Proposals to set up a brand-new town council for Margate were agreed by Councillors at an Extraordinary Council meeting held on Thursday 18 June 2026.
Margate is currently the only town in Thanet that has neither a town nor parish council.
The decision follows an extensive community campaign including two public consultations. Local residents were given a clear opportunity to help shape the outcome. The second stage of the consultation, which finished in March, received 476 responses. In all, 87.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that a new parish council should be created, and be called Margate Town Council.
Following agreement from Full Council to proceed with the recommendations, the new town council will formally come into existence on Thursday 1 April 2027. The first official elections for town councillors will take place on Thursday 6 May 2027.
The wards for the new Margate Town Council will mirror those of the existing district council. This means there will be seven wards, represented by 19 town councillors. Almost three quarters (73.7%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that there should be wards. Similarly, 76.8% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed names of the wards.
To ensure the new council is safe, legal, and ready to run smoothly from day one, a Shadow Town Council will be set up. This interim body will be responsible for essential administrative preparations ahead of the official start date. This includes hiring staff, agreeing on policies and procedures, and finding suitable locations to hold public meetings.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council said: “This is a truly historic and exciting milestone for Margate. In 2024 we made a commitment to create a new town council for Margate. This decision marks the end of a long road to complete the parishing of Thanet. It is particularly timely ahead of local government reorganisation. For 52 years Margate has had no political identity of its own. The Charter Trustees have continued the civic offices, and having agreed these recommendations we can finally correct that anomaly.
“Our residents have spoken clearly. This is something they want. The overwhelming support shows just how much people care about having a local voice.
“This new town council will give Margate its own identity and the power to make decisions that directly benefit the local community. I look forward to seeing Margate Town Council flourish.”
