Any interests not already registered

There were none.

The Chairman presented the report which set out the interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation for approval by 21 March 2025.  The report advised that on the 5 February 2025, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to Councils in all remaining two-tier areas of the country to formally invite them to develop proposals for local government reorganisation. Across Kent, the District and Borough Councils, alongside Medway and Kent County Council, were required to make a full proposal for local government reorganisation (LGR) by 28 November 2025 and provide an interim update by 21 March 2025.

It was anticipated that there would be a single tier of local authority covering two or more districts, and thus there would be more than one unitary council established across the Kent and Medway area, potentially with three or four unitary Councils in total. It was expected by Government that every effort was made to submit one joint proposal across Kent and Medway by 28 November 2025.

It was highlighted that a key requirement to aim for a population of 500,000 or more for each new unitary authority council and that existing districts should be considered the building blocks for proposals. The Interim Plan was considered as a starting point with significantly more work to follow to develop full proposals, which would be subject to comprehensive engagement and consultation, before a full proposal is drafted for consideration in advance of the 28 November deadline. Engagement with residents would take place later in the year in accordance with the requirements of the letter from the Minister. Engagement would take place with residents, businesses, council employees, Town & Parish Councils and other local partners and stakeholders including MP’s, the Police & Crime Commissioner, the Fire and Rescue Authority and the voluntary sector.

Government had also been clear that the any debt held by existing councils would not be addressed centrally and would not be written-off as part of the reorganisation process.

The Leader further stressed that this interim plan was the starting point and a foundation document. Conversations had been taking place across the 13 other districts and boroughs in Kent and Medway looking for an agreed way forward. He invited all the Portfolio Holders to set out any areas of concern within their portfolios and any Task and Finish Groups which they were anticipating to set up within their remits.

Discussion from the Cabinet Members focused on communication and how information was going to be shared with residents.

Some Members expressed their support that the proposals were based on current district boundaries and this would keep the benefits of the character of the area including, and not limited to the rural landscape of the district and the nature of businesses.

It was highlighted that many residents of the North of the District considered themselves very firmly within the rural community. Members considered some of the data provided and questioned the travel to work data. It was noted that the data was from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

This notice was published on 20 March 2025. The decisions contained in Minute 77 take effect immediately.