Local Government Reorganisation government consultation

The government has launched a consultation on two options for Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are being encouraged to give their feedback on the following options:

• The proposal by Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council submitted a proposal for one unitary council for the current East Sussex County footprint;
• Brighton and Hove City Council’s proposal for five unitary councils on a pan-Sussex basis.

We welcome the government’s consultation on the One East Sussex proposal but we are disappointed that the other options that we submitted have not been included, particularly the district and borough model which was the most favoured model among Hastings residents in our engagement. We will continue to work cross-party to get the best deal for Hastings.

Read full details on both proposals and have your say.

The consultation will close on Sunday 11 January 2026.