Kent residents and businesses are being urged to share their views on how councils should be reorganised, with the government consultation closing on 26 March 2026.
The government is seeking public feedback on proposals that would replace the current structure of Kent County Council, Medway Council, and 12 district authorities with new unitary councils. Kent County Council has submitted its preferred model, known as Option 1A, which would create a single unitary council covering all of Kent and Medway’s current areas: Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells.
However, other local authorities have put forward alternative proposals. Five district councils—Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells—have jointly submitted a separate proposal for three unitary councils instead.
The consultation invites the public to consider several key questions, including whether the proposed councils will deliver high-quality, sustainable public services, whether proposals have been informed by local views, and how they will support devolution arrangements. Residents can access full details of all proposals and submit their views through the government’s consultation website.
KCC leadership has explained the reasoning behind Option 1A through various public communications. The council argues that its single unitary model would streamline decision-making and service delivery across the region.
The timeline for implementation is significant. If approved by the Secretary of State following the consultation deadline and subsequent assessment, ministers will legislate in autumn 2026, hold shadow elections in 2027, and transition to new councils in April 2028. The government has indicated it will communicate final decisions to councils as soon as practicable.
A shared evidence base supporting all proposals has highlighted important considerations. Service disruption poses a real risk in adult social care, safeguarding, education, and digital access during any transition period. These services are already under pressure and do not sit neatly within current council boundaries, making careful planning essential.
The consultation represents a significant moment for Kent’s local government structure. The new arrangements, whichever model is selected, will fundamentally reshape how councils deliver services to residents and manage public finances. The current system has operated for decades, so these changes represent a substantial shift in how local government operates across the county.
Key Takeaways
- The government consultation on Kent’s council reorganisation closes at 23:59 on 26 March 2026
- Kent County Council supports a single unitary council covering all of Kent and Medway (Option 1A)
- Alternative proposals from other councils suggest creating three unitary councils instead
- If approved, new councils would take effect in April 2028 following shadow elections in 2027
What This Means for Kent Residents
Residents and businesses have until the end of March to share their views on these proposals. Public engagement will inform the Secretary of State’s final decision on which model to implement. Whichever option is chosen will affect how local services are delivered over coming years, making this consultation period important for anyone with views on Kent’s future governance.
