White paper published
The government publishes its English Devolution White Paper outlining how they want councils to change.
Invitation for Devolution Priority Programme
The government writes to councils in Kent outlining the White Paper's key points and invites them to be part of the government's Devolution Priority Programme.
View the letter from Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution.
Joint letter sent to government
The leaders of Medway Council and Kent County Council write to the government to express an interest in joining the Devolution Priority Programme.
Medway not included in Devolution Priority Programme
The government announces which areas will be taken forward into the Devolution Priority Programme. Kent and Medway are not included.
Our Leader, Councillor Vince Maple, makes a statement on the decision.
"The government has confirmed they will continue to work with us as they remain committed to rolling out devolution to the rest of the country, and we are confident that we will begin the process in our region before too long."
Invitation to develop proposals for Local Government Reorganisation
Minister Jim McMahon asks Medway Council and Kent councils to create an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Interim plan submitted
All 14 council leaders in Kent send a covering letter and interim plan to government.
Our Leader, Councillor Vince Maple, also writes to Minister Jim McMahon to confirm Medway Council’s strong support for the introduction of unitary authorities across the Kent region. His letter also contains support for a model of 4 unitary authorities on the basis that this would best serve local needs. Read Vince's letter to Jim McMahon.
Government responds to interim plan
The government gives its feedback on our interim plan.
Medway's first proposal is published
We publish a map in support of a proposal which reorganises Kent and Medway into 4 unitary authorities.
“Our vision is to create a model which best promotes partnership working and maintains a deep understanding of the needs of our communities to ensure residents can continue to access high quality services and support."
KPMG look into 2 joint options
Medway and the other Kent councils ask experienced advisers KPMG to work on full business cases for 2 LGR options for submission to government in November. This is following a detailed appraisal of 7 possible options, including Medway's own proposal.
Medway's proposal is not one of the 2 options taken forward. However, it is also agreed that individual councils can choose to submit business plans for alternative options.
Survey results published
The results of a survey, collecting views from residents and stakeholders about what's important to them when reorganising our councils, is published.
Draft business cases published
Medway and the Kent councils reveal their draft business cases for Local Government Reorganisation.
This consists of 2 joint options and individual proposals from Gravesham and Dartford councils, Kent County Council and Medway Council.
After more work with KPMG, Medway's draft business case includes some boundary changes since we announced our first proposal in August 2025.
Business cases submitted to government
Medway and Kent councils submitted their final business cases to government for their assessment.
Government consultation
The government launched a public consultation to gather views on the proposals put forward by councils for LGR in Kent and Medway. The consultation closed on Thursday 26 March 2026.
Decision on final councils
We expect the government to make a decision on the final structure of unitary councils.
Shadow councils created
New shadow councils for each unitary will be created.
LGR completed
Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway is due to be completed.