaries in Faversham.

Thanks to this vital feedback a town council is not being implemented for Sittingbourne, as smaller councils for Murston, Grove Park, Kemsley and Milton Regis were the preferred options amongst locals.

A new Halfway Parish Council is also being formed and there are changes being made, guided by local knowledge, to existing town and parish council boundaries in Faversham.

The council are now working to implement these approved recommendations:

Isle of Sheppey

  • changing the name of Warden Parish Council to Warden Bay Parish Council
  • creating a Halfway Parish Council
  • changing the Minster-on-Sea Council boundary
  • amending the Queenborough Town Council boundary
  • amending the Sheerness Town Council boundary

Faversham

  • splitting Faversham Town Council's (FTC) existing Watling Ward into Watling East and Watling West
  • increasing the number of councillors representing FTC’s Watling Ward (3 for each)
  • changing the Watling Ward boundary
  • increasing the number of councillors representing FTC’s Priory Ward
  • transfer of land from Faversham Town Council and Sheldwich Parish Council

Sittingbourne

  • not creating a Sittingbourne Town Council
  • amending the Iwade Parish Council boundary
  • amending the Bobbing Parish boundary
  • creating a Murston Parish Council
  • amending the Tonge Parish Council boundary
  • creating a Kemsley Parish Council
  • creating a Milton Regis Town Council
  • extending the boundary of Bobbing Parish Council
  • creating a Grove Park Community Council

The council undertook this community governance review to put in place strong, clearly defined local government boundaries reflecting that reflect the identities and interests of the communities in that area, in an effective and convenient way.

Cllr Tim Gibson, Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, said:

“Thank you to everyone who shared their views on the future of local government in Swale. Your feedback shaped every decision we have approved and has been vital in ensuring the changes reflect what residents want.

“Sittingbourne is one of the few places in Swale without a town or parish council. The feedback we received made it clear that residents would prefer to be represented by smaller parish councils but did not favour a single town council for Sittingbourne.

“On the Island, we are working towards creating the new Halfway Parish Council, while in Faversham there will be changes to the boundaries of existing wards to better reflect local communities.

“From the outset, we were clear that creating new councils would come with a small council tax precept for the areas they serve. In return, residents will benefit from stronger local representation and councils that can focus on the issues that matter most to their communities.

“We are now working to deliver the changes residents told us they wanted, including establishing the new councils so they can begin representing local interests and making a positive difference in the communities they serve.”

Once all the new councils have been established there will be a total of 38 parish councils, one community council and three town councils, covering the vast majority of Swale.

With Government set to abolish Swale Borough Council and Kent Council, town and parish councils - the most local tier of government - provide a link between decision makers within any new councils and the residents they represent.

The benefits of forming these new town or parish councils include:

  • enhancing local representation
  • improving local services
  • giving residents a direct voice in local affairs
  • attracting funding that boosts the local economy
  • boosting the quality of life through tailored initiatives and community projects
  • allowing for greater accountability and transparency