The government has confirmed a major reorganisation of local government in Kent and Medway which will replace the current county, unitary and district structure with four new unitary councils. Under the preferred arrangement selected after a consultation, Medway will be grouped with Dartford and Gravesham to form a northern unitary authority.
What is changing and when
As a result of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, the existing county council, Medway Council and the 12 district, borough and city councils will be abolished and their responsibilities transferred to four single‑tier councils. These new bodies will manage the full range of local services in their areas — from schools and social care to highways, waste collection, leisure centres and housing.
Which areas form each new council
| New unitary | Constituent areas |
|---|---|
| Northern unitary | Dartford, Gravesham, Medway |
| Western unitary | Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells |
| Mid Kent unitary | Swale, Ashford, Folkestone & Hythe |
| Eastern unitary | Canterbury, Thanet, Dover |
Reaction from county leaders
Kent County Council, which had promoted a different model, said the government’s decision does not match the option it supported.
"The Government has today set out its preferred approach for local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway, carving up Kent into four unitaries. This is not the option KCC supported. We have been clear throughout this process about the option we believed would provide the strongest foundation for sustainable services, financial resilience and the long-term interests of Kent residents."
The comment came from KCC leader Linden Kemkaran, who reiterated that KCC had earlier pursued a case for a single unitary covering Kent and Medway, supported by three area assemblies.
What this means for residents of Medway
The practical day‑to‑day impact for households should be in continuity of key services — education, adult social care, waste and highways will still be provided locally, but under a newly formed authority. The exact transition timetable and arrangements for staff, budgets and council offices will follow in the coming months as the new structures are set up.
- Services: All major local services transfer to the new unitary council for each area.
- Representation: Council boundaries and electoral arrangements will be reviewed to reflect the new authorities.
- Timescale: The government announcement follows a consultation that attracted around 3,000 responses; implementation will occur over the next months.
For residents, the immediate priorities will be clarity on who to contact for services during the switch, how council tax and local decision‑making will be affected, and what arrangements will be made for existing staff and facilities. Medway households should expect further briefings from their current council and the Department for Levelling Up as detailed plans and timetables are published.
I will continue to follow developments and report on the transition plans, local consultations and how the change will affect services across Medway and neighbouring areas.
