As announced in January 2024, the Leaders of the North Kent local authorities decided to dissolve Greater North Kent as a formal partnership with effect from May 31, 2024.
Greater North Kent (GNK) was formed in April 2021, by Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone and Swale borough councils, Medway Council and Kent County Council.
It built on several years of working together informally as a political group, and a shared experience as public sector members of the Thames Gateway Kent Partnership, which dated back to 2001.
GNK adopted an ambitious suite of priorities (see below) to explore where collaboration and a common voice could add value to improve outcomes for North Kent residents and businesses.
The Greater North Kent authorities would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the partnership’s work over the past three years. We remain committed to work together on matters of common interest to promote the prosperity and well-being of North Kent residents and businesses.
View the reports and other resources published by GNK.
For any queries about successor arrangements, please contact GreaterNorthKent@dartford.gov.uk.
Skills
Through its workforce skills evidence base, GNK played a role in shaping the Local Skills Improvement Plan now being led by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce with training providers and business sector representatives to deliver skills training that meets the needs of employers in a changing economy.
Health
Using its analyses of annual GP Patient surveys, GNK pressed the case with the Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board for prioritising investment in improved primary care services.
Culture
GNK supported Creative Estuary, in particular its work on creative workspace, to help grow the presence of creative businesses in this part of the Thames Estuary Production Corridor.
Infrastructure
GNK helped prepare the strategic outline business case to Government for extension of Crossrail / Elizabeth Line from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet / Gravesend, and has continued to advocate for North Kent in making the case for infrastructure investment to support growth.
Climate
This has been a cross-cutting theme, informing our approach to other priorities and our engagement with other organisations and initiatives, for instance work on hydrogen and other green energy potential in the Thames Estuary.