Alongside the creation next year of a new Mayoral Combined Authority for the whole of Sussex, the Government plans to rationalise the tiers of local government below it. This means creating just three or four unitary councils across Sussex. Brighton & Hove City Council is already unitary, but in both East and West Sussex the boroughs and district councils will disappear. Public consultation is now underway on what should replace them.
A unitary council provides all the public services that are currently split between district or borough councils and the county council. East Sussex County Council proposes to create one single unitary council covering the existing East Sussex footprint.
However Brighton & Hove City Council is exploring the extension of its boundaries, merging with neighbouring areas to serve a population of at least 300,000. It has launched a consultation on options to expand into parts of Lewes district, specifically Kingston ward, East Saltdean, Telscombe, Peacehaven and Newhaven.
The City Council has also considered expanding westwards towards Worthing, but says that ‘while those areas face similar challenges as Brighton & Hove they don’t offer as many opportunities to improve local services or make communities more resilient. This means they’re less likely to meet the government’s criteria for reorganisation.’
The City Council is holding a public meeting at 6pm on Friday 1 August at St Martin’s Church Hall, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean. This will be a chance for residents to find out more, speak to officers and share their views directly. More details about the event are here.
Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council have also launched a public consultation to understand how residents feel about these proposals. While town and parish councils are not subject to reorganisation these changes clearly have profound implications for local democracy and public services. Piddinghoe Parish Council is joining with the Parishes of the Lower Ouse (POLO) to consider how to respond. We’d be pleased to hear your views by email to our parish clerk at clerk@piddinghoe-pc.org.uk.
The deadline for both BHCC and ESCC/LDC consultations is Monday 25 August.
