KCC leaders are promoting Option 1A as their preferred proposal ahead of the 26 March consultation deadline.
Kent County Council has made its case for a sweeping restructure of local government across Kent and Medway, backing a proposal that would create a single unitary authority to replace the current two-tier council system.
The proposal, known as Option 1A, would merge Kent County Council with all 12 district and borough councils and Medway Council into one authority. The model includes three area assemblies—covering the north, west, and east of the county—designed to maintain local representation and community engagement across the region.
According to KCC’s Leader, the financial case for the preferred option emphasises how reorganisation could deliver better value for money and more efficient public services. KCC argues that consolidating services currently split between county and district levels would streamline operations and reduce duplication.
However, Option 1A is just one of five different proposals being considered. Other councils across Kent and Medway have put forward alternative models, ranging from four separate unitary authorities to five smaller councils. Each proposal reflects different views on how local government should be structured to best serve residents and maintain local accountability.
The consultation period, which is the public’s opportunity to comment on all five options, runs until 26 March 2026. Residents and organisations are being encouraged to review the full business cases for each proposal and submit their feedback to the government consultation portal.
The five proposals were submitted by councils on 28 November 2025 following a period of collaborative working between Kent County Council, Medway Council, and the 12 district and borough authorities. Each proposal has been developed with consideration for government criteria including economic viability, financial sustainability, and community engagement.
The government will assess all responses following the consultation deadline. If proposals are approved by the Secretary of State, subject to Parliamentary approval, new unitary councils would take on their full roles from April 2028. A transitional period in 2027-28 would support the implementation process and ensure continuity of services during the changeover.
The government states that Local Government Reorganisation is intended to simplify the current structure where both county and district councils provide services to residents. Supporters of Local Government Reorganisation argue unitary authorities would reduce administration costs and improve decision-making. The restructure forms part of broader devolution discussions affecting councils across England.
View tweet from @Kent_cc
Key Takeaways
Kent County Council is promoting Option 1A, a single unitary authority with three area assemblies covering north, west, and east areas
Five different proposals are being consulted on, reflecting alternative views on restructuring
The public consultation closes at 23:59 on 26 March 2026
New councils would begin operating in April 2028, with transition planning in 2027-28
What This Means for Kent Residents
The consultation period offers an important opportunity for residents to shape how local services will be delivered in the future. Whether you support reorganisation or prefer alternative approaches, you can review all five proposals and submit your views through the government consultation website. Your feedback will inform the final decision on which proposal is implemented and how local government will operate in Kent and Medway for years to come.
Source: News Agency
Published: 12 March 2026
