Here you can find information about what Marlborough Town Council does and how it’s run. You can look at Council and Committee Meeting agendas and minutes to find out what issues are being discussed and have a look at the list of meeting dates coming up.
Committee Structure
To help run council business more smoothly and to deliver best value for money, Marlborough Town Council has adopted a committee structure. Full Town Council (comprising all 16 Councillors) still makes the most important decisions such as setting the precept (local council tax) but, committees have delegated authority to make decisions in certain areas themselves. So, in addition to the Full Town Council, there are five Committees:
Planning
Finance and Policy
Amenities and Open Spaces
Property
Staffing
As business demands it, there may be issues that require further focus or expertise and Full Council or one of its Committees may establish Working Parties. These can include Town Councillors, experts, advisors and members of the public. These are set up in an advisory capacity only and can only made recommendations to Full Council or Committee.
All meetings of the Town Council and its 5 committees are open to the public and press, except where confidential items are being discussed, and each meeting starts with Public Question Time49.16 KB.
To see the agendas, reports and minutes of Committee meetings, please click here
On this page you'll find the dates for all Town Council and Committee meetings and relevant papers.
Meetings are held in the Town Hall starting at 7pm. See individual agendas for details.
Members of the public and press are welcome at all our meetings. Each meeting starts with public question time when any resident can ask a question of the Town Council or Committee - your question can be on any topic and isn't restricted to the agenda items, and there's no need to stay for the whole meeting if you don't want to. To find out more about attending a meeting and asking a question click here.
In the interests of openness and transparency meetings may also be recorded (audio, video or photographs) - see our policy here. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded please make your wishes known to the Town Clerk just before the meeting starts.
Scroll down for all our meeting dates for the municipal year 2026-27 where you can also read agendas and minutes of the meetings.
Monday 11 May 2026 – Annual Town Council Monday 1 June - Mayor Robing Monday 22 June Monday 7 September Monday 9 November Monday 14 December Monday 25 January 2027 Monday 22 March Monday 26 April - Annual Town Meeting & Community Awards Monday 10 May - Annual Town Council Monday 7 June - Mayor Robing
Monday 18 May 2026 Monday 8 June Monday 13 July Monday 3 August Monday 24 August Monday 14 September Monday 5 October Monday 26 October Monday 16 November Monday 7 December Monday 4 January 2027 Monday 15 February Monday 8 March Tuesday 30 March Monday 19 April Tuesday 17 May
Meeting papers for previous years can be found here. Older minutes (going back to 1988) are available on request.
For the municipal year 2026-27 the proposed Town Mayor will be Councillor Mark Luson and the Deputy Town Mayor will be Councillor Emily Trow (to be confirmed at Annual Town Council on 11 May 2026).
Procedure at Council meetings
The meetings of the Marlborough Town Council and its Committees are open to the public and the press, however there are certain restrictions on allowing members of the public to speak.
Council meetings are not public meetings (i.e. they are meetings and discussions of the Council members only), and therefore members of the public do not have an automatic right to speak without the consent of the Chair. If the Chair feels that a member of the public's contribution will aid the Committee's decision making, they may suspend Standing Orders (the regulations to which all meetings must conform) to allow that member to speak; this is however quite rare and should not be relied upon.
During Full Town Council and Committee meetings there is an opportunity for members of the public to ask the Council questions in public question time. If the Chair or Councillors are unable to give an answer immediately to the question posed, they may give a written reply when it is possible.
Every April the Mayor calls an Annual Parish meeting, which is public meeting, and when members of the electorate may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees.
Committee Responsibilities and Memberships
Click or tap any heading to read more about each Committee:
Full Town Council
Full Town Council comprises all elected Councillors - there are 16 seats in total. It meets approximately every six weeks and is chaired by the Town Mayor. The Financial and Proper Officer is the Town Clerk.
Full Town Council makes the most important decisions such as setting the precept (local council tax) and policies, electing Members to Committees and agreeing major projects. Committees have delegated authority from Full Town Council to make decisions in certain areas.
In addition, from time to time it may appoint members to working parties to focus on specific tasks or projects, for example to oversee civic functions or events.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Full Council meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall.Standing Orders govern how the Council operates - click here to access this and other documents that set out all our policies and regulations.
