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Local Government Reorganisation
The first considerations of council and local government devolution alongside the key support needed during the process.
Geographic Challenges and Considerations
Kent's strategic position as the Gateway to Europe presents unique challenges that must be addressed in any new governance structure.
The Council Leaders seek assurances regarding financial resources and planning constraints.
- Kent is home to major transport hubs like the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover.
- Looking at transport disruptions and asylum-seeking.
- Planning constraints affect housing delivery and require government collaboration.
- Financial resources must be adequate for new unitary structures to manage these challenges.
Financial Stability and Legacy Debt
The financial landscape of Kent's councils varies significantly, necessitating a thorough analysis to ensure new entities are economically viable.
Leaders emphasise the need for discussions on managing legacy debt and ensuring financial resilience.
- Some councils have high debt levels, while others are debt-free.
- A thorough financial analysis is underway to inform the preferred structure.
- Leaders seek discussions on managing legacy debt and ensuring financial headroom.
- Additional fiscal devolution opportunities are desired to support financial resilience.
Representation, Localism, and Democratic Engagement
Kent's diverse population necessitates strong democratic representation in any new unitary councils.
Leaders are focused on ensuring that elected officials reflect the community's diversity and local identity.
- Leaders emphasise the need for representative Councillors in new structures.
- Concerns exist regarding population thresholds and Councillor ratios.
- Engagement with local communities and stakeholders is crucial for effective representation.
- Mechanisms to enhance local representation and accountability are being explored.
Planning and Housing Delivery
Kent Councils recognise the government's commitment to delivering 1.5 million homes and the importance of maintaining housing delivery momentum during the reorganisation process.
Leaders seek clarity on transitioning local plans and managing housing delivery.
- Councils are at various stages of developing local plans.
- Maintaining momentum for major housing sites is critical.
- Collaboration with Homes England is essential for addressing nutrient neutrality.
- Leaders seek discussions on managing transitions from existing to new planning authorities.
Devolution and Combined Authority Considerations
While Kent was not prioritised for the Devolution Priority Programme, there is interest in aligning LGR with future devolution opportunities.
Leaders aim to ensure that critical economic development functions are preserved and are exploring the possibility of future devolution waves.
Critical functions should be included in any Combined Authority and leaders are committed to a collaborative approach in developing proposals.
Engagement and Collaboration with Stakeholders
Kent Council Leaders have engaged with various stakeholders to gather feedback on LGR proposals.
The responses indicate broad support for reorganisation, emphasising the need for continuity in frontline services.
- Engagement includes NHS, police, businesses, and community groups.
- Most stakeholders favour a three or four unitary model for efficiency.
- Concerns about maintaining local identity and service continuity were highlighted.
Support for Transition to Unitary Structures
Kent Council Leaders seek government support to manage the transition to new unitary structures, emphasising the need for funding under the New Burdens Doctrine.
This includes various costs associated with the transition process.
- Support is requested for strategic planning and survey work.
- Funding for additional elections and shadow councils is needed.
- Programme management and implementation support are essential for a smooth transition.
- Leaders are committed to a collaborative approach to maximise engagement and resources.
Devolution Bill Policy Updates
With the consultation and proposal period coming up for not yet combined authorities updates have been released regarding the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
The bill discusses devolution, local government and the communities in them. This includes the consideration around transport, employment, housing, economic growth, climate, health, safety and more.
NAVCA (our membership body) has just released discussions regarding the bill, which provides a summary of the key elements.