Government 'minded to' reorganise East Sussex councils

Ministers have said they're likely to go ahead with the creation of a single council for almost all East Sussex from 2029.

A new unitary council would replace East Sussex County Council and the borough or district councils of Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden. The new council would providing all their current services. 

Ministers also confirmed they wanted to press ahead with transferring East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe into an expanded Brighton & Hove, despite overwhelming opposition from local people.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon announced the intended decision in the House of Commons on Thursday 29 October.

He said there would be three weeks for responses from interested parties, with a final decision to be confirmed in December or January.

The Government has largely accepted the One East Sussex model presented by all six existing councils in the county. The six councils showed evidence for why it would be simpler for residents, avoid expensive splitting up of services and build on successful existing partnerships, giving the best opportunity to transform services for the public.

The Government’s modification severs part of the county for transfer to Brighton & Hove and it has repeatedly been asked to justify and show the evidence for its decision.

If the decision stands, there will be elections to a new East Sussex unitary council and an expanded Brighton & Hove unitary council in May 2028. The new councils will work in shadow form before full operation from April 2029.

Before then, planned elections to the existing Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden councils will be held in May 2027.

There are no changes to any council services at this time.

Minister’s statement in the House:
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Friday, 30 October 2026