Amenities and Open Spaces Committee
The Amenities and Open Spaces Committee makes recommendations to Full Council on matters relating to amenities and open spaces under the Town Council's upkeep such as play areas, Marlborough Cemetery, The Common, parks, gardens and sports grounds. Our open spaces are listed here.
The Committee also administers the allotments and considers applications for memorial benches or trees, and from travelling circuses, fairs or festivals to use the town's open spaces. From time to time it also has to deal with unpleasant problems such as litter, dog fouling, broken street furniture, antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Meetings are scheduled 4-5 times a year and are held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Finance and Policy Committee
The Finance & Policy Committee is responsible for the management of the Council's finances and setting of its policies.
Like other town and parish councils, Marlborough does not receive any revenue support from Central Government or from business through non-domestic rates. It is funded by income (e.g. from hiring the Town Hall and property rental) and the local Council Tax.
Each year, Marlborough Town Council agrees its budget for the forthcoming year and sets the precept. This is to cover any shortfall in the budget the Council needs for the next financial year and is based on planned income (funds from investments, rental income etc) and expenditure (capital projects, running day to day services etc). The difference is the amount it needs to raise from local taxpayers - the precept. Wiltshire Council collects this on behalf of the Town Council (it usually represents about 10% of the overall tax bill) and it is paid to the Town Council in two instalments during the financial year.The Town Council tries to ensure that the tax burden on local people is reduced by seeking external funding for projects where it can.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Finance and Policy Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and take place 5 times per year to coincide with quarterly and annual budget cycles.
Planning Committee
As well as Full Council, each elected Member of the Town Council also sits on the Planning Committee.
The Planning Committee is a consultee for all planning applications relating to the Parish of Marlborough, which includes Manton.
The Committee considers each application and adds its comments to the Local Planning Authority (Wiltshire Council) Planning Register. Wiltshire Council makes the final decision to authorise or refuse planning consent. Members of the public can also submit comments to the Planning Register. For more details about the planning process go to the Local Planning Authority website.Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan: In 23 March 2023, nine years of dedicated hard work by volunteer members of the community were rewarded by a resounding vote YES to the question: "Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Marlborough to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?". Put simply, this means that residents agree that the policies about land use within the Plan, concerning housing development and the need for more affordable homes, lack of parking space, protection of green spaces, protection of buildings used as community assets, building design, history and heritage will add significant weight when planning applications or development proposals are considered by Planning Officers – planning power at the most local level, focusing on the things that are important to those who live and work in the area.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Planning Committee meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall and take place approximately every three weeks.
Property Committee
The Property Committee looks after the maintenance, improvements to and running of the Town Hall, Town Council Offices, Marlborough Community and Youth Centre, public toilets and various commercial and residential properties.Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Property Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and are scheduled 4 times a year.
Staffing Committee
The Staffing Committee deals with staffing issues such as recruitment and meets as required.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Staffing Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Town Promotions & Culture Committee
The Town Promotion & Culture Committee was formed in February 2026 to oversee the development and management of the positive promotion of the town and cultural experiences within it.
It will seek to enhance, develop and promote the Marlborough experience to visitors and residents alike, enabling and supporting community led town events. It will consider matters relating to existing town council events (non-civic) i.e. Christmas Lights event, Mop Fairs, Dark Skies etc. making recommendations to Full Council for consideration. This committee will engage positively and work collaboratively with residents and local businesses for the benefit of the community of Marlborough.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
TP&C Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Working Parties
As business demands it, there may be issues that require further focus or expertise and Full Council or one of its committees may establish working parties. These can include Councillors, experts, advisers and members of the public. They are set up in an advisory capacity only and can make recommendations to Full Council or Committees but cannot take decisions on behalf of the Council or spend Council finances.
Examples of past working parties include those set up specifically to help plan the street parties for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III, a Dark Skies Festival and to draft new policies.
Annual Parish/Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is held every year between 1st March -1st June.The Mayor calls an Annual Parish Meeting, which is a public meeting of the local electorate (everyone in the Parish of Marlborough who has a right to vote) who may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees. Is not a Town Council meeting.
