Laura Sharman 23 March 2017

Kent’s 'super council' plans put on hold

Plans to create a new single council for East Kent are being postponed after Shepway District Council voted against the proposal.

The plan would have seen the four existing councils merged - Shepway, Thanet, Dover and Canterbury - and replaced with one ‘super council’.

Shepway’s decision means that none of the councils can proceed with the proposal.

Leader of Shepway District Council, Cllr David Monk, said: ‘We will need to take time to consider what implications that has for how we deliver services. Without any grant from central government significant savings will still be required. I have asked our officers to come forward with fresh proposals that will be put before council.’

The councils have confirmed they will now consider alternative options for the future of local government in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the East Kent councils, leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Chris Wells, said: ‘We cannot shy away from the fact there are some big challenges facing the councils in East Kent and we need to think about new and innovative ways of tackling them.

‘The levels of savings we each need to achieve have been widely documented, and that position remains the same. We now need to identify a suitable way forward to ensure we’re in the best possible position for the future of East Kent.

‘Once we have gone through that process, we will come forward with fresh proposals.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Storytelling and Case Studies Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £43,545 FTE based on Skill
Job Title Storytelling and Cas... Wandsworth Town Hall/hybrid
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Head of Housing Development

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
UP to £116,847
Job Title- Head of Housing Development Salary – UP to £116,847 Permanent – Fulltime (36hours) Location- Wandsworth Town Hall, London Are you experienced in Local Government Housing Association/Development? If yes, you are invited to consider th Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner