Residents asked for thoughts on council reform

Kent's two largest authorities have encouraged the county's almost two million residents to have their say on planned reforms to local government.

The leaders of Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council - Linden Kemkaran and Vince Maple - have made the call after the government began a public consultation lasting until 26 March.

It is part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) announced in December 2024 by the then deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner.

The government will choose from five options put forward by KCC, Medway and the other 12 borough and district councils in Kent, after people have had their say.

Eventually, all 14 councils will be abolished and replaced by a smaller number of larger unitary authorities.

KCC has put forward a proposal for a single unitary authority, with three area assemblies, which it believes will be better value and simplify governance.

Medway has proposed a four-unitary model with boundary changes.

But most council leaders in Kent are agreed that a new three or four council set-up is the likelier outcome, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Maple said he was "proud of the collaborative way all the leaders have worked together" to develop the proposals.

Kemkaren added: "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."

Kent and Medway residents have until 26 March to share their views and the final decision will be made by the government, likely in the summer.

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