Marlborough: A Friendly, Historic and Beautiful Market Town
During September and October 2022, we asked residents for their thoughts about the town centre – what you liked about it, what would make it even better, and how you'd like to see it develop. The words used most frequently to describe your town were “friendly", "beautiful", "historic” and "market".
You asked. We're delivering.
We published the survey results in November 2022 and used them to help deliver a new town guide and streetscape, sign-posting and other improvements for Marlborough town centre. We identified future priority actions and successfully secured Wiltshire Towns Programme funding from Wiltshire Council to support our work.
Summer 2025: A Town Centre Vision and Development Plan
We're now continuing work to help make Marlborough town centre more accessible and welcoming and even more vibrant and attractive for local people, businesses and visitors.
Dig deeper into challenges and opportunities identified to date in the town centre - thinking in particular about access and movement and town centre spaces and places. Build a shared long-term vision to sustain and enhance its vitality. Provide a plan of priorities for action to make the vision a reality.
June/July update: thank you to everyone we spoke to about the Town Centre
The Town Council and the project team consulted with people in different ways to gather a wide range of representative views. These included:
The consultation feedback is now being used to inform the drafting of the Marlborough Town Centre Vision and Development Plan.
This plan is being produced to support the ongoing vibrancy and long-term future of the town centre. It will set out a series of projects - short, medium and long term - that are realistic and achievable and contribute towards achieving the shared vision.
What you told us
Bringing together the insights from the various methods of consultation, a comprehensive message and vision for the future emerges based on creating a more sustainable, accessible, pedestrian-friendly town centre that continues to be a vibrant place.
The collective sentiment points towards a Marlborough that is forward-thinking, sustainable, inclusive and proactively managed to enhance the quality of life for its residents and attract visitors while preserving its unique character.
Next steps - September: comment on the draft Vision and Development Plan Building on all the feedback and on technical research, a draft Vision and Development Plan will be made available for community feedback and comments in September.
On this page you'll find the dates for all Town Council and Committee meetings and relevant papers.
Meetings are held in the Town Hall starting at 7pm. See individual agendas for details.
Members of the public and press are welcome at all our meetings. Each meeting starts with public question time when any resident can ask a question of the Town Council or Committee - your question can be on any topic and isn't restricted to the agenda items, and there's no need to stay for the whole meeting if you don't want to. To find out more about attending a meeting and asking a question click here.
In the interests of openness and transparency meetings may also be recorded (audio, video or photographs) - see our policy here. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded please make your wishes known to the Town Clerk just before the meeting starts.
Scroll down for all our meeting dates for the municipal year 2025-26 where you can also read agendas and minutes of the meetings.
Meeting papers for previous years can be found here. Older minutes (going back to 1988) are available on request.
For the municipal year 2025-26 the Town Mayor is Councillor Emily Trow and the Deputy Town Mayor is Councillor Mark Luson.
Procedure at Council meetings
The meetings of the Marlborough Town Council and its Committees are open to the public and the press, however there are certain restrictions on allowing members of the public to speak.
Council meetings are not public meetings (i.e. they are meetings and discussions of the Council members only), and therefore members of the public do not have an automatic right to speak without the consent of the Chair. If the Chair feels that a member of the public's contribution will aid the Committee's decision making, they may suspend Standing Orders (the regulations to which all meetings must conform) to allow that member to speak; this is however quite rare and should not be relied upon.
During Full Town Council and Committee meetings there is an opportunity for members of the public to ask the Council questions in public question time. If the Chair or Councillors are unable to give an answer immediately to the question posed, they may give a written reply when it is possible.
Every April the Mayor calls an Annual Parish meeting, which is public meeting, and when members of the electorate may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees.
Committee Responsibilities and Memberships
Click or tap any heading to read more about each Committee:
Full Town Council
Full Town Council comprises all elected Councillors - there are 16 seats in total. It meets approximately every six weeks and is chaired by the Town Mayor. The Financial and Proper Officer is the Town Clerk.
Full Town Council makes the most important decisions such as setting the precept (local council tax) and policies, electing Members to Committees and agreeing major projects. Committees have delegated authority from Full Town Council to make decisions in certain areas.
