Lewes District Council seeking advice on legal challenge
The Leader of Lewes District Council, Councillor Zoe Nicholson, has expressed her disappointment at the government decision to remove East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe from Lewes district and place them under the authority of Brighton & Hove City Council - a move Councillor Nicholson describes as 'against the public interest', and without 'credible evidence' to support it.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:
"I am bitterly disappointed that the government has chosen to make this decision, not least because of the total lack of any credible evidence for it and because, for the second time, has provided zero transparency about its latest public consultation.
"It is annexing communities that have repeatedly, clearly and overwhelmingly said they want to remain in Lewes district. The government has chosen to completely ignore the people who live here, and it has done so with a wholly unconvincing explanation to justify its position.
"To the thousands of residents who will be as shocked as I am at this news, let me be absolutely clear, this council will not accept a decision that is so plainly against the public interest. All options are on the table, including a legal challenge, and we will pursue every avenue available to us."
There are also significant financial concerns of greatly increased costs, estimated to exceed £3.5 million, associated with a complex disaggregation of services that are currently delivered by Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Christine Robinson, added:
"Residents have taken part in consultation after consultation, giving the same answer every single time, that they want to stay in East Sussex - it's inexcusable that the government is totally disregarding that.
"This decision is clearly not based on financial good sense, not based on need, and certainly not based on what our communities want."
Lewes District Council has confirmed that it is now seeking urgent advice on the implications of the decision and the full range of options available to challenge it.
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