Save Kent’s Local Democracy: Sign the Petition Against the Devolution White Paper

The government’s Devolution White Paper threatens to fundamentally change how local government operates in Kent, potentially undermining the core of local democracy. The Kent Green Party is calling on residents to take a stand and join us in rejecting this proposal, which prioritises centralisation over community representation.

Under this White Paper, the government plans to:

• Merge Kent’s 14 councils into just 3 or 4 large unitary authorities.
• Introduce a city-style mayor with sweeping powers over areas like transport and planning.
• Cancel the scheduled 2025 Kent County Council elections, leaving unelected officials to oversee the transition.
• Reduce communities’ ability to influence local decisions by sidelining councillors who know their areas best.

These changes could leave Kent’s residents with less representation and more frustration, as decision-making becomes centralised in the hands of a few. Communities without parish or town councils will be hit the hardest, as their first point of representation will be with large, distant councils.

Why This Matters

The current system of local government in Kent has its flaws but allows for a level of local representation and decision-making that this proposal threatens to erase. Smaller councils are better connected to the communities they serve, and local councillors are accessible to the people they represent.

If the White Paper is implemented:

• Services could face years of disruption as the new system is established.
• Essential decisions might be made by officials with limited local knowledge.
• The costs of reorganisation could add financial strain to already stretched communities.

These proposed changes have not been subject to a public referendum, leaving Kent residents without a say in a transformation that will significantly impact their lives. The Green Party believes in true devolution—empowering communities, not concentrating power in the hands of a single mayor or a few councillors.

Take Action

We are urging everyone who cares about local democracy to sign our petition calling on Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough to reject this proposal. The petition highlights the dangers of centralisation and calls for a solution that strengthens local representation rather than dismantling it.

Additionally, we invite you to join us for a protest on 9th January outside County Hall in Maidstone. This is your chance to make your voice heard and show that Kent’s residents value their local democracy.

Learn More

The Devolution White Paper threatens the “local” in local government. Read our detailed analysis of the proposal and what it means for Kent communities [Click Here]

Sign the petition today and stand up for the future of Kent’s democracy. Together, we can make a difference.

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