In addition, from time to time it may appoint members to working parties to focus on specific tasks or projects, for example to oversee civic functions or events.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Full Council meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall.Standing Orders govern how the Council operates - click here to access this and other documents that set out all our policies and regulations.
Amenities and Open Spaces Committee
The Amenities and Open Spaces Committee makes recommendations to Full Council on matters relating to amenities and open spaces under the Town Council's upkeep such as play areas, Marlborough Cemetery, The Common, parks, gardens and sports grounds. Our open spaces are listed here.
The Committee also administers the allotments and considers applications for memorial benches or trees, and from travelling circuses, fairs or festivals to use the town's open spaces. From time to time it also has to deal with unpleasant problems such as litter, dog fouling, broken street furniture, antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Meetings are scheduled 4-5 times a year and are held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Finance and Policy Committee
The Finance & Policy Committee is responsible for the management of the Council's finances and setting of its policies.
Like other town and parish councils, Marlborough does not receive any revenue support from Central Government or from business through non-domestic rates. It is funded by income (e.g. from hiring the Town Hall and property rental) and the local Council Tax.
Each year, Marlborough Town Council agrees its budget for the forthcoming year and sets the precept. This is to cover any shortfall in the budget the Council needs for the next financial year and is based on planned income (funds from investments, rental income etc) and expenditure (capital projects, running day to day services etc). The difference is the amount it needs to raise from local taxpayers - the precept. Wiltshire Council collects this on behalf of the Town Council (it usually represents about 10% of the overall tax bill) and it is paid to the Town Council in two instalments during the financial year.The Town Council tries to ensure that the tax burden on local people is reduced by seeking external funding for projects where it can.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Finance and Policy Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and take place 5 times per year to coincide with quarterly and annual budget cycles.
Planning Committee
As well as Full Council, each elected Member of the Town Council also sits on the Planning Committee.
The Planning Committee is a consultee for all planning applications relating to the Parish of Marlborough, which includes Manton.
The Committee considers each application and adds its comments to the Local Planning Authority (Wiltshire Council) Planning Register. Wiltshire Council makes the final decision to authorise or refuse planning consent. Members of the public can also submit comments to the Planning Register. For more details about the planning process go to the Local Planning Authority website.Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan: In 23 March 2023, nine years of dedicated hard work by volunteer members of the community were rewarded by a resounding vote YES to the question: "Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Marlborough to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?". Put simply, this means that residents agree that the policies about land use within the Plan, concerning housing development and the need for more affordable homes, lack of parking space, protection of green spaces, protection of buildings used as community assets, building design, history and heritage will add significant weight when planning applications or development proposals are considered by Planning Officers – planning power at the most local level, focusing on the things that are important to those who live and work in the area.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Planning Committee meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall and take place approximately every three weeks.
Property Committee
The Property Committee looks after the maintenance, improvements to and running of the Town Hall, Town Council Offices, Marlborough Community and Youth Centre, public toilets and various commercial and residential properties.Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Property Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and are scheduled 4 times a year.
Staffing Committee
The Staffing Committee deals with staffing issues such as recruitment and meets as required.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Staffing Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Town Promotions & Culture Committee
The Town Promotion & Culture Committee was formed in February 2026 to oversee the development and management of the positive promotion of the town and cultural experiences within it.
It will seek to enhance, develop and promote the Marlborough experience to visitors and residents alike, enabling and supporting community led town events. It will consider matters relating to existing town council events (non-civic) i.e. Christmas Lights event, Mop Fairs, Dark Skies etc. making recommendations to Full Council for consideration. This committee will engage positively and work collaboratively with residents and local businesses for the benefit of the community of Marlborough.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
TP&C Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Working Parties
As business demands it, there may be issues that require further focus or expertise and Full Council or one of its committees may establish working parties. These can include Councillors, experts, advisers and members of the public. They are set up in an advisory capacity only and can make recommendations to Full Council or Committees but cannot take decisions on behalf of the Council or spend Council finances.
Examples of past working parties include those set up specifically to help plan the street parties for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III, a Dark Skies Festival and to draft new policies.
Annual Parish/Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is held every year between 1st March -1st June.The Mayor calls an Annual Parish Meeting, which is a public meeting of the local electorate (everyone in the Parish of Marlborough who has a right to vote) who may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees. Is not a Town Council meeting.
