Devolution statement

In December 2024 the Labour Government published its white paper on devolution.  Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council will be abolished and our area will instead be covered by an East Kent Unitary Authority, with a Mayor presiding over all of Kent and Medway.

The ruling Conservative group on Kent County Council wholeheartedly embraced this move and has asked the government to cancel the 2025 KCC elections, putting Kent on the fast track for the changes. With this year’s elections cancelled, key decisions on the future of Kent will be made behind closed doors, by people with no mandate from those they claim to represent, to a timetable of their choosing. 

After years of Westminster systematically overriding and underfunding councils, local government needs reform, decisions should be made closer to the people they affect. However, these proposals risk handing unprecedented power to one individual and further increasing the gap between Kent residents and their representatives. There is no provision to increase funding for vital services or fix the hole in local government financing. 

Despite our reservations, we are determined to play an active part in shaping the future of East Kent, and ensuring residents’ views are at the heart of discussions. 

In our role in the administration of Canterbury City Council, we will work to continue the provision of key services, and protect vital public spaces and heritage assets across the district. It is vital that we also plan to address the democratic deficit that will be left when Canterbury City Council ceases to exist.

Whatever form local government in Kent takes one thing will not change: we will continue to work hard for our residents all year round. 

Canterbury City Council Liberal Democrat Group.