Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

Update on devolution and LGR in Kent and Medway

Ashford Borough Council welcomes the announcement in the Chancellor’s Budget on 28 October 2026 that Kent and Medway can progress towards a devolution arrangement. Further details are awaited from the Government about what this will mean for the area.

Devolution would transfer powers and funding from central government to Kent and Medway, allowing more decisions to be made at a regional level. It is separate from local government reorganisation (LGR), which changes the structure of councils and which councils deliver local services.

A Strategic Authority would bring together decisions and funding on matters such as transport, adult skills and local growth across Kent and Medway. The model has not yet been confirmed, including whether there would be an elected mayor.

What this means for local councils

Government has withdrawn its earlier LGR decision on boundaries while it considers the best way forward for Kent and Medway. The LGR process therefore remains paused and currently there is no confirmation that the proposed 4b model, or any alternative, will be taken forward.

The current expectation is that the devolution arrangements could be operational by the end of 2028. If a mayoral model is agreed, preparations would be directed towards an election in 2028. These dates remain indicative and have not been confirmed.

Government announce review of Local Government Reorganisation

Following the government’s announcement that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway is being paused pending a review, council leaders across the county are seeking clarity from the government on a number of issues.

In the meantime, we remain 100% focused on delivering the best possible services for those who live, work and study in the county while supporting our staff who do an incredible job day in and day out.

Ashford Borough Council’s approach to LGR

“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.

In addition, this PDF [645KB] will explain everything.

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