Have Your Say: Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway
The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to change how local councils in Kent and Medway are organised. This is part of the biggest proposed shake-up of local government in over 50 years.
What is being proposed?
Currently, local services are split between different councils. For example:
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Kent County Council provides services such as education, highways and social care
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District and borough councils provide services such as housing, waste collection and planning
Under the proposed changes, these would be replaced by a smaller number of unitary councils, each responsible for delivering all local government services in their area. Medway Council already operates as a unitary authority.
What are the options?
Councils across Kent and Medway have worked together to develop a number of possible options for:
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how many unitary councils there could be
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which areas they would cover
Ministers are now asking residents, organisations and community groups for their views to help them decide which option should be adopted and to understand the potential impact on local services.
Why your views matter
The way councils are organised affects how services are delivered locally, how decisions are made, and how communities are represented. Your feedback will be considered alongside evidence submitted by councils before a final decision is made.
How to take part
You can respond to the Government’s consultation online:
🗓 Deadline: 11.59pm on Thursday 26 March
Further background information, including detailed explanations of each option, is available at:
👉 KentCouncilLeaders.org.uk/lgr-consultation
What happens next?
Once the consultation closes, civil servants and ministers will review all responses. A decision is expected to be announced in the summer, and councils will then work together to implement the chosen approach.
If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact pr@dover.gov.uk
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