Government ministers have launched a consultation on the future number of councils in Kent and Medway and the areas they should cover.
They want to hear views from Kent organisations, residents and businesses on the proposed biggest shake up of local government in 50 years.
Ministers asked councils to come up with plans to create unitary councils in a process known as local government reorganisation (LGR).
Under the current system Kent County Council (KCC) delivers some services such as education, social services and roads, and district or borough councils deliver others like emptying bins and providing housing services.
Under the proposed system, a much smaller number of unitary councils would deliver all council services in one area. Medway Council operates in that way today.
Councils across Kent and Medway have worked together to draw up a series of options for the number of unitary authorities needed and what areas they should cover.
In a joint statement, council leaders in Kent and Medway, said: “Our councils are your councils and it is important you have your say on their future and how they deliver vital services.
“We’ve worked really closely together to pull together the evidence to support a number of options for the people of Kent and Medway so everyone can make an informed decision.
“Each council has nailed its colours to the mast of a particular option and explained why.
“It’s now over to you and organisations throughout Kent and Medway to help ministers make an informed decision.”
Cllr Jim Martin, Folkestone & Hythe leader, added: “This is an opportunity for everyone to voice their opinion and get involved in the process.
“We know how we want to see the future of local government in Kent, now is the time for our local organisations, residents and businesses to share their views.”
To take part in the government’s consultation, visit Local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway - GOV.UK
The deadline for responses is Thursday 26 March.
There is lots of background information, including the detailed explanations for each option, on the Kent Council Leaders website.
Councils may also contact residents and other organisations to explain why they think their preferred option should be chosen by the government.
Once the consultation closes, the civil servants and ministers will consider everyone’s responses alongside the evidence that has been presented to them.
A decision on which option ministers have chosen is likely to be announced in the summer.