Press Release
The national, and local Dover and Deal, Green Parties both have serious concerns about the government’s devolution white paper on local government reorganisation, warning that the proposals risk weakening local democracy instead of strengthening it. The reforms favour the creation of centralised ‘super-councils’ and regional mayoral offices which would shift power further away from local communities. Talk is of replacing Dover, Thanet, Canterbury, Folkestone and Ashford councils and Kent County Council (KCC) representation with a single unitary East Kent council for half a million residents. And our ageing coastal communities in a nationally strategic location urgently need the funds to provide the services we deserve (and have seen eroded) in East Kent.
Calling for genuine decentralisation
Local councils play a vital role in driving meaningful local change on issues such as homelessness, energy-efficient housing, coastal and other pollution, social care reform, and local economic development. Empowering district councils, rather than sidelining them, is essential for effective governance and to ensure councillors are close to the wards and voters that they represent.
While there are potential benefits from managing some services – such as public transport – at a county level, these hurried proposals from Angela Rayner, the minister of housing, communities and local government, risk deepening public disillusionment with politics and eroding trust in democratic processes.
The Green Party is calling for genuine decentralisation, emphasising that decisions should be made as close as possible to the communities they affect. The key requirements are:
- Local decision-making: Ensure decisions are made at the closest possible level to the people affected.
- Community trust: Empower local communities to shape their own futures.
- Fair investment: Provide councils with adequate funding to drive meaningful local change.
- Proportional representation: Implement fair voting in local elections, elections shouldn’t be won by the parties with the deepest pockets.
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns has reinforced these concerns during a parliamentary debate, stating: “I welcome the elements of this white paper that are about devolution, but we have to recognise that some elements are about concentration.” She warned that replacing local tiers with mayoral authorities risks creating a “democratic deficit”, especially given the low voter turnout (30% on average) in mayoral elections.
Devolution must genuinely empower local communities
Chowns has called on the government to address these risks and urged the introduction of proportional voting systems in local elections. The Green Party’s overarching message is clear: devolution must genuinely empower local communities, not distance them from decision-making processes. We pledge to continue calling for district and town councils to retain and expand their role in leading a green transformation across the country.
Sarah Waite, speaking for Green Party town councillors in Dover district stated: “As plans develop, we will work hard to minimise negative impacts on local decision-making and democratic accountability. We want local town and district inputs into the prioritisation of the right homes, at the right price, in the right places, supporting the local economy, public transport improvements, and reducing the nature and climate crises.”
Christine Oliver, local parliamentary spokesperson, added: “The timelines for the reorganisation of our district are being worked on, but the Government has spoken to the KCC leader and two West Kent council leaders. The government says it will collaborate with county and district councils to develop and implement transition plans. Specific timelines for the dissolution of existing councils and the establishment of new unitary authorities have not even gone through the parliamentary process yet. So, for now, it is business as usual, and KCC elections are on 1 May 2025.”
Contact Dover and Deal Green Party: email: coordinator@doveranddeal.greenparty.org.uk; phone: 07931975769
