Devolution
Devolution is a way groups of councils agree with government to take greater control over funding and powers for their area.
Find out more about devolution on the GOV.UK website.
The government's English Devolution White Paper outlines their ambition for the whole of England to eventually have a devolution arrangement in place.
This includes the introduction of a new type of authority called a Strategic Authority. In Medway and Kent, the proposal is to create a Mayoral Strategic Authority, which would include an elected Mayor. The elected Mayor would make decisions with the local authorities for the whole of Medway and Kent.
The benefits of doing this include:
- the ability to make decisions for residents locally, rather than nationally
- public services being tailored to local needs
- stronger partnerships between local organisations.
What has happened so far
September 2024: Medway Council and Kent County Council submitted an expression of interest to the government for exploring a possible devolution proposal.
December 2024: The government formally published its English Devolution White Paper.
January 2025: Leader of Medway Council, Councillor Vince Maple and Leader of Kent County Council, Councillor Roger Gough, wrote a joint letter to government to express an interest in joining the Devolution Priority Programme.
February 2025: The government did not select Kent and Medway for the priority programme. Read Leader Councillor Vince Maple’s statement on the government’s decision.
Next steps
The government says it remains committed to supporting all areas of the country on a path towards devolution.
In the meantime, we'll:
- learn from other local councils involved in the devolution priority programme
- focus on Local Government Reorganisation.