Kent Local Government Reorganisation Postponed for Review
Tim Prater, Leader of the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, has reacted with disbelief to the government's announcement that they are postponing Local Government Reorganisation for review for areas across the country, including Kent.
Tim says:
"I've always said Local Government Reorganisation was the most spectacular waste of time and resources. I was wrong.
“Getting this far into Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and then “pausing” it is an even more spectacular waste of time and resources.”
"This process has cost millions so far in actual and opportunity costs. Delaying it will lead to uncertainty and millions more.
"I have no love whatsoever for the proposed ‘Swale Banana’ Mid Kent Unitary Authority, but alongside colleagues from across the county had buckled up, knuckled down, and was getting to work to make it as much of a success as possible.
“And now the creation of the new Unitaries has been kicked into the long grass - we don't even know how far - and there will instead be elections in May 2027 to Folkestone and Hythe District Council which will, presumably, then remain in existence beyond the 1st April 2028 Abolition Date. That was already worthy of April Fools Day. When new Unitary Authorities will now pick up power and take over is anyone's guess.”
The full Government Press Release published Monday 7th September lunchtime is below:
MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION LAUNCHED
• Review launched into plans to streamline local government following legal advice, to ensure it is robust and aligns with new government priorities
• Part of Prime Minister’s determination to rewire the state and shift power into the hands of local communities to drive good growth in every postcode
• Decisions on reorganisation in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk withdrawn
• Plans for 14 further areas announced will also be reviewed, alongside the two areas yet to be confirmed – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex
A review of plans to streamline local government is set to be announced later today (7th September) to ensure the process is robust and aligns with the new government’s plans to rewire the state.
Following updated and privileged legal advice, ministers will review plans for Local Government Reorganisation.
The review – which will be announced by the Secretary of State later today in Parliament – will include decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice.
Plans for 14 other areas, along with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, will also be reviewed and paused while this is carried out.
To reassure local leaders and communities while this review takes place, the government will confirm that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries and remains committed to effective and sustainable local government and simplifying these structures.
The government's Rewiring the State White Paper on devolution will also set out plans to rewire the country and ensure effective and sustainable local government in future.
This comes on the back of the push to shift power out of Westminster and into communities, led by No10 North.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner is expected to tell Parliament today:
“As we are now more determined than ever to devolve power closer to the people we represent, it’s only right that as a new Secretary of State I make sure that everything we do is working towards that plan to change Britain, without delay.
“The Prime Minister told the House last week, he was ‘prepared to look at local government reorganisation’ and he asked me as his Communities Secretary to 'do that'.
“[..] In that context, in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law. And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new Prime Minister and any additional considerations.
“[..] I do not take this lightly. I recognise the huge amount of work that has already gone into progressing reorganisation in each of these areas, and I am very grateful for it.”
Reorganisation in Surrey will not be affected by the review and the two new unitary authorities – East and West Surrey – will go live in April 2027.
The Secretary of State will update the House on this later today.