Elections are to be held for the Marlborough East and Marlborough West areas for both Parish Councillors and Unitary Councillors. If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 1 May 2025. Click the above link to read the notices.
Nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Returning Officer or her appointed staff at Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER on any working day after the date of this notice (excluding weekends), between the hours of 10am and 4pm, but no later than 4pm on Wednesday 2 April 2025. On arrival, please report to reception.
As information about the election becomes available, Wiltshire Council will be publishing it at the above links.
What is a Town Council?
A town or parish council is the tier of local authority closest to its community. It elects representatives from that community – democracy on your doorstep.
Your town council delivers important, every day, local services unique to Marlborough. So, things like play areas, parks, public toilets, CCTV, cemeteries, tourism, the Town Hall and Youth Centre as well as events such as the Christmas Lights switch-on and Remembrance Parade.
Other services, like roads, pavements, car parks, social care, markets and education are provided at a unitary level by Wiltshire Council. There will be elections for Wiltshire Councillors to represent Marlborough running alongside the election for our Town Councillors: there’s nothing to stop you standing for both councils if you wish.
Marlborough Town Council works alongside Wiltshire Council and other agencies to influence planning, highways, transport, environment and other matters.
What's involved?
You’ll be signing up to a 4-year commitment. You will be summoned to meetings and expected to attend: typically on Monday evenings but sometimes at other times too. You will also be expected to attend civic events such as the Civic Service. As well as attending Full Council and Planning Committee meetings, there are other committees that you can join which cover specialist areas such as properties, open spaces, staffing, finance and policy. You can also join one-off working parties to spend more time on a single topic or project such as the town centre, alongside special events like the Christmas Lights switch-on.
No single councillor can make decisions. All decisions are made through committees, and town and parish councils are governed by legislation and follow strict rules (Standing Orders and Financial Regulations). Scheduled meetings are open to the public and can be recorded and filmed. It sounds daunting but there will be lots of support to ease you into your new role.
Being a town councillor is a voluntary role and receives no financial remuneration with the exception of the Town Mayor who can claim an allowance for expenses. It’s a serious commitment which can be enormously rewarding when you see positive change take place and know that you’ve played a part.
,
The Council Chamber where our Committees meet
Town Council staff
There is a team of 17 staff headed up by the Town Clerk who deal with the day to day running of the council’s administration, services, grounds and property portfolios, projects and tourism as well as providing support and advice to councillors and implementing their decisions.
What about money?
By law, the town council is entitled to levy a tax from its area. Each year it calculates the money it needs to provide services and projects for the year ahead. Then it deducts what it expects to receive from income and external grants leaving a net amount. This sum, called the precept, is the amount collected by Wiltshire Council as a proportion of the total council tax paid by Marlborough households. It equates to around 10% of the overall council tax bill. The town council does not receive direct funding from either central Government or Wiltshire Council.
Who can become a Town Councillor?
If you meet the following requirements you can stand as a candidate.
You should be:
A UK, Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland orqualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights
At least 18 years old
Registered to vote in the parish or have lived, worked or owned property in or within 3 miles of the parish boundary for at least 12 months before an election
You cannot be a councillor if you are:
Employed by the council
Subject to a bankruptcy restriction order
Have been sentenced to prison for 5 years
Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court
Whatever you feel meets the needs of our community in Marlborough and Manton you could be the person to drive things forward.
The elected term is four years. There are 16 seats: 9 in Marlborough East Ward and 7 in Marlborough West Ward. More on Wards here...
Being a good and effective Councillor requires commitment and hard work. It can be a rewarding and privileged form of public service where you will be able to make a difference to the quality of local people’s daily lives. What you get out of it will depend on what you put in.
On this page you'll find the dates for all Town Council and Committee meetings and relevant papers.
Meetings are held in the Town Hall starting at 7pm. See individual agendas for details.
Members of the public and press are welcome at all our meetings. Each meeting starts with public question time when any resident can ask a question of the Town Council or Committee - your question can be on any topic and isn't restricted to the agenda items, and there's no need to stay for the whole meeting if you don't want to. To find out more about attending a meeting and asking a question click here.
