Government decision on local government reorganisation for East Sussex

The Government has announced its decision, subject to Parliamentary approval, to implement a modified version of the One East Sussex proposal for unitary local government for East Sussex.  

This means that from April 2028 Brighton & Hove City Council would expand, to include the areas of East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe, with the rest of East Sussex forming a single “unitary” council.  

While this decision shows that the Government has largely accepted the case that East Sussex will flourish best as a unitary county, it is deeply disappointing this has been compromised by the severing of some of our communities and an unjustified expenditure of time and resources that will bring risk and cost. 

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “I am disappointed that the government has decided to go for this modification of the One East Sussex proposal for unitary local government in East Sussex. Thousands of residents have said that they do not want to be part of Brighton and Hove, and the government has not listened to their feedback.  

“There is no evidence to show that this modification will produce savings or efficiencies, it will make the process of reorganisation more complex for the officers who are already working under immense pressure to deliver reorganisation at pace. 

“We will continue to work for the best for Hastings’ residents throughout the reorganisation process, making sure that our needs are at the forefront of decision-making when the new unitary council is being formed.” 

Throughout the reorganisation process, all the existing councils in East Sussex will continue to deliver services, and we will be prioritising service continuity through the transition.  

We are committed to working closely with our partners to protect local services and secure the best possible outcome for the people and communities of East Sussex. 

The six East Sussex council leaders have also issued a joint statement on the government's decision.