What is Local Government Reorganisation?

You might have heard people talking about devolution and local government reorganisation. What do each of these things mean for you as a resident in Hastings? They are both part of the government’s plans that were set out in a White Paper in December. 

Local Government Reorganisation 

Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council are currently part of a two-tier council structure responsible for delivering services but have different political and management structures. 

The government wants two-tier councils to be replaced by one unitary council to provide for “simpler, more sustainable, local government structures” as outlined by Jim McMahon Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution in his recent letter to the councils in East Sussex.

Councils were asked to give the government initial thoughts and plans on how a unitary council could work by Friday 21 March. This is separate to the discussions about Strategic Mayoral Authorities. 

You can read the Interim Plan that was submitted to the government on behalf of all five districts and boroughs and East Sussex County Council, and the accompanying letter that Cllr Julia Hilton sent setting out Hastings' thoughts on the proposals.

We are working with East Sussex County Council and the other districts and boroughs and are waiting to hear back from the government on our proposals. While this work is going on, council services continue to operate the same way as they do currently. 

Over this very short time scale for the councils to respond we will be trying to communicate and listen to as many people and groups as possible to their thoughts on this and the options available to us.  

Cllr Julia Hilton, Leader of Hastings Borough Council said: “We know people may have concerns about this, but we are working with all parties to ensure that whatever the outcome councillors will be working for the best deal for the residents and businesses of Hastings. We will also be making sure that Hastings will not have any reduction in current service levels and actively seek for improvements and greater funding opportunities to deliver better services particularly around the areas the borough council has no direct influence on such as highways, social care and education.”  

If you have any questions, please email consultation@hastings.gov.uk.