Local government reorganisation update from Hastings Borough Council

Hastings Borough Council is disappointed that, after councils have committed significant time, resources and public money to this process, the timetable for local government reorganisation has changed and further uncertainty remains.

The Government has announced that it is minded to proceed with local government reorganisation in East Sussex. It proposes to implement the One East Sussex proposal submitted jointly by Hastings and four other East Sussex councils, but with a significant boundary modification transferring four wards from Lewes district into an expanded Brighton & Hove authority.

Under the Government’s revised timetable, elections to the new shadow authorities are expected to take place in May 2028, with the new councils becoming operational in April 2029.

The Government has confirmed that both the original One East Sussex proposal and the modified option meet all six of its criteria. It found that the alternative five-unitary proposal did not meet three of the criteria, principally because of implementation costs, concerns about financial sustainability, potential disruption to public services and the fact that it was developed in isolation from other councils.

We recognise the strong opposition expressed by residents in the affected communities to dividing Lewes district. It is important that the Government considers that local response, alongside the additional costs, complexity and service implications of altering established boundaries, before reaching its final decision.

Councillor Glenn Haffenden, Leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “For Hastings, the One East Sussex proposal would bring together the services currently provided by Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council within a single new authority. The original proposal covered the whole of East Sussex and avoided dividing Lewes district, but the Government is now proposing to transfer four Lewes district wards into an expanded Brighton & Hove authority.

“This would be a significant change for residents, staff and local services. We need clarity and stability after the considerable public money and officer time already committed to this process, and we will continue to ensure that Hastings’ interests and priorities are properly represented.”

No final decision has yet been made. There will now be a period of at least three weeks for new information and further representations before the Government reaches its final view.

We will continue working with our partners across East Sussex and provide further updates as the position becomes clearer.