Important Information: Local Government Reorganisation – Second Consultation

The Government has launched a further consultation on the future boundary of the  unitary authority for East Sussex. Ministers are asking for views on their suggestion that Peacehaven, Telscombe, East Saltdean and Falmer should form part of an expanded Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) from 2028.

This further consultation is on a revised version of the One East Sussex proposal, drawn up by all the councils in East Sussex, which suggested a new unitary council should cover the whole county of East Sussex. The One East Sussex proposal was also publicly supported in reflecting the cohesion and coherence of Lewes District and East Sussex.

The real costs of this proposed disaggregation of parts of Lewes District are substantial.

The Government agreed One East Sussex has ‘positive strengths’ but said it is concerned about the footprint of neighbouring BHCC which is already a unitary council.

The Government’s proposal is to move almost 24,000 people from Lewes District to BHCC. The remaining population of East Sussex (about 537,000) would come under one new unitary council. The rationale from BHCC is to give capacity for further housing and economic development.

The Government consultation on this proposal runs until 15 June

It is asking if people think it would strengthen local government, its services and its finances. Consultation fatigue is real and you may have already given your views on local government reorganisation but it is critical  that local voices and opinions are restated.

The consultation is online at: Modified proposals for local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove – GOV.UK

In addition a public meeting is planned:

Friday 29 May from 6pm to 7pm

Community House, Meridian Centre, Meridian Way, Peacehaven, BN10 8BB,

You are welcome to attend.