The Leader of Medway Conservatives, Councillor George Perfect, made the following statement, following the news that Kent and Medway had been unsuccessful in its bid to join the devolution priority programme (DPP):
I am disappointed that Kent and Medway have not been included in the priority programme for devolution and local government reorganisation, announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister.
It is particularly disappointing given the significant time and effort from members and officers in working towards the response from both councils last month, and the fact that there was good momentum behind the plans.
I hope that the Government will now work with Kent County Council and Medway Council on a timeline in the medium term to bring forward devolution and reorganisation, as laid out in the white paper.
