Houses of Parliament – Pexels –
The government wants to change how local councils in Kent and Medway are run as they believe the current system is too complicated and they want to make it simpler and more efficient. Let’s see what they have in mind!
The Current System vs. the New Plan
- Now: You have two types of councils. Kent County Council handles big things like schools, social services, and roads. Then, your local district or borough council (like Ashford, Dover, or Canterbury) handles things closer to home, like emptying your bins and looking after council homes.
- Proposed Plan: Instead of two layers, there would be just one. A new “unitary council” would be created to handle all council services in a specific area. Think of it like Medway Council, which already works this way.
Why the Change?
The government believes having one council for all services will be easier for people to understand. It also thinks these new, larger councils will be more efficient and save money.
What Does This Mean for Kent and Medway?
- Kent County Council, Medway Council, and all 12 of the district and borough councils would no longer exist.
- They would be replaced by a few new unitary councils.
- The councils are currently working with experts to figure out the best way to do this, including how many new councils there should be and what areas they should cover.
What Happens Next?
- Now until late 2025: The councils will work on their plans and give them to the government.
- After November 2025: The government will decide on the final plan.
- After a decision is made: The process of combining the old councils into the new ones will begin.
- April 2028: The new unitary councils could start providing services.
What about a Mayor?
The government also wants to eventually create a single “strategic mayoral authority” for all of Kent. This would be led by a mayor, like the ones in Manchester or Greater London. This mayor and the new authority would get special powers and money from the government to manage big projects for the whole county, like transportation and major building projects.
Will My Services Change Right Now?
No. For now, everything stays the same. The services you use will continue as they are. If a change happens that affects you, you will be told.
Which Councils are Included?
All the councils in Kent and Medway are part of this discussion. This includes:
- Ashford Borough Council
- Canterbury City Council
- Dartford Borough Council
- Dover District Council
- Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- Gravesham Borough Council
- Kent County Council
- Maidstone Borough Council
- Medway Council
- Sevenoaks District Council
- Swale Borough Council
- Thanet District Council
- Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
How Far Have we Got? Here’s the Timeline so far
16 December 2024 – The government publishes its English Devolution White Paper outlining how they want councils to change .
16 December 2024 – The government writes to councils in Kent outlining the white paper’s key points and invites them to be part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
10 January 2025 – Councils in Kent and Medway request to be part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
5 February 2025 – The government announces which areas will be taken forward into the Devolution Priority Programme. Kent and Medway are not included.
5 February 2025 – Minister Jim McMahon formally asks councils in Kent and Medway to work together to formulate an interim plan for local government reorganisation.
21 March 2025 – Kent and Medway send a covering letter and their interim plan to ministers.
15 May 2025 – The government gives its feedback on the interim plan.
10 July 2025 – The government publishes its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which is designed to turn the proposals in its white paper into law.
25 July 2025 – The government summarises the local government reorganisation process.
For more information, please visit our dedicated Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation page.