Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

“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.”

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council

Local Government Reorganisation graphic with text that reads "Your Councils, Change is coming". The government wants us to deliver your services differently

Change is Coming campaign

Government ministers want councils like yours in Kent and Medway to deliver the services they provide in a different way.

In the biggest shake up of local government in almost 50 years, they want to merge councils across the historic county of Kent to create a number of unitary councils serving roughly 500,000 people each.

This is known as Local Government Reorganisation or LGR for short.

Under the current system Kent County Council (KCC) delivers some services like education, social services and roads, and district or borough councils deliver others like emptying your bins and providing housing services.

In the proposed system, unitary councils would deliver all council services in one area. Medway Council operates in that way today.

This presentation on our website provides a summary on the LGR process and below you can find the latest updates.

LGR graphic with text that reads "Local Government Reorganisation Ashford Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC)