Interim poposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Kent
Interim proposal submitted today to the Government.
As set out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, all 14 Council Leaders in Kent have today submitted their interim proposals to replace the current two-tier system with new unitary councils.
The Government says simplifying council structures will cut wasteful duplication and build empowered, simplified, resilient and sustainable local government for Kent that will increase value for money for taxpayers.
For Kent, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will bring together the County Council, Medway Council, and the county’s 12 District and Borough councils into a number of new unitary authorities that will provide the same services as both County and District councils.
Although Kent and Medway is not currently included in the Devolution Priority Programme, Council Leaders are still in pursuit of the very best devolutionary arrangements for all residents and are keen to ensure that any reorganisation is completed in alignment with achieving full devolution at the earliest opportunity.
The interim proposal prioritises delivering high-quality, sustainable public services and avoiding unnecessary fragmentation. Kent councils, including Tunbridge Wells, have submitted supplementary data on geographic boundaries, demographics, public sector alignment, and financial analysis. The four West Kent authorities (Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells) advocate for three unitary councils based on emerging evidence. Council Leaders await the Government's response, with final proposals due in November 2025, allowing for extensive public and partner engagement. All letters and proposals are set out below.
View the submission of the interim proposal.
View the supplementary covering letter.
View the supplementary submission.
View the letter on Local Government Reorganisation from MBC SDC TMBC and TWBC.
