"I'm going to protect Kent from being carved up": KCC leader on Local Government Reform
Linden Kemkaran's opted for a single unitary authority covering Kent and Medway with three Area Assemblies
Last updated 26th Aug 2025
The Kent county council leader says she's going to protect Kent from being "carved up" by Local Government Reform.
We're speaking to Linden Kemkaran amid government plans for reform - which will see all current councils cease to exist and new combined authorities created.
Ms Kemkaran has opted for a single unitary authority covering Kent and Medway with three Area Assemblies, rather than multiple unitary authorities.
This would allow all local government services to be delivered under one roof, but the remaining details are yet to be shared.
She says any other option would cost "an absolute fortune to implement".
"No one has yet been able to explain to me how that will be paid for. I think the bill will be picked up by the council taxpayers, something I find unacceptable.
Ms Kemkaran tells Greatest Hits Radio "I think LGR it is a terrible idea but it looks like the Labour Government are going to do it to us anyway so I'm engaging with the process."
“I am determined to protect Kent from being calved up.
"I'll aim to do what’s best for Kent, rather than blindly following the Government’s instructions and attempting to force a square peg into a round hole" says Ms Kemkaran.
KCC's preferred option for LGR is currently being assessed, alongside other options, against the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) criteria.
Advisors KPMG are expected to provide results and feedback to Kent Leaders in September.
“Kent is a unique county and should be treated as such. We are the gateway to Europe and the gateway to the United Kingdom."
"We are large, with varied geographical features that includes 350 miles of coastline, and we are special. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure Kent achieves the best outcome when it comes to Local Government Reorganisation.” says Mrs Kemkaran.
Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Cross-Cabinet Activity, Chris Hespe, added: “ We will always put residents first."
"Local Government Reorganisation has to ensure that people in our communities across the county can get access to the best services, and that we can maintain the proud and rich heritage of Kent and enhance the profile of the county.
"Our proposal for reorganisation does that.”
The reorganisation of councils in Kent and Medway will mean all current councils will no longer exist and instead new unitary authorities would be created with responsibility for all services across a wider geographical area.
The Government has asked for a comprehensive business case on proposals by 28 November this year.
Kent's Local Government Reorganisation plan will next be discussed at a Full Council meeting at County Hall in Maidstone on 18 September.