Thursday, September 10, 2026
You will have seen the headlines heralding the government’s decision to pause local government reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway.
The Councils in Kent & Medway have been assured the review will take place as quickly as possible. The review will be looking at all aspects of the proposals on the table and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is not yet able to give us an indication of timescales or the impact on the overall reorganisation timetable.
The geographies of any new unitary councils will not be confirmed until the review has finished.
While we further assess the implications of what is a dramatic development, we wanted to reassure you our determination to secure a devolution deal for Kent and Medway remains steadfast, our work on LGR will not be wasted whatever happens and we are determined to provide the best possible services for those who live, work and study in the county in the here and now.
Helping the wider economy to grow and doing all we can to boost business to can provide jobs and create prosperity is at the heart of what we do.
It is important for employers and investors across Kent and Medway to know our longstanding drive for devolution continues and is an ambition that unites councils right across the political spectrum.
We wrote to the Prime Minister as soon as he took office to call for the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Kent and Medway.
Key decisions about the county’s future, including how millions in taxpayers’ money are spent, should be made in the county by people who know it inside out and not in the corridors of Whitehall.
There is no doubt our case is a compelling one and we will take every opportunity to make it to those in whose hands a decision rests:
- We already have a comprehensive plan for growth that boosts skills, creates jobs and drives regeneration – important both for Kent and Medway’s economy and the country as a whole
- We need to tackle the unique challenges that come from being the gateway to Europe including managing our border and the infrastructure that comes with it as well as looking after unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
- We have a very clear idea of what a strategic authority could deliver including improved transport and critical national infrastructure around Kent’s key ports of entry, delivery of our Spatial Development Strategy and public service reform
Councils across Kent and Medway have a long tradition of working together and that has been cemented by the local government reorganisation process.
The work and planning we’ve undertaken so far will certainly be incredibly valuable – strong relationships have been built, knowledge shared and best practices have started to be adopted.
Rest assured, while ministers decide what our next steps are, every one of us will be focused on delivering the best possible services we can while building Kent and Medway’s economy.