What's happening?
The Government has confirmed it is in the final stages of agreeing a devolution deal for Kent and Medway. The plan is to create a new Strategic Authority covering the whole area, with the aim of having it up and running by the end of 2028.
Medway Council Leader Vince Maple has welcomed the news, saying a devolved settlement would give local leaders a greater say over transport, skills, infrastructure, housing and economic development.
Why does it matter?
At the moment, decisions and funding for the region are spread across many bodies and often depend on short-term bids to central government. A Strategic Authority changes that by giving Kent and Medway one body with real control over the things that drive growth.
For investors and developers, that means a single point of contact, longer-term funding and a leader who can champion the area in Whitehall and with major investors. The greatest benefits come with an elected mayor, as mayoral authorities typically receive multi-year investment funds, the ability to set up development corporations to unlock large brownfield sites, and, over time, more control over taxes and spending.
What powers would a mayor have?
- Planning and development
- A mayor can step in on strategically important planning applications, make Mayoral Development Orders, create Mayoral Development Corporations and introduce a mayoral community infrastructure levy.
- Transport
- A mayor can direct the Key Route Network of major roads, has a formal role in planning and developing rail, and can access a multi-year Integrated Settlement.
- Funding
- Mayors can raise a precept to fund all of the authority's work, and from 2028 mayoral authorities are expected to keep a share of income tax raised locally.
- Room to grow
- Over time, a mayoral authority can earn “established” status. This brings an integrated settlement, giving the mayor the freedom to move money between funding streams from different government departments. It's the same model that has helped drive regeneration in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
What could this mean for growth in Medway?
- Unlocking major sites
- Long-term transport and infrastructure funding could open up Medway's biggest opportunities, including the Hoo Peninsula, Strood and the area's waterfronts.
- Faster delivery
- Development corporations can bring land together, speed up planning and invest alongside the private sector, giving investors greater confidence in large-scale schemes.
- Funding you can plan around
- Multi-year settlements mean committed public investment rather than one-off funding bids, making the future easier to predict.
- One accountable leader
- Investors and businesses deal with a single point of contact, with a mayor actively promoting the area to funders and government.
- Priority access to national programmes
- Areas electing their first mayors in 2027 and 2028 will also benefit from the Government's priority projects programme.
Looking ahead
For Chatham, devolution signals a long-term commitment to investment in transport, infrastructure and regeneration across Medway. It's an exciting time to be part of the area's future, and Monument View is right at the heart of it.
The devolution powers described here are Government proposals and are subject to change. Information correct at time of publishing.
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