New Council structure for Kent
Government ministers have announced today 16 July 2025, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Sevenoaks District Council and the other 11 district, borough and city councils, will be replaced with four new unitary councils from 1 April 2026.
The new unitary councils will deliver all the services in their areas, much like Medway Council does today, including education, social services, highways, libraries, emptying bins, leisure centres and housing services.
The four new unitary councils include a new West Kent Council covering the Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling and Maidstone council areas.
We want to reassure residents that nothing will change overnight. You will still be dealing with the same staff, and services will continue as normal as we move through this transition.
The decision follows Government consultation across Kent and Medway, which attracted around 3,000 responses.
Cllr Kevin Maskell, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, said: “This decision marks a new beginning for the Sevenoaks District and West Kent.
“Bringing together four district and borough areas to create a new West Kent Unitary Council is the model we have consistently supported for striking the right balance between strong, resilient services and maintaining a clear local focus.
“I am committed to continuing our strong partnership working with colleagues across West Kent and with partners across the county, building on what we have already achieved together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.”
For more information about Local Government Reorganisation in Kent, visit the Kent Leaders website.