Medway Council has published its local government reorganisation proposal for four unitary authorities covering Kent and Medway.
The proposed unitaries align with the region’s healthcare system, and priorities around prevention and early intervention, according to the council.
It also supports the social care and education systems by ‘maintaining local knowledge and relationships’ with partner agencies, schools and academies.
Cllr Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, said: ‘Our vision is to create a model which best promotes partnership working and the opportunity of maintaining a deep understanding of the needs of our communities to ensure residents can continue to access high quality services and support.
‘Having carefully taken everything into consideration – and whilst I appreciate there are currently different options on the table – I wholeheartedly support the proposed model of creating four unitary authorities in the region of Kent and Medway.’
Last month, Kent County Councils's Reform UK leader asked officers to draw up a detailed options appraisal for a single unitary with three divisions.
For more on local government reorganisation, check out What Council Unitarisation Means for Neighbourhood Services by APSE chief executive Mo Baines.