In the interests of openness and transparency meetings may also be recorded (audio, video or photographs) - see our policy here. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded please make your wishes known to the Town Clerk just before the meeting starts.
Scroll down for all our meeting dates for the municipal year 2024-25 where you can also read agendas and minutes of the meetings.
For the municipal year 2024-25 the Town Mayor is Councillor Kym-Marie Cleasby and the Deputy Town Mayor is Councillor Emily Trow.
Procedure at Council meetings
The meetings of the Marlborough Town Council and its Committees are open to the public and the press, however there are certain restrictions on allowing members of the public to speak.
Council meetings are not public meetings (i.e. they are meetings and discussions of the Council members only), and therefore members of the public do not have an automatic right to speak without the consent of the Chair. If the Chair feels that a member of the public's contribution will aid the Committee's decision making, they may suspend Standing Orders (the regulations to which all meetings must conform) to allow that member to speak; this is however quite rare and should not be relied upon.
During Full Town Council and Committee meetings there is an opportunity for members of the public to ask the Council questions in public question time. If the Chair or Councillors are unable to give an answer immediately to the question posed, they may give a written reply when it is possible.
Every April the Mayor calls an Annual Parish meeting, which is public meeting, and when members of the electorate may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees.
Committee Responsibilities and Memberships
Click or tap any heading to read more about each Committee:
Full Town Council
Full Town Council comprises all elected Councillors - there are 16 seats in total. It meets approximately every six weeks and is chaired by the Town Mayor. The Financial and Proper Officer is the Town Clerk.
Full Town Council makes the most important decisions such as setting the precept (local council tax) and policies, electing Members to Committees and agreeing major projects. Committees have delegated authority from Full Town Council to make decisions in certain areas.
In addition, from time to time it may appoint members to working parties to focus on specific tasks or projects, for example to oversee civic functions or events.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Full Council meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall.Standing Orders govern how the Council operates - click here to access this and other documents that set out all our policies and regulations.
Amenities and Open Spaces Committee
The Amenities and Open Spaces Committee makes recommendations to Full Council on matters relating to amenities and open spaces under the Town Council's upkeep such as play areas, Marlborough Cemetery, The Common, parks, gardens and sports grounds. Our open spaces are listed here.
The Committee also administers the allotments and considers applications for memorial benches or trees, and from travelling circuses, fairs or festivals to use the town's open spaces. From time to time it also has to deal with unpleasant problems such as litter, dog fouling, broken street furniture, antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Meetings are scheduled 4-5 times a year and are held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Finance and Policy Committee
The Finance & Policy Committee is responsible for the management of the Council's finances and setting of its policies.
Like other town and parish councils, Marlborough does not receive any revenue support from Central Government or from business through non-domestic rates. It is funded by income (e.g. from hiring the Town Hall and property rental) and the local Council Tax.
Each year, Marlborough Town Council agrees its budget for the forthcoming year and sets the precept. This is to cover any shortfall in the budget the Council needs for the next financial year and is based on planned income (funds from investments, rental income etc) and expenditure (capital projects, running day to day services etc). The difference is the amount it needs to raise from local taxpayers - the precept. Wiltshire Council collects this on behalf of the Town Council (it usually represents about 10% of the overall tax bill) and it is paid to the Town Council in two instalments during the financial year.The Town Council tries to ensure that the tax burden on local people is reduced by seeking external funding for projects where it can.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Finance and Policy Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and take place 5 times per year to coincide with quarterly and annual budget cycles.
Planning Committee
As well as Full Council, each elected Member of the Town Council also sits on the Planning Committee.
The Planning Committee is a consultee for all planning applications relating to the Parish of Marlborough, which includes Manton.
The Committee considers each application and adds its comments to the Local Planning Authority (Wiltshire Council) Planning Register. Wiltshire Council makes the final decision to authorise or refuse planning consent. Members of the public can also submit comments to the Planning Register. For more details about the planning process go to the Local Planning Authority website.Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan: In 23 March 2023, nine years of dedicated hard work by volunteer members of the community were rewarded by a resounding vote YES to the question: "Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Marlborough to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?". Put simply, this means that residents agree that the policies about land use within the Plan, concerning housing development and the need for more affordable homes, lack of parking space, protection of green spaces, protection of buildings used as community assets, building design, history and heritage will add significant weight when planning applications or development proposals are considered by Planning Officers – planning power at the most local level, focusing on the things that are important to those who live and work in the area.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership.
