Local Government is undergoing a major structural reorganisation (LGR) aimed at replacing the current two-tier system with single-tier unitary authorities. This process is expected to lead to the abolition of Kent County Council, Medway Council, and the 12 district/borough councils by April 2028.
Current Status
As of April 2026, the government has concluded a statutory public consultation (which ran from 5 February to 26 March 2026) to gather views on five specific restructuring proposals. A final ministerial decision on which model to implement is expected in the summer of 2026.
Proposed Models
Five distinct proposals are under consideration, ranging from a single large authority to five smaller ones:
- Option 1A (Single Unitary): A single “Kent Council” for the entire area (including Medway), supported by three “Area Assemblies” (North, East, and West). This is the preferred option of Kent County Council
- Option 3A (Three Unitaries): Divided into North (Dartford, Gravesham, Medway, Swale), West (Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells), and East (Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe).
- Option 4B (Four Unitaries – Fixed Boundaries): A four-council split that strictly follows current district boundaries: North, West, Mid-Kent, and East.
- Option 4D (Four Unitaries – Redrawn Boundaries): A four-council model that redraws some existing district lines to better align with economic and community hubs. Supported by Medway Council
- Option 5A (Five Unitaries): A five-council structure including a North West Kent authority. Supported by Gravesham and Dartford councils.
Timeline for Change
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Ministerial Decision | Summer 2026 |
| Shadow Authorities Created | 2027 |
| Shadow Authority Elections | 6 May 2027 |
| Vesting Day (New Councils Live) | 1 April 2028 |
Key Impacts
- Service Delivery: Unitary councils will handle all local services—including education and social care (currently county) and waste and housing (currently district)—under one roof.
- Town & Parish Councils: These are not affected by the reorganisation and will remain as the most local tier of government.
- Devolution: While Kent was not selected for the immediate “Devolution Priority Programme,” reorganisation is viewed as a prerequisite for eventually securing a devolution deal with a directly-elected mayor