Gov confirms Local Government Reorganisation will continue
The Government has confirmed that plans for Local Government Reorganisation in Kent will continue, with new unitary councils now expected to be introduced in 2029.
The announcement means residents across Kent will be served by a new council structure, replacing the current two-tier system of county and district councils. However, the government has not yet decided which of the five proposed options for new council boundaries across Kent will be taken forward. A decision on the preferred option is expected early next year.
Councillor Ben Chapelard, Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said:
“I welcome the Government’s announcement that it remains committed to Local Government Reorganisation. We now know that residents will have a new council for West Kent in 2029, a year later than originally planned.
Unfortunately, we do not yet know which area a new West Kent unitary council will cover. The Government has gone back to reconsider the five original options for new councils across Kent submitted last year, ranging from one to five new councils. I continue to believe that three new councils is the best option for serving residents across Kent.
I urge the government to complete its review of the five options as quickly as possible so that we can get on with the job of planning and establishing a new unitary council for our area.
I remain optimistic that the additional time we now have until 2029 will allow us to make an even better start. Reform of local government gives us the opportunity to bring services together, reduce complexity, and build a council that is better placed to serve residents and businesses across West Kent.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will continue to work with partners across Kent as the Government considers the options and prepares to announce its preferred model for local government in the county early next year.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
