Frequently asked questions about local government reorganisation

Hastings’ Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Submission

1. What has Hastings Borough Council submitted to the government?

The council’s Cabinet endorsed the one East Sussex unitary model, but business cases and proposals for a coastal unitary model and the district and borough federated model were all sent to the government as part of their plans to reorganise local councils across Sussex and Brighton into one tier.

These options will help government decide how best to simplify and improve local councils across East Sussex and Brighton.

2. Why are there three options instead of one preferred model?

There were strong but differing views among councillors and residents about which model would be best for Hastings. While the council's Cabinet endorsed the One East Sussex model, however, the council agreed to send all three. This ensures the government sees the full range of views and keeps Hastings’ interests fully represented.

Rother, Eastbourne, Lewes and East Sussex County Council have all submitted just the One East Sussex business case. 

Brighton and Hove have submitted a five unitary option for the whole of Sussex. All the options will be considered by government and they will decide which comply with their guidelines and which to consult on later this year. 

3. How have residents been involved so far?

Hundreds of residents gave their views over the summer, through events, surveys, and feedback channels. Their contributions have been vital in shaping the options we submitted. We will continue to engage and listen as the government considers the proposals.

The survey and engagement sessions that we ran over the summer were shared across our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, LinkedIn and Nextdoor), in our internal and external e-newsletters, on bus stop adverts in the town centre and on posters along the seafront. We also worked with partners including Hastings Voluntary Action and the housing associations to share information on their channels.

Information was also distributed to each home in the borough to provide more information. There were also two face-to-face facilitated sessions where residents were able to talk to councillors about each of the options and an online recorded session giving more detail about the options. The leader and deputy leader of the council also invited residents to ask them questions at their regular drop-in sessions.

4. Why is Hastings Borough Council requesting to postpone the 2026 elections?

Holding borough elections in May 2026 would create confusion for residents, as there are already elections planned for a new Strategic Mayoral Authority in 2026 and for shadow unitary authorities in 2027.

It would also cost up to £150,000 to run a standalone election. Given current financial challenges, especially around housing, this money is better spent on vital services.

Group leaders from all four political groups in Hastings have written to the minister requesting this postponement.

5. Will postponing the elections affect democracy in Hastings?

No. Residents will continue to be represented by their current councillors, who remain fully accountable. Postponement simply avoids an unnecessary election during a period when major new democratic structures are already being introduced.

6. What happens next with the government’s decision?

We expect further consultation from government over the winter. After this, ministers will review the cases from across Sussex and Brighton before deciding which reorganisation model to take forward.

7. How does local government reorganisation affect residents?

The aim of reorganisation is to simplify council structures, improve efficiency, and make services easier for residents to access. Ultimately, it should mean better value for money and stronger decision-making closer to communities.

8. Does this solve the issue of council finances?

Not on its own. As Cllr Julia Hilton has highlighted, all councils continue to face serious financial pressures. Without wider reform of local government funding, any new structure will still face challenges, starting with a major financial shortfall. However, reorganisation is an important step in making the system simpler and more sustainable.

9. Where can I read the business cases?

The full business cases and covering letter are available to download.