We use some essential cookies on this website. We'd also like to set additional cookies so we can understand how people use the service and make improvements.
In future, it’s likely that everyone who lives in East Sussex will get almost all their services from a single local council.
This would replace the present system where some of your services are provided by a county council and some by a borough or district council.
The new system (known as ‘unitary government’) is being introduced by the national Government. It is expected to start in 2028.
Our suggestion for how best to achieve this is One East Sussex, a single local authority to serve the whole of East Sussex, replacing the existing councils.
The new system could be simpler, because you’d have one council which does almost everything.
It could also save money by combining some operations and resources.
An important aim would be to transform public services, in discussion with local people.
This site explains the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation, the response in East Sussex, and what this could mean for you.
Everyone who lives in East Sussex is served by more than one local council, each doing different things.
East Sussex County Council covers the whole of East Sussex and looks after things like roads, education and social care for children and adults.
Then there are five smaller councils, the District and Borough Councils (Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Rother District Council and Wealden District Council. They do things like collect bins, help people find homes, and give permission to build new things.
In some places there are smaller town and parish councils which may look after things like parks, graveyards and playgrounds. These councils would continue.
In September, the proposal for One East Sussex was agreed by Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council. The Proposal – East Sussex Councils
If followed discussion and surveys with local residents and communities.
The plan has been submitted to the Government and it is expected they will soon consult people in East Sussex on the proposal (and any other workable proposals received).
The Government is expected to make a final decision on the future shape of local government for East Sussex in March 2026.
Elections would follow in May 2027 with the new unitary council starting work in April 2028.