Hastings Borough Council has issued a statement following a Government announcement that local government reorganisation in 14 areas including East Sussex and Brighton has been paused.

The plans for a major shake-up of local government were put on hold, after the Government launched a review in light of new legal advice.

Hastings Borough Council became aware of the situation on Monday September 7.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “We are disappointed that the government has yet again moved the goalposts and announced a pause in the local government reorganisation process.

"Hastings Borough Council did not ask for this re-organisation but following several Government announcements Members and officers across East Sussex have been working in good faith for more than 18 months to get us to where we are now and we are now once again uncertain about what happens next. “Councils across East Sussex have spent countless hours working through this project so far, costing time and money which could have been spent on things like tackling our housing crisis.

"The waiting is unfair for residents who want to know who will be delivering their services in the future and on all the council staff who have spent so much time working on this. We will be pushing for a quick review involving the relevant councils and groups, ensuring our views are finally properly heard so everyone knows where they stand.”

Confirming the review in Parliament, Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner told MPs that "in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law.

"And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations."