Since the Government announced its preferred option in July to carve up the county into four unitary councils which would replace KCC, Medway Council and the 12 district and borough councils, KCC has repeatedly asked ministers to explain how the decision was reached and why the options selected for Kent were chosen. It says those questions remain unanswered.
While the Government has since announced a review and pause to the wider local government review process, the original decision for Kent remains in place.
With the legal deadline to challenge that decision approaching, KCC has taken steps to protect Kent's interests while continuing to press the Government for answers.
“We have a responsibility to stand up for Kent residents and protect the county's interests. That's why we're moving forward with a legal challenge.”
Leader of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran, said: "Back in July, the Government made a major decision about the future of local government in Kent.
"Since then, we've repeatedly asked some straightforward questions.
" Why was this option chosen for Kent? How was that decision reached? And where is the evidence behind it?
"We asked for answers in July. We wrote again twice in August. And we wrote again in September. Each time, our questions remain unanswered.
"I made it clear at the time of writing in September that if we did not receive a satisfactory explanation, I would consider taking the appropriate legal steps. That’s exactly what we’re now doing.
"The Government has now paused the process, but its decision still stands.
"We have a responsibility to stand up for Kent residents and protect the county's interests. That's why we're moving forward with a legal challenge.
"This isn't about opposing change. It's about making sure decisions that will fundamentally change Kent's future for decades are properly explained and backed by clear evidence.
"Residents have a right to understand how these decisions were reached, and we'll continue pushing for those answers on Kent's behalf."
The matter is now with the Government’s legal department and the Court.