Planning Committee meetings are usually held in the Court Room at the Town Hall and take place approximately every three weeks.
Property Committee
The Property Committee looks after the maintenance, improvements to and running of the Town Hall, Town Council Offices, Marlborough Community and Youth Centre, public toilets and various commercial and residential properties.Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Property Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall and are scheduled 4 times a year.
Staffing Committee
The Staffing Committee deals with staffing issues such as recruitment and meets as required.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
Staffing Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Town Promotions & Culture Committee
The Town Promotion & Culture Committee was formed in February 2026 to oversee the development and management of the positive promotion of the town and cultural experiences within it.
It will seek to enhance, develop and promote the Marlborough experience to visitors and residents alike, enabling and supporting community led town events. It will consider matters relating to existing town council events (non-civic) i.e. Christmas Lights event, Mop Fairs, Dark Skies etc. making recommendations to Full Council for consideration. This committee will engage positively and work collaboratively with residents and local businesses for the benefit of the community of Marlborough.
Click here to see a list of all elected Town Councillors and their committee membership. The Town Mayor sits on all Committees.
TP&C Committee meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.
Working Parties
As business demands it, there may be issues that require further focus or expertise and Full Council or one of its committees may establish working parties. These can include Councillors, experts, advisers and members of the public. They are set up in an advisory capacity only and can make recommendations to Full Council or Committees but cannot take decisions on behalf of the Council or spend Council finances.
Examples of past working parties include those set up specifically to help plan the street parties for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III, a Dark Skies Festival and to draft new policies.
Annual Parish/Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is held every year between 1st March -1st June.The Mayor calls an Annual Parish Meeting, which is a public meeting of the local electorate (everyone in the Parish of Marlborough who has a right to vote) who may question the Mayor, Clerk and Chair of the Town Council Committees. Is not a Town Council meeting.
St Peters tower tours every Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday through to the Big Mop Fair in October. Inside there's the Cardinal Cafe and regular exhibitions and events too. Open Thursday-Sunday
Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the United Kingdom. Built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal which links London and Bristol.Open to visitors every Tuesday between 10:00-14:00 on 'work days'. Check the website for steaming weekends and events
Jamie Cochrane – PianoPraised for playing of “delicacy and vigour” with “great clarity,” Jamie Cochrane is equally at home as a concerto soloist, song accompanist, and chamber musician
Join Head Gardener Garry Munford for a guided tour of the beautiful Avebury Manor Garden. Garry will share his knowledge of the garden's long history and explain how his team is working to adapt this fully organic garden to the changing climate
You are invited to an evening of stunning a cappella harmonies and laugh out loud fun with these two fine groups of men. Be prepared to sing, laugh and maybe shed a tear or two as they present a tuneful celebration of the 21st Century bloke.
Join Head Gardener Garry Munford who will share his knowledge of the garden's long history and explain the exciting new developments as his team work to adapt this fully organic garden to the changing climate
Join Head Gardener Garry Munford who will share his knowledge of the garden's long history and explain the exciting new developments as his team work to adapt this fully organic garden to the changing climate
Join Head Gardener Garry Munford who will share his knowledge of the garden's long history and explain the exciting new developments as his team work to adapt this fully organic garden to the changing climate
The Three Inch Fools return to Avebury this summer for another epic night of mayhem as they perform their new, fast-paced, musically driven, medieval adventure
Join Head Gardener Garry Munford who will share his knowledge of the garden's long history and explain the exciting new developments as his team work to adapt this fully organic garden to the changing climate
Marlborough Town Council
Here you can find information about what Marlborough Town Council does and how it’s run. You can look at Council and Committee Meeting agendas and minutes to find out what issues are being discussed and have a look at the list of meeting dates coming up.
meeting dates for 2026-27 here
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Build a shared long-term vision to sustain and enhance its vitality.
Provide a plan of priorities for action to make the vision a reality.
