Leaders: "East Sussex would be even stronger as a whole."

While this decision shows that the Government has largely accepted the case that East Sussex will flourish best as a unitary county, it is deeply disappointing this has been compromised by the severing of some of our communities and an unjustified expenditure of time and resources that will bring risk and cost.

Local opposition, clearly stated multiple times, has not been heard or listened to, so we will be demanding the Secretary of State publishes his full justification and evidence base for this decision, including the outcome of both Government consultations.

As the One East Sussex partnership we maintain that East Sussex would be in a stronger position as one unitary authority on the existing county footprint and recognise that the Government announcement will be particularly concerning for many of the people, staff and organisations in East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe who opposed the Government's plan and expressed a desire to remain in East Sussex.

We are determined to ensure that future arrangements for local government in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove are dedicated to serving local people and delivering excellent local services.

While we will be exploring the options available to us, and for some councils that includes legal action, this decision means that we will be preparing for the election of a new shadow Unitary Authority for East Sussex in May 2027.

Conversations with all our communities and partners will continue to be crucial as we work with them to shape the new council and ensure that they are well supported through the transition.

Delivery of local government reorganisation is a big undertaking but we start from a strong position because of the quality of what the existing six councils already deliver in partnership with the NHS, emergency services and voluntary and community organisations.

Throughout the reorganisation process, all the existing councils in East Sussex will continue to deliver services, and we will be prioritising service continuity through the transition.

We are committed to working closely with our partners to protect local services and secure the best possible outcome for the people and communities of East Sussex.

The leaders said:

"We are disappointed that the government has made this decision which flies in the face of the evidence and the views of residents.   The Government has largely accepted that the partners of East Sussex will thrive best as one authority. It's all the more surprising they've chosen a weakened model which does not make the most of the savings, efficiency and transformation we can achieve together. Residents in the areas that will be moved into Brighton have repeatedly told the government that this is not what they want. The modification will cause additional workload for officers who are already under immense pressure to deliver reorganisation in a tight timeframe, and we do not believe it offers the best option for all East Sussex's residents."

Stephen Holt (Eastbourne Borough Council)

Zoe Nicholson (Lewes District