Stone Parish Council resolved to become Stone Town Council in April 2024, and we understand residents may have questions. This page is designed to provide clarity and reassurance about the change, including why it happened, what it means, and what comes next.

Full transition to ‘Town Council’ may take the rest of the year to implement as we resolve issues such as domain names, bank accounts, and seek to establish the office of the role of Mayor.

  • Why did the council change from a parish to a town?
    In April 2024, the council resolved to adopt town council status to reflect the growth and maturity of our community of nearly 14,000 residents. Stone has grown in population and civic identity, and this change aligns our status with that reality.
  • Was there any consultation with residents?
    Yes. We carried out a consultation and engagement campaign regarding our parish identity in February 2024. This provided background information, sought feedback on what people feel about local associations, geographical landmarks, and the growth of the area.
  • What’s changed now that we are a town council?
    The change is one of style and civic identity. Stone Town Council operates under the same governance structure, provides the same services, and is funded in the same way as before. The key visible difference is that the council may now elect a Mayor instead of a Chair. At the Annual Council Meeting in May 2024, Councillor Jessica McQueen was elected as Stone’s first Town Mayor.
  • Will becoming a town increase my council tax?
    No. There is no increase in the parish precept as a result of becoming a town or appointing a Mayor. The total amount you pay for parish services remains unchanged.
    In fact, Stone Town Council currently receives just 5.45% of your overall council tax.
    By comparison:
    Kent County Council receives 71.2%
    Dartford Borough Council receives 7.95%
    Kent Police: 11.38%
    Kent Fire & Rescue Service: 3.99%
  • What’s the reason for the change now?
    The decision supports Stone’s readiness for forthcoming local government reorganisation. The government has indicated that principal authorities will be restructured, likely merging Dartford Borough Council with others such as Gravesham, Medway, and possibly Swale. This will leave Stone Town Council as the sole voice focused specifically on our community. Adopting town status and establishing a Mayor will help ensure we have the presence and influence to advocate for our area during and after this process.
  • Will the council be taking on new responsibilities?
    Possibly. As part of the government’s devolution agenda, it is likely that town and parish councils will be asked to take over assets and services currently managed by borough councils. This change positions Stone to manage that transition in a strong, accountable, and visible way.
  • Was this decision legal?
    Yes. Under the Local Government Act 1972, parish councils have the legal authority to change their style to that of a town, community, neighbourhood, or village, without the need for a referendum.
  • Where can I find more information about council decisions?
    All council meeting agendas and minutes are published on our website and promoted on social media. Residents are always welcome to attend meetings, ask questions, or contact us directly with any concerns.
  • What happens next?
    Next week, we will begin public consultation on our Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which outlines the council’s priorities for the next three years. This includes discussions around services, events, environmental action, and a possible change to the parish name. We invite all residents to participate and have your say.
  • Why is the council proposing a change to the parish name?
    As part of our upcoming consultation, we are starting a conversation about whether “Stone” remains the best name for our parish now that we are a town council. There are two main reasons for reviewing the name:

  1. Frequent confusion with Stone in Staffordshire
    We regularly receive correspondence and online queries intended for Stone Town Council in Staffordshire, a much larger and more established town. This confusion has increased now that we too are called a “town council.”

  2. Geographic clarity and community identity
    Our location on the Thames is a defining feature. A name such as “Stone-on-Thames” could provide clearer geographic context, reduce confusion, and better reflect our place in the region.

    We are not proposing to lose the name “Stone,” which is part of our heritage, but to consider enhancing it to better represent the identity and geography of our town. By adopting a name that reflects our unique geography, such as Stone-on-Thames, we aim to establish an identity that is unmistakably ours and better represents our community’s place in the region. No decision has been made on this. Residents will be fully consulted to ensure support.