Kennington Community Council becomes Kennington Town Council

Kennington Community Council has formally adopted the title of Kennington Town Council, with the change taking effect from Wednesday 1st April 2026, following a resolution agreed at a recent Council meeting. The decision reflects the area’s continued growth and is designed to strengthen how the council represents and advocates for local residents. 

 

The council is, and remains, the civil parish council for Kennington. Adopting the “Town Council” title provides greater recognition and a stronger civic voice at Borough and County level, which is particularly important at a time of significant planned growth and the introduction of unitary authorities to replace borough councils. The change ensures that Kennington is better placed to influence decisions and secure positive outcomes for the community. 

 

Town status also enables the council to engage more effectively with Borough and County decision-makers, access wider funding opportunities, and participate in national programmes, which are focused on town-led regeneration and community improvement. This practical step is about achieving results for residents rather than changing appearances. There is no additional cost to local people. The change does not affect the council tax precept, the number of councillors, or the day-to-day services the council provides. Any minor costs associated with updating signage, branding, and communications will be met from within existing budgets, and the strong community spirit that defines Kennington will remain unchanged. 

 

As part of the change, the Chairman will now be known as the Town Mayor, and the Deputy Chairman as the Deputy Town Mayor, reflecting the council’s civic role when representing Kennington in official and partnership settings. The change does not affect local signposting or addresses but significantly enhances the council’s standing when speaking on behalf of residents. 

 

Kennington is one of the largest councils in Kent, with 16 seats on the council. The area continues to grow as a vibrant and well-supported community. Its population has increased to an estimated 11,498 in 2024 and is due to grow substantially to an estimated 14,000-15,000 with current housing developments across the parish. 

 

The community is well served by a wide range of local amenities including schools, a library, churches, community halls, youth organisations, sports facilities, parks, local shops, and healthcare services. Adopting the Town Council title strengthens the council’s ability to represent residents with greater civic authority and visibility, advocate for local priorities during a period of growth and structural change, and position Kennington as a thriving place for the future. 

 

“Becoming Kennington Town Council is a practical step that strengthens how we stand up for our residents. It gives us greater recognition, improves how we work with partners, and puts us in a stronger position to secure the services and investment our community needs. This change is not about grandeur; it is about making sure Kennington is well represented as we grow, while keeping the strong community spirit that makes this area so special, all without increasing the cost to residents.” 

 

Work is underway to update our branding, signage, and documentation. Most public-facing updates, including our website, email and social media, will be completed by the end of May. Some materials will continue to transition over the coming months, so you may still see “Community Council” on some items during the changeover.