Our proposal
While Kent Leaders recently agreed to develop business cases for two other models, Dartford and Gravesham believe there’s a better option for our communities.
Together, we are putting forward Option 5a, which would create five new unitary councils across Kent.
Read Dartford and Gravesham's joint letter to Kent leaders, outlining the proposal.
For our area, this would mean a new council covering:
- Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and parts of Medway (west of the River Medway and south to Snodland)
The other four unitary councils would cover the rest of Kent.
Why does this matter?
We believe Option 5a offers the right balance between being big enough to deliver services efficiently and local enough to understand our communities.
The key benefits are:
- Decisions made locally: services shaped by leaders who know their areas best.
- Protecting identity: Gravesham’s unique heritage and character would be safeguarded.
- Working in partnership: aligning with health and care services so residents get better outcomes.
- Fair and sustainable: councils sized to be financially stable without losing the local connection.
- Better value: structures that cut waste, adapt quickly, and focus resources where they’re needed most.
What happens next?
Dartford and Gravesham will now prepare a detailed business case for Option 5a. This will be reviewed alongside other proposals being developed across Kent.
No final decisions have been made yet. For now, Dartford Borough Council will continue to deliver all the services you rely on.
There will also be opportunities for residents to have their say before any changes are agreed.
Our goal is simple, to make sure any reorganisation puts people, communities and services first.