LGR survey
Published
Thursday 11 September, 2025
Updated
Thursday 11 September, 2025
Councils in Kent want their residents’ views on what is important to them as they look to reshape local government.
Government ministers are pushing for the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years, with the aim of abolishing existing councils and creating a smaller number of new unitary authorities across Kent.
These new unitary councils would deliver all local services, from education and roads to emptying bins and providing council housing.
The existing councils are in the process of working out the best way to organise themselves including how many unitary councils there should be and what areas they should cover.
The two proposals being looked at in detail are:
- Three unitary councils, which would see Swale grouped with Medway, Gravesham and Dartford.
- Four unitary councils, which would see Swale grouped with Ashford and Folkestone and Hythe councils.
They are now seeking the public’s views on what should be prioritised when forming these new councils.
You can have your say by filling in the survey here.
For more information about Local Government Reorganisation in Kent, visit the Kent Council Leaders website.
There is a full council meeting next week to discuss the next steps for Local Government Reorganisation in Swale.
There will also be a meeting for the voluntary and community sector on 29 September and for Swale Borough Council partners on the 8 October, to gather the views of key stakeholders.
Cllr Tim Gibson, Leader of Swale Borough Council, said:
“This is the biggest change to local government in a generation and will impact every service that Kent's councils offer.
“It is important that we get this right, that is why we are asking you, and our key stakeholders, what should be prioritised as we work together to put proposals forward.
“Government funded business cases for the different options are currently being made, but we will decide, at a full council meeting next week, whether we want to fund one ourselves.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure this is a positive change for our residents, so please help us make the right choices by completing the survey and having your say.”
