Government responds on interim proposals for local government reform in Kent

Councils in Kent and Medway have received a response from the government on interim proposals to replace the current system of local government.

Back in March, district councils across Kent, including Canterbury City Council, worked with Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council to submit the interim proposals to the government on how they should be organised in the future.

The feedback acknowledged the positive partnership working by the 12 borough and district councils, Medway Council and Kent County Council to shape high-quality and sustainable services that best respond to the needs of residents and provide better value for money.

The government welcomed the initial thinking on the options for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway, recognising that proposals are at an early stage and further analysis is planned in the run-up to final submissions in the autumn.

The feedback also included recognition of the geographically important position of Kent as the gateway to Europe, adding that this will necessitate unique considerations for LGR within the Kent and Medway area.

The reorganisation of councils in Kent and Medway will mean councils in their current form will be replaced by unitary authorities with responsibility for all services across a wider geographical area.

There is much more work to be done to build comprehensive business cases for submission by the Government’s 28 November deadline. A key part of that process will be a public awareness campaign to ensure residents and businesses fully understand the potential changes that LGR will bring.

The full government feedback can be read on Kent County Council’s website.

Published: 21 May 2025