Government ministers have launched a public consultation on how local government should be organised across Kent and Medway.

This forms part of a national programme called Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which  explores the creation of unitary councils. Each unitary council would deliver the full range of local government services in their geographical area.

Under the current system, Kent County Council (KCC) provides services such as education, social care and highways, while district and borough councils are responsible for areas including waste collection and housing. Medway already operates as a unitary council.

As part of this consultation, councils in Kent and Medway have submitted a series of potential options. These options set out how many unitary councils might be created and what areas they would cover. You can view all the proposals submitted to Government for Kent and Medway here Local Government Reorganisation Consultation - Kent Council Leaders

KCC’s Submitted Position 

Kent County Council has put forward a proposal for a single unitary authority - the Kent Council - designed to simplify local government, strengthen services, and deliver better value for residents.

The Kent Council model would replace all existing councils with one authority supported by three Area Assemblies – North, East and West Kent - ensuring decisions on community services remain locally grounded.

Key benefits include:

• Financial sustainability: £69m annual savings, £99m transition cost (much lower than any other of the options for Kent and Medway), and payback in just 3.3 years - unlocking £457m cumulative savings over 10 years.
• Service resilience: Maintains countywide delivery of critical services, avoiding the risks and costs of splitting them into multiple councils
• Fairness: One council tax rate, consistent services, and shared resources across Kent and Medway
• Local responsiveness: Area Assemblies will shape community services like libraries and Family Hubs to meet local needs
• Enhanced community engagement: Stronger partnerships with local people and places to keep communities represented and involved
• Strategic leadership: One strong voice for Kent and Medway with government and partners, supporting growth and infrastructure planning
• Identity:  Keeps Kent as a whole county preserving its unique and historic identity

Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, said: “This consultation is an important moment for everyone in Kent and Medway.

“As part of this consultation, we have set out clear evidence showing why a single Kent Council would provide the most stable and effective way of delivering services for the people of Kent and Medway. Our analysis indicates that this model offers the strongest financial position, protects vital countywide services, and avoids the risks and extra costs linked to breaking them apart.

"While it is important that residents consider all options, we believe the Kent Council proposal represents the most workable and sustainable solution for the long term. I encourage everyone to look at all the evidence and share their views so that the final decision reflects what is best for our communities both now and in the future.”

Other Options

Other councils in Kent and Medway have submitted alternative options - including models involving three, four or five unitary councils - supported by their own evidence bases. Full details of all the options are included in the material available for consideration.

How to Take Part

• Background materials - including evidence for all proposed options and submissions from each council - are available at: Local Government Reorganisation Consultation - Kent Council Leaders
• To participate in the Government’s consultation, visit: Local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway - GOV.UK
• Deadline for responses: 26 March 2026

Some councils may contact residents and organisations separately to explain the evidence underpinning their own preferred options.

Source & picture credit: Kent County Council