Fresh details have been published on the next steps in the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process which could see existing county and district councils in East Sussex replaced by a new unitary authority.
It will be the biggest shake up in over 50 years.
At a meeting on 18 February, Councillor Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, considered a report outlining the latest position and a possible timetable. The government is expected to announce its preferred model this month, bringing forward legislation over the summer and arranging elections to new council in May 2027.
Two options are under consideration. The One East Sussex model would create a single unitary authority covering the county’s existing boundaries. It has been formally submitted by the county council alongside Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council. Wealden District Council was involved in developing the plan but did not submit its own proposal.
An alternative model from Brighton and Hove City Council proposes five new unitary authorities across Sussex. Rye would be included in a new authority along the coast to Eastbourne.
Once a decision is made, the government is expected to introduce a Structural Change Order (SCO) to abolish current councils, establish the new authority or authorities and set out transitional and electoral arrangements. A draft order is due to be shared in May before being laid before Parliament in June or July.
East Sussex County Council has approved a formal response to government, understood to be a joint submission from the five councils backing the One East Sussex model. It proposes the new authority be named “East Sussex Council” and calls for an Implementation Executive of council leaders, supported by senior officers, to oversee the transition.
Image Credits: ESCC .