Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is urging residents to respond by today’s deadline to a government consultation that could replace the current two-tier council system with new unitary authorities across Kent.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has issued a final call for residents to have their say on plans that could transform local government across the county. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation closes at 11:59pm today — 26 March 2026.
Five competing proposals are on the table. All would scrap the current system where Kent County Council handles services like social care and schools whilst borough councils manage housing and planning.
The consultation launched on 5 February following the government’s invitation to councils last year. Residents across Kent and Medway have seven weeks to influence what could be the biggest shake-up of local government in the county for decades.
Five Proposals Battle for Support
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council backs Option 3a — a West Kent unitary authority covering four council areas. The proposal brings together Tunbridge Wells with Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Malling councils.
But it faces competition from four other models. Kent County Council wants a single countywide unitary with local area assemblies. Other proposals carve up the county differently.
The West Kent councils argue their model builds on existing partnerships. They say it would cut duplication between county and district services whilst keeping decision-making closer to communities than a Kent-wide authority.
Critics question whether the process has moved too fast. Some argue councils should have collaborated on a single proposal rather than submitting competing bids that could confuse residents.
What Changes for Residents
Under any unitary model, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council would disappear as a separate authority. So would Kent County Council’s role in the area.
A new unitary council would handle everything from bin collections to social care. Supporters say this means no more confusion about which council does what — and no more being passed between different departments.
The current system splits responsibilities. Kent County Council runs schools, social services, highways and libraries. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council manages housing, planning applications, leisure centres and waste collection.
Unitary authorities promise “effortless services” according to the West Kent proposal. They point to potential savings from merging back-office functions and reducing management layers.
The Case Against Change
But change brings risks. Transition costs could run into millions as councils merge IT systems, harmonise pay scales and restructure services.
Some residents worry about losing the local connection that comes with a borough council. A unitary authority covering West Kent would serve around 600,000 people — much larger than Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s current patch.
There are also questions about whether the financial savings will materialise. Previous council mergers have sometimes cost more than expected and taken longer to deliver benefits.
The government insists any new structure must demonstrate it can improve services and achieve financial sustainability. Areas in financial intervention — where councils have effectively gone bust — face particular scrutiny.
Decision Timeline
The consultation responses will go to civil servants who will assess each proposal against statutory criteria. These include financial viability, service improvement potential and transition costs.
A government decision is expected in summer 2026. If approved, legislation could follow in autumn 2026, with shadow elections in 2027 and new councils starting work from April 2028.
The process was triggered by the government’s push to simplify England’s complex local government structure. Two-tier areas like Kent — with both county and district councils — are seen as outdated and inefficient.
But the tight timescale has frustrated some councillors who wanted more time for public engagement. The seven-week consultation period is the minimum required by law.
West Kent’s Pitch
Tunbridge Wells and its West Kent partners argue their area already works together on economic development and planning. They say a West Kent unitary would formalise these relationships whilst maintaining local identity.
The proposal promises better coordination between services. Housing teams could work directly with social services without navigating two different councils. Planning decisions could consider education needs without complex negotiations between authorities.
Financial pressures also drive the change. Both county and district councils face budget squeezes. Unitary status could unlock government funding and reduce costs through shared services.
Key Takeaways
Five proposals compete to replace Kent’s two-tier council system with unitary authorities
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council supports a West Kent unitary covering four council areas
Government decision expected summer 2026 with new councils potentially starting April 2028
What This Means for Tunbridge Wells Residents
Residents have until 11:59pm today to influence the biggest change to local government in Kent for decades. The consultation is available on the government’s official website and responses will directly inform the Secretary of State’s decision. Whatever the outcome, residents will see their local council structure change affecting everything from planning applications to social care delivery in their area.