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Major Overhaul of Councils in Kent and Medway Moves to Next Stage

By Meggie•Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells•February 7, 2026
Plans for the biggest shake-up of local government in Kent and Medway for almost 50 years have moved forward, with a public consultation now underway on how councils should be reorganised.
Currently, Kent operates under a two-tier system, with Kent County Council providing services such as education and social care, while district and borough councils manage housing, waste collection and planning. Medway Council already operates as a single unitary authority.
Under the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, this structure could be replaced with a smaller number of new unitary councils, each responsible for all local services in their area.

What’s Being Proposed?

Councils across Kent and Medway have submitted five different options to ministers, ranging from:
  • One single council covering the whole county and Medway
  • To three, four or five unitary councils, split across different geographic areas
Each proposal is backed by different councils and sets out how boundaries, services and governance could change.

Why the Change?

The Government says the reorganisation could:
  • Simplify access to services
  • Reduce duplication between councils
  • Improve efficiency and long-term financial sustainability
Local leaders, however, are divided over the best model, balancing efficiency against local identity and representation.

Have Your Say

Residents, businesses and organisations are now being invited to give their views as part of a county-wide consultation, which is open until 26 March 2026.
The Government is expected to make a final decision later this year, with any new councils potentially coming into effect from 2027 onwards.
More information and consultation documents are available via Kent County Council and the Kent Council Leaders’ website.
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