Council Abolition

Kent County Council (KCC) leader Roger Gough and Medway Council leader Vince Maple were expecting to have heard by the end of January whether their application to be included on the fast track to devolution has been successful.

An announcement is now expected on Wednesday 5th February.

The changes would see the abolition of all 14 authorities in the county to be replaced by a much smaller number of unitary authorities and an elected mayor.

One senior KCC member said he hopes the announcement will come next week to give council workers some clarity about the future.

More than 15,000 people are thought to work for local authorities in Kent and it is feared many will lose their jobs as a result of the major changes proposed by the government.

Minister for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon wrote to the leaders yesterday (January 30) but gave no reason for the delay but heaped praise on them for how quickly Kent had responded to the call for applications.

He wrote: “I am working with my officials to review your proposal in detail, and I will be in touch with my decision as soon as is practically possible.”

Some KCC officials were expecting to hear as early as Monday, January 27.

Jim McMahon added in his letter: “I do not underestimate, and thoroughly appreciate, the collaborative work you have shown in producing this expression of interest.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner rolled out her “Devolution Revolution” in mid-December and local councils were given until January 10 to apply to be included in the fast track process.

Cllr Neil Baker, Conservative cabinet member for highways and transport, said he hoped a decision would be made sooner rather than later for the sake of council workers who face an uncertain future.

He speculated the announcement was delayed because of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ proposals for growth this week, which included the green light for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Cllr Baker added: “There are tens of thousands of council workers across the country at various stages of their careers who would want to know what’s happening.

“It’s been hanging over them over Christmas and New Year but hopefully they will be getting some clarity soon.”

Cllr Baker said he believes the announcement may be made next week.

Mr McMahon’s letter was shared with borough and district council leaders yesterday. Many noted that Cllr Gough’s first name was incorrectly spelt “Rodger” in the minister’s letter.