Devolution: What It means for us in Kent and why I think It’s Good News.

Devolution is reshaping the landscape of local government across England, and it’s coming to us in Kent.

As your District Councillor for Sandwich and Woodnesborough, and Shadow Cabinet Member for Housing, Skills, and Education, I want to explain what these changes mean for our area and why I believe they offer a positive future for our community.

Cllr Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council has given this update;

"Kent County Council believes being part of the Devolution Priority Programme will bring many benefits to Kent and Medway, and we must focus on what is in the long-term interest of residents.

"While the County Council and Cabinet will discuss this issue as part of the wider debate about devolution, any decision to postpone the 2025 County Council elections is one for the Government, not the Council."

A More Unified and Efficient Local Government

Kent currently operates under a two-tier system, with Kent County Council handling services like education, highways and social care, while 12 District and Borough Councils (including Dover District Council) manage housing, planning, and waste collection. This structure can be confusing, with residents often unsure which council is responsible for which service—and it leads to inefficiencies.

This government’s devolution proposals aim to simplify local governance by replacing County and District Councils with potentially three new Unitary Authorities in Kent, each responsible for all local services. Above them, a directly elected Mayor would focus on regional priorities like transport, housing, skills, and economic growth.

Why This Matters

England is one of the most centralised countries in the developed world, with many decisions taken in Westminster instead of locally. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and London have benefited from devolution for years. More recently, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands have gained devolved powers under regional mayors. It’s time Kent had the same opportunities for local leadership and decision-making.

Devolution is about cutting bureaucracy, saving money, and delivering better services. A single layer of government eliminates duplication, reduces administrative costs, and provides clearer accountability. The government’s white paper suggests each Unitary Authority should serve at least 500,000 people, while Strategic Authorities would cover populations of 1.5 million or more—figures Kent easily meets with its 1.9 million residents.

The Role of a Mayor

A directly elected Mayor provides strong leadership and a clear mandate for change. The Mayor will be empowered to drive growth, tackle regional challenges, and convene local partners to develop coordinated strategies. Key responsibilities will likely include:

• Transport: Developing a region-wide strategy that connects communities and reduces congestion.

• Skills and Education: Aligning training programs with local business needs to create jobs.

• Housing and Planning: Balancing development with sustainability, using strategic oversight to deliver homes where infrastructure supports them.

Making Local Government Work for You

A single-tier system means no more buck-passing between County and District Councils. If roads need repairing or housing issues arise, you’ll know exactly who to contact—and your representatives will have direct authority to act. Clearer accountability and streamlined services mean better outcomes for residents.

What’s Next for Kent?

The government will decide how new boundaries are drawn, and while details are not final, the path forward is clear: Unitary Authorities and a Mayor. This is a change we must embrace. The alternative is having a structure imposed on us without local input. By engaging positively, we can help shape a system that works for Kent’s unique needs.

I’m optimistic about what devolution can achieve. By bringing decision-making closer to home, fostering collaboration between services, and ensuring clearer accountability, we can build a brighter, more effective local government. I believe we should seize this opportunity for the Dover District and Kent together.

What do you think about devolution? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!