People invited to meeting that finalises new unitary authority proposal
Cabinet councillors will discuss and decide whether to approve a recommendation for a ‘One East Sussex’ unitary authority at its next meeting at 2.30pm on Thursday, September 25, at The Marine Workshops in Newhaven.
The proposal recommends replacing East Sussex’s six existing councils – Lewes District Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, and Wealden District Council - with a single unitary council starting in April 2028. A shadow authority would be elected in May 2027 to manage the transition.
This is in response to the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, which requires Sussex councils to submit proposals for a single tier of local government by September 26.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: "This is a crucial moment for the future of our local services and identity of the communities in which we live, so I encourage people to come along and hear what is set to be a very important discussion.”
The ‘One East Sussex’ proposal was informed by extensive public engagement, which received more than 14,000 responses from residents. A county-wide survey gathered over 5,600 responses, while a separate consultation conducted by Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council regarding a proposed boundary change with Brighton & Hove City Council received 7,472 responses. The overwhelming majority of these respondents (86%) opposed any changes to the current East Sussex boundary.
Councillor Nicholson added: "The response from residents has been fantastic and their voices will be pivotal to our discussion, ensuring that we put forward a proposal that has the best interests of local people at its heart.”
To view the Cabinet meeting online, visit: Lewes District Council Cabinet - Thursday, 25 September, 2025 at 2.30 pm
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