Consultation on the Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway

Closes 26 Mar 2026

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Consultation on the Proposal from Medway Council, Ashford Borough Council, and Canterbury City Council

This proposal is accompanied by a request for boundary change to split existing districts between new unitary authorities. Please answer the questions on the proposal including the modifications. We will also ask you an additional question on whether you think there is a strong justification for these splits.

Consultation for 4 unitary councils:

  • North Kent: Medway (98%), Gravesham (87%), Swale (81%), Dartford (78%), small parts of Tonbridge and Malling (3%) and Maidstone (2%)

  • West Kent: Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling (61%), Dartford (22%), Gravesham (13%), and Medway (2%) 

  • East Kent: Canterbury, Dover, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe (64%), and Swale (Faversham area 17%) 

  • Mid Kent: Ashford, Maidstone (98%), Folkestone and Hythe (36%), Tonbridge and Malling (36%), and Swale (3%)

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal suggests councils that are based on sensible geographies and economic areas?
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will be able to deliver the outcomes they describe in the proposal?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks?
4. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this proposal will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing, particularly given that some councils in the area are in receipt of exceptional financial support?

More information

As of 5 February 2026, within the Kent and Medway area, Medway Council had received in-principle Exceptional Financial Support to support their 2025/26 budget. This council will not necessarily be in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support in future financial years. Updates on Exceptional Financial Support can be found on the Exceptional Financial Support - GOV.UK page.

5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will deliver high quality, sustainable public services?
6. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal has been informed by local views and will meet local needs?
7. To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing the councils in this proposal will support devolution arrangements?
8. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
9. If you would like to, please use the free text box to explain the answers you have provided to questions 1-8 referring to the question numbers as part of your answer. You may also use the box to provide any other comments you have on the proposal.
10. This is a proposal that is accompanied by a request that the Secretary of State considers boundary change or that affects wider public services. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal sets out a strong public services and financial sustainability justification for boundary change?
11. If you would like to, please use this free text box to explain your answer to question 10.
12. I confirm that I have not provided any information that identifies an individual in the free text box.