Issues and SWOT: Tunbridge Wells

strength

Keep all three leisure centres accessible

The operator transfer protected service continuity.

Residents across the borough need dependable local facilities.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

3.8% of people reported bad or very bad health in Tunbridge Wells council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 2.5% in Park to 4.9% in High Brooms — a gap of 2.4 percentage points.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

strength

Connect local skills to local opportunities

41.1% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Tunbridge Wells council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 8.8% in Culverden to 19% in High Brooms — a gap of 10.2 percentage points.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

weakness

Turn an accepted housing offer into usable accommodation

The Cranbrook purchase had not yet been confirmed complete.

An accepted offer cannot house a family.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £1,533 a month (August 2026) in Tunbridge Wells council area. This is £74 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 11.9% in Rusthall & Speldhurst to 37.6% in St James' — a gap of 25.7 percentage points.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Shape Cranbrook’s centre around everyday use

The project is moving through planning and preparation.

Early choices determine which local groups can use it.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

19.4% of people in Tunbridge Wells council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 11.2% in St James' to 24.2% in Cranbrook, Sissinghurst & Frittenden — a gap of 13 percentage points.

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Tunbridge Wells council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

5 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

opportunity

Target support where disadvantages overlap

Households facing two or more measured disadvantages ranged from 10% in Culverden to 20.3% in High Brooms — a gap of 10.2 percentage points.

These households met at least two census conditions covering education, employment, health and housing. This is not an income or poverty measure.

threat

Separate the different Royal Victoria Place projects

Renewal faces a heritage timing issue while solar equipment still needed testing.

Residents need clear progress on each part.

Evidence