Councils send proposals for new councils to ministers
Published: 28/11/2025
Proposals for the preferred number of new councils needed for Kent and Medway, and the geographical areas they should cover, have been submitted to the government today (Friday 28 November).
In the biggest shake up of local government in 50 years, ministers asked councils to come up with plans to create unitary councils.
Under the current system Kent County Council (KCC) delivers some services such as education, social services and roads, and district or borough councils deliver others like emptying your bins and providing housing services.
Under the proposed system, unitary councils would deliver all council services in one area. Medway Council operates in that way today.
During November, councillors across Kent and Medway have been meeting to decide their preference.
In Ashford, an Extraordinary Full Council meeting was held on Thursday 27 November at the new Council Chamber at International House to debate the subject before Cabinet made their decision the same evening. Cabinet decided to back option 4d.
It was felt the 4d model goes a step further than the other business cases on the basis that minor boundary changes are acceptable, making this is a once in a life time opportunity to remodel the geographical areas that make sense of the developed communities of Kent reflecting their local identities, creating a sense of place, travel to work opportunities, balancing urban and rural across a four unitary model with strategic capacity.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “As we submit these business cases for the future of local government in Kent and Medway, our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality, efficient services that truly meet the needs of our residents.
“This is the most significant change to local councils in half a century, and while the exact shape of the new unitary councils is still to be determined, we are committed to working collaboratively with our partners and the community to ensure the best possible outcomes for Ashford and the wider region.
“We know from recent engagement that people want clarity, value for money, and services that solve problems quickly. That’s why, as we move through this process, we will continue to listen, to inform, and to put residents at the heart of every decision. There is much work ahead, but I am confident that, together, we can shape a future local government that is responsive, resilient, and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The business case options
The proposal for a single unitary council covering Kent and Medway to include three area assemblies covering the north, east and west of the county has been supported by:
- Kent County Council
The three unitary option consisting of Dartford, Gravesham, Medway and Swale in the north; Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells in the west and Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, Dover and Folkestone and Hythe in the east has been supported by:
- Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- Maidstone Borough Council
- Sevenoaks District Council
- Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
The four unitary council option which stuck to existing boundaries and consisted of
Dartford, Gravesham and Medway in the north; Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells in the west; Swale, Ashford and Folkestone and Hythe in the middle of Kent and Canterbury, Thanet and Dover in the east has been supported by:
- Dover District Council
- Swale Borough Council
- Thanet District Council
Option 4d would reorganise Kent and Medway into four new unitary councils.
North Kent would bring together Medway, Gravesham, Dartford, most of Swale, and small parts of Tonbridge & Malling and Maidstone.
East Kent would combine Canterbury, Thanet, Dover, eastern Swale and part of Folkestone & Hythe.
West Kent would unite Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks.
Mid Kent would cover Maidstone, Ashford, southern Swale, parts of Tonbridge & Malling and part of Folkestone & Hythe.
It has been supported by:
- Ashford Borough Council
- Canterbury City Council
- Medway Council
Option 5a proposes five unitary authorities for Kent.
It would see a council for north west Kent that would take in the existing Gravesham and Dartford boroughs and Swanley which currently sits under Sevenoaks District Council.
It would also extend eastwards, taking in areas currently under Medway Council up to the River Medway, and southwards to Snodland.
Mid Kent would be formed of the rest of Medway and the rest of Swale.
West Kent would combine Sevenoaks, excluding Swanley, Tonbridge & Malling, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
East Kent would be made up of the Faversham part of Swale, Canterbury and Thanet.
South Kent would combine Ashford, Folkestone & Hythe and Dover.
It has been supported by:
- Dartford Borough Council
- Gravesham Borough Council
Ministers are now expected to analyse the proposals and launch a public consultation early in the new year.
A decision by the government on the final structure of unitary councils is expected in the summer.
