Public consultations and engagement
The Government announced in July 2026 that it was choosing a variant of the One East Sussex model as a new unitary council structure for most of the county.
Before this, it had run a further consultation on a modification, including moving parts of East Sussex into the area of Brighton & Hove City Council. That consultation ran in May and June 2026.
Results from the consultation showed 81% of responses did not think the modified proposal would be an improvement. Three-quarters of those who responded (76%) did not think the proposal would lead to stronger services or more sustainable finances.
Consultation summary: modified proposals for local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove
Leaders of all six councils in East Sussex told the Government they opposed the option on which it was consulting.
Previous consultations
In November 2025, the government held an initial consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in East Sussex. The consultation was open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations.
The government consulted on two options for East Sussex:
- The proposal by Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council submitted a proposal for one unitary council for the current East Sussex County footprint.
- Brighton and Hove City Council’s proposal for five unitary councils on a pan-Sussex basis.
The consultation closed on Sunday 11 January 2026.
Responses showed that 59 per cent thought the proposal for two unitary councils (one for the whole of East Sussex and one for the existing Brighton and Hove area) was sensible and 57 per cent thought it would put local government on a firmer footing. Only 12 per cent thought a proposal for five new unitary councils across the whole of Sussex was sensible and only 10 per cent thought it would put local government on a firmer footing.
Local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex
Consultation and discussion in East Sussex
The councils in East Sussex want to listen to and work with local people, residents, stakeholders, and partners whilst making these changes.
Conversations with local communities, partners and businesses will be vital in shaping a new council and what people would like to see from it.
In preparing the One East Sussex proposal there were public surveys, focus groups and discussion with partner organisations.
A public survey ran across the county in May and June 2025 – thank you to everyone who responded. Here is a summary of the results:
Hastings Borough Council also undertook further consultation on options, which you can view on their page about LGR and devolution:
Lewes District Council also carried out a survey in response to Brighton & Hove City Council’s proposal to expand the city boundaries into Kingston ward, East Saltdean, Telscombe, Peacehaven and Newhaven.
This took place in July and August 2025. You can view the results on Lewes District Council’s site: