Issue - meetings

Background:

The report provided an update on progress made since the Secretary of State had invited areas in England to submit proposals for local government reorganisation and invited the Cabinet to consider developing a full business case for a Medway proposal.

The Leaders of local authorities in Kent had voted to progress two models to be developed into full business cases. However, it was clear that the models chosen did not have the unequivocal support of all the local authorities. In recent days Kent County Council had announced it would be developing its own model to a full case and other councils may follow with their different preferences, resulting in multiple business cases being submitted to MHCLG.

The Medway option was based on boundary criteria proposed by government. It had been developed from first principles, adopting an approach that carefully considered established communities and definitive boundaries. There was a need to consider the specific impact of proposals on Medway as well as the health and social care implications of the creation of new unitary authorities.

It was recognised that Local Government reorganisation was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There had been positive and constructive engagement with the current 13 other authorities across Kent.

Reasons:

To enable proper consideration of the Medway option for the reorganisation of local government in Kent and request external support in producing a business case for option 4d based on boundary criteria proposed by government.