Unitaries? Local Government Reform?

Local Government Reform: Kent Left Off the Priority List

As discussions on local government reform gain momentum across the UK, Kent has found itself in an unexpected position – not included on the government's Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).

Despite the strong case put forward, Kent was notably absent from the areas prioritised for devolution.

Kent County Council elections will now be going ahead in May 2025, ensuring that local leadership continues to have a democratic mandate while discussions on devolution progress.

What This Means for Kent

Had Kent been included in the DPP, the county could have seen significant changes, including:

- The potential election of a county-wide mayor by 2026.

- The formation of a combined authority to oversee regional development.

- The restructuring of local councils, potentially reducing the current 14 district and borough councils into fewer, larger unitary authorities.

Now, without a place in the DPP, these changes remain on hold.

For now, residents and local officials will need to wait and see how the government’s priorities evolve. One thing is certain - Kent's journey toward local government reform is far from over.