Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 20, 2025

Purpose: This matter concerns Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway. A decision was sought as to which Unitary Council geographical model to support, if any.

Content: Cabinet members considered the Business Case relating to each model and recommended Option 4B.

Reasons for the decision: Following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, all councils in Kent and Medway were invited in February 2025 by the Secretary of State to submit proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR) for the region of Kent. A summary of the business cases due to be submitted to government on 28 November 2025 was considered by Cabinet, and option 4B was agreed as the preferred option to be put forward for consideration by government. This proposes that Thanet will be part of an East Kent unitary together with Dover and Canterbury.

Alternative options considered: There were five options considered as below:   Option 1a – Executive summary provided at Annex 1;   Option 3a - Executive Summary provided at Annex 3;   Option 4b – Executive Summary provided as Annex 5;   Option 4d – Executive Summary provided as Annex 7;   Option 5a – Executive Summary provided as Annex 9.