Last chance to give your views on local government reorganisation in Sussex
Two key proposals are being put forward for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Sussex, as part of the government’s programme to replace county and district councils with single-tier unitary councils. You have until Sunday 11 January to say which of the two LGR proposals you prefer by completing the online government consultation here.
The ‘One East Sussex’ proposal submitted by Lewes District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council would see one unitary council covering East Sussex. Under this proposal the boundaries of Brighton & Hove would remain unchanged.
Brighton & Hove City Council have put forward an alternative proposal for five unitary councils across East and West Sussex. Notably this would see would East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven and part of Falmer village currently in Lewes District become part of Brighton & Hove City Council, and other parts of Lewes District being allocated to two further unitary authorities.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “One East Sussex offers a clear vision for a single unitary authority in East Sussex, designed to deliver stronger representation, more efficient services and significant financial savings, while respecting existing boundaries.”
The government recently announced that mayoral elections will be delayed until 2028; however, this decision does not affect the timetable for local government reorganisation. The consultation process and subsequent decisions on reorganisation will continue as planned.
Nicholson added: “The evidence shows that the One East Sussex plan would save £64 million in its first five years and £25 million annually thereafter, while ensuring services remain accessible and local identities are respected. But this is about more than numbers, it is about securing a future where our communities have a stronger voice, where services are delivered fairly and efficiently, and where local decision making reflects the needs of residents across East Sussex.”
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, says about its alternative proposal: “We are setting out our positive vision for local government reorganisation in our area, by proposing options that would merge the city with wards to the east of our current boundary which we already have very close connections with.
“Since Brighton and Hove joined together 25 years ago we have achieved a huge amount, regenerating key aspects of the city while keeping council tax lower than neighbouring councils. We also know from our experience in Brighton that it is possible to do this while preserving and celebrating the unique identities of each our communities.”
You can have your say on both proposals here: Proposals for local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex – GOV.UK