Government opts for modified version of One East Sussex plan

Ministers have chosen a modified version of our One East Sussex proposal as the best option for local government in the area.

It means that most communities in East Sussex will be represented by a single unitary council from 2028, except East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe which will be transferred into an expanded Brighton & Hove.

The move is part of the Government’s aim for a single council in areas where residents currently get some services from a county council and some from borough or district councils. Ministers argue single councils will offer streamlined government which can better serve residents.

The Government has largely accepted our case that strong existing partnerships in East Sussex make one unitary council for the area most likely to deliver savings, efficiency and transformation.

However, it modified the One East Sussex proposal to move about 26,000 residents from the Lewes district of East Sussex into Brighton & Hove, despite vigorous local opposition.

Announcing the move to Parliament, Secretary of State Steve Reed said:

“Reorganisation is a shared endeavour between central and local government and we will need to continue collaborating closely to deliver it successfully. Everyone involved wants to see stronger local councils delivering better services, which will improve the lives of the people we serve.

We remain fully committed to the timetable already set out, with elections to the new unitary councils scheduled for May 2027, ahead of vesting day for the new councils to begin delivering services in April 2028.”

East Sussex is one of 14 areas around the country where new unitary councils have been announced.

The changes are subject to parliamentary approval. There may be legal challenges in some areas.

If finalised, the changes would mean councillors would be elected to a new East Sussex unitary council in May 2027. It would operate in shadow form until April 2028, when it would become fully operational and replace the existing county council and borough or district councils.

Read the full Government statement:
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Thursday, 16 July 2026