Update on Devolution and Local Government Reform - 15 January 2025

"It is fair to say that they are some big changes lying ahead for local government in our area, and across the country. The exact detail of what will come next is still to be determined.

"What we do know is that the government has set out the process for Devolution in their recent White Paper. Every area in England will have a Mayor who will lead new strategic authorities, who will have devolved powers (over things like transport, skills, and public health). They will have more power, more responsibilities, and more funding.

"Local leaders have long been pushing for power to be devolved to regions, rather than decisions being made by central government (in Whitehall). This has already happened in city regions like Manchester and Birmingham, and more recently in places like the West of England, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Now the intention is to fill in the gaps.

"It is the ambition of ministers to reform the current two-tier council system by the creation of new unitary authorities, which will combine county and district councils into strategic authorities to deliver all council services under one roof.

"These new authorities are expected to have populations of over 500k (although smaller authorities could be considered, case by case, based on specific regional needs and circumstances).

Priority area for devolution

"In the short term, and following meetings held last week, KCC and Medway have asked the government to make Kent a priority area for devolution.

"Ashford is not a decision-maker in this, but in reality, the decision is about timing, not direction of travel. If accepted to the priority program, Kent will see an election for a county-wide mayor in May 2026, with the establishment of a county combined authority at the same time.

"Later this month, the government will invite the 14 Kent councils collectively to submit one (or potentially more than one) scheme for their reorganisation. The government has stated that an indicative proposal would need to come forward in March 2025, with a confirmed version to follow in the autumn. This would be followed by a formal consultation.

No local decisions have been taken

"Given the level of change it is important to keep residents, councillors and our staff informed, and for the council to carefully consider its options.

"At this stage, no local decisions have been taken. The government will be required to consult formally on the new devolved structures, as well as reorganisation of existing councils.

"The current expectation, provided by government, is that shadow unitary councils could be elected in May 2027 to appoint senior officers, arrange to transfer existing staff, identify the facilities they need and set a budget for the following year, with the new councils taking over fully in 2028.

Focus remains on our priorities

"There is clearly a lot of work to be done before any of this can happen. In the meantime, it is very much business as usual in Ashford and will be for some years to come.

"So for now councillors and officers will continue to focus on the priorities set out in our Borough Plan, including the Local Plan and delivery of affordable homes for our residents.

"As councillors, we all have a job to do – we have our residents to represent and we must lead this council and borough to the best possible place it can be -  whatever the future may bring."

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council