Local Government Shake Up Set To Go Ahead in East Sussex

The leader of East Sussex Council, Cllr Zoe Nicholson says she is shocked and deeply disappointed by the governments decision to press ahead with proposals on a local government shake up. She adds the proposals have been resoundingly rejected by residents.

Last month Andy Burnham's government called a review in to the local government reorgnisation a plan conceived by the previous administration.

Ministers confirmed at the end of last week that the programme which includes boundary changes in to Lewes is continuing and fits in with the wider plans to shift power out of Westminster and back to local communities. 

In East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, the two unitary proposal including boundary changes requested by Brighton and Hove City Council, except for the parish of Falmer.

The Government announced 4 other areas are also to proceed with the Local Government Reorganisation.

• The one unitary proposal in Gloucestershire;  
• The three unitary proposal in Oxfordshire, including boundary changes.  
• The two unitary proposal in Warwickshire; 
• The two unitary proposal in Worcestershire;

In East Sussex, government is 'minded to' implement the proposal submitted jointly by East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Hastings Borough Council, and Rother District Council, with the modifications to the proposed boundary requested by Brighton and Hove City Council. This would move East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven into Brighton & Hove.

Cllr Zoe Nicholson issued a statement: "This announcement once again fails to provide any meaningful evidence to justify the annexation of parts of Lewes district. Throughout this process, we have consistently asked the government to set out the evidence for its proposals. The fact that it has been unable to do so speaks volumes.

"We have also argued that the people affected deserve a genuine say in decisions that will fundamentally change the places where they live, work and call home - the government has continued to ignore those calls.

"Residents, businesses, community organisations and elected representatives have spoken clearly about the importance of protecting the integrity of our district. Many will feel angry and frustrated by this decision, and so do I.

"The government may have announced its preferred course of action, but it has not won the argument. We will continue to stand alongside our residents and challenge decisions that we believe are not in the best interests of our communities."

Find out more about Local Government Reorganisations in East Sussex here: Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution