The Government has published plans to reorganise how councils in ‘two-tier’ areas operate, such as Gravesham Borough Council which operates in the County of Kent, alongside Kent County Council.
Local Government Reorganisation
This could see Kent County Council, Medway Unitary Council and the 12 district and borough councils across Kent replaced with a number of new unitary councils.
The new unitary councils would deliver existing district and borough services such as waste collection and planning and county council services such as education, social services and highways.
Town and parish councils would not be affected.
What does this mean for Gravesham Borough Council?
Nothing has been agreed yet and we will continue to provide our services until at least 31 March 2028.
You can see what was discussed during the Cabinet meeting from the YouTube recording from Monday (17 March).
Your can view the agenda for that cabinet meeting Cabinet.
Read the letter that was sent jointly by the leader of Gravesham Borough Council and Dartford Borough Council, we sent to the Minister of State on 26 March, setting out our thoughts, concerns and position.
What will happen next?
The Government have asked that a full proposal for local government reorganisation in Kent & Medway is submitted to them by 28 November 2025.
Before then, Kent and Medway councils will work together to develop one or more proposals on which you'll have a chance to have a say through a Kent-wide consultation later this year.
The Government should make a decision on what will happen next in Kent and Medway around Spring 2026.