The Government published the White Paper on 16 December detailing its plans for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs), a model to “avoid duplication and give our cities and regions a bigger voice”. Submissions to the first step in the process, the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), must be received by Friday 10 January.
In addition, all two-tier areas are invited to present proposals for reorganisation.
Devolution is a key policy of the Government, handing decision-making powers to local political leaders and providing millions of pounds to shape major policies and projects on a regional level.
At the moment, a large proportion of decisions about what happens in Kent and Medway are taken by Government ministers and civil servants in Whitehall departments. Instead, Government is set to give areas more powers through the creation of MSAs, enabling them to make their own decisions on local issues such as transport, skills and support for business.
Following ongoing joint work between KCC, Medway Council and District and Borough Councils on a response to this move, an extraordinary meeting of KCC’s full council will take place before the Cabinet meeting on Thursday. It will provide an opportunity for Members to discuss the proposal by Leader of the Council, Roger Gough, to submit a request to Government for Kent and Medway to be included in the DPP.
Acceptance onto the DPP would commit Kent and Medway to elections for an MSA in May 2026 and implementation of the local government reorganisation by either April 2027 or April 2028, with Government making a decision on possible postponement of forthcoming local elections in due course.
Minister of State for Local Government Jim McMahon wrote to all councils including KCC in December to say he was considering secondary legislation in order to postpone local council elections for a 12-month period where this would help an area deliver both devolution and reorganisation to the Government’s timeframe. Election postponement will require Parliamentary approval and is ultimately a decision for Ministers.
Whilst the decision to request Kent and Medway be included in the DPP is a matter for the Executive under the KCC Constitution, given the wider implications it is felt the matter should be considered by full Council.
“This is an important decision. It is essential that any outcomes are determined in collaboration, working in partnership for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”
KCC Leader Roger Gough said: “Kent and Medway have been recognised by Government as one of the areas that could benefit from the policies set out in their plans. We tick all the boxes.
“Now the decisions about how devolution will deliver for Kent and Medway, and how quickly, are in our hands. First off, we need to move to meet this tight Government deadline.
“Fundamental for the future of Kent will be the ability to access more powers and monies from central Government to support vital issues such as economic development, transport and planning, and many other services that have a critical role in the lives of our communities. If local areas are given more control over decisions that affect them, rather than them being decided by central Government, I believe this will bring very real benefits to everyone in Kent and Medway.
“This is an important decision. The move towards devolution will involve discussions around every vital service that KCC, Medway Council and District and Borough Councils across the county deliver to residents, and it is essential that any outcomes are determined in collaboration, working in partnership for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”
