Decision day as Kent County Council confirm response to Government’s White Paper on Devolution

A Kent council leader has told us he is worried that local people won't be heard under the proposed changes to local government.

This afternoon Kent County Council will confirm its response to the Government’s White Paper on Devolution.

If given the go ahead - the county will have a mayor who will oversee just one unitary authority which means the KCC and Medway Council will be combined with their being no district, borough or parish councils.

It will also give more power to local political leaders to make decisions on major policies and projects such as housing and transport.

Jeremy Kite is the leader of Dartford borough council and he has this concern, he said: "This whole process there has been precious little consultation with local people and I'm not sure they have been engaged with at all really.

"Though they are seeing it now and hearing about all these meetings going on in different rooms which don't involved them.

"And my big worry if this does go ahead is that important decisions will be taken by people living in Faversham or Medway and it might be the case of it all going down to a low level and we bring everything downwards instead of looking upwards for aspiration.

"There could be more of a chance of more things not happening if it's a unitary and less connection with people on the ground if it's a unitary."

"However, Jeremy did admit there were some positives to the move, he said: "People recieve bills that are sometimes confusing and they don't always know where to turn to if there is a problem.

"I get a lot of messages about potholes as Dartford council leader and I have to refer them to Kent County Council as it is not my business so I understand there is a need and benefit to improve things."

Acceptance onto the DPP could delay county elections to May 2026 - with local government being re-organised by either April 2027 or April 2028. The government is set to make a decision on possible postponement of forthcoming local elections.

And, Roger Gough leader of the Kent County Council said: “This is an important decision. The move towards devolution will involve discussions around every vital service that KCC, Medway Council and District and Borough Councils across the county deliver to residents.

"It is essential that any outcomes are determined in collaboration, working in partnership for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”