Council fully endorses 'One East Sussex' unitary authority plan
Cabinet councillors at Eastbourne Borough Council last night (Wednesday, September 24) approved a landmark proposal to create a single unitary council for East Sussex.
The 'One East Sussex' document is the result of collaborative work by all East Sussex councils and is designed to create a governance structure fit for the 21st century. It recommends replacing East Sussex's six existing councils - Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, and Wealden District Council - with a single unitary council. A shadow authority would be elected in May 2027 to manage the transition, with the new council fully operational from April 2028.
The proposal sets out a shared vision to deliver high-quality, integrated public services, improve financial resilience, and strengthen local voices. It is expected to achieve better value for money through economies of scale, reducing duplication, and freeing up funding for frontline services.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "This is a decisive moment for East Sussex. Our shared vision is to build a unitary council that will help us meet today's challenges while unlocking opportunities for tomorrow. This proposal has been shaped by extensive resident and community engagement - which showed an overwhelming majority against any changes to the East Sussex boundary - and creates the framework for a council that is financially resilient and truly serves our residents. My thanks to all those residents who have engaged with this, and given us their feedback."
The 'One East Sussex' proposal also considered and rejected alternative options, including a two-unitary model and a boundary expansion by Brighton & Hove City Council, as they were deemed less effective and financially unviable.
Councillor Holt added: "A single unitary authority following the existing East Sussex boundary will provide a stronger, more unified voice to attract investment and promote economic growth. It will also put us in a stronger position to secure funding from the government to fast-track infrastructure development, tackle climate change, and develop the skilled workforce needed to create more homes and jobs across the county."
The same proposal is also being considered by all other East Sussex district and borough councils and East Sussex County Council.
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