Local Government Reorganisation Consultation
Have your say on how councils in Kent and Medway are organised
Government ministers have launched a consultation on the future number of councils in Kent and Medway and the areas they should cover.
To take part in the government’s consultation, visit Local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway.
The deadline for responses is 11:59pm, Thursday 26 March 2026.
Once the consultation closes, the civil servants and ministers will consider everyone’s responses alongside the evidence that has been presented to them.
A decision on which option ministers have chosen is likely to be announced in the summer.
You can find more information about the process by visiting Your councils – change is coming.
Proposals for new councils in Kent and Medway
Councils across Kent and Medway have worked together to draw up five proposals for the number of unitaries needed and what areas they should cover.
Below you can read the full business cases of the five proposals.
Option 1A
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
Option 3A
Read Option 3A Business Case (Accessibility Version)
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
Option 4B
Read Option 4B Business Case (Accessibility Version)
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
Read Option 4D Business Case (Accessibility Version)
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:
- Medway Council
- Ashford Borough Council
- Canterbury City Council
Option 5A
Read Option 5A Business Case (Accessibility Version)
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