Local Government Reorganisation Update

Dartford Borough Council has released the following update on the 'paused' Local Government Reorganisation -

Last week, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to LGR, following the announcement that it had been paused in September to carry out a full review.

However, it also announced that the decisions previously set out for Kent’s councils have been withdrawn, and all options previously outlined are now back on the table. We are expecting to hear what the geography for the new unitary authorities in Kent & Medway will now look like in early 2027.

The new timeline set out by Government explains that shadow authorities will be established in 2028, with the new councils taking on their responsibilities in 2029. Local elections will still take place in May 2027.

View the Government's full statement

Whilst the continued uncertainty around LGR is frustrating, there was nevertheless some good news within last week’s budget. The Government announced that it is in the final stages of agreeing ten devolution agreements, including Kent and Medway and that the new strategic authority is expected to go live in 2028. It will depend on the outcome of the LGR review as to whether this will be a Mayoral Strategic Authority or a Foundation Strategic Authority. A Strategic Authority represents a significant opportunity for Kent and Medway as it would bring together key economic strategies, powers, and funding in areas such as adult skills, transport and local growth, over a coherent geography of the right scale to meaningfully drive growth.

We will update further when we know more on the progress of both devolution and LGR, in the meantime, rest assured that our priority continues to be delivering the best services we can for our businesses and residents.