Kent and Medway to be reorganised into four new councils from 2028

The Government has confirmed that Kent and Medway will be reorganised into four new unitary councils, bringing the biggest change to local government across the county in more than 50 years.

The decision means that Kent County Council, Medway Council and the county's 12 district, borough and city councils will be replaced on 1 April 2028. Instead of responsibilities being split between county and district councils, each new authority will provide all local government services within its area.

For residents in West Kent, a new West Kent unitary council will be created, bringing together the areas currently covered by:

• Sevenoaks District Council
• Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
• Maidstone Borough Council
• Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

The three other new authorities will cover:

• East Kent: Canterbury City Council, Dover District Council and Thanet District Council
• Mid Kent: Swale Borough Council, Ashford Borough Council and Folkestone & Hythe District Council
• North Kent: Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council and Medway Council

The decision follows a Government consultation that received around 3,000 responses before ministers selected what was known as Option 4B. According to the Government, the new structure is intended to simplify local government by placing services such as education, social care, highways, libraries, waste collection, housing and leisure under a single council in each area.

Council leaders across Kent and Medway have stressed that residents should not expect any immediate changes. Existing councils will continue to operate as normal until the new authorities officially take over in April 2028.

In a joint statement, council leaders said their priority is to maintain day-to-day services while planning the transition. They also acknowledged that the changes will affect thousands of council employees and said supporting staff throughout the reorganisation will be a key focus.

The next two years will involve detailed planning as councils work together to merge services, staff and responsibilities before the new authorities are formally established.

Original announcement and further information: Kent Council Leaders - Ministers decide future shape of Kent and Medway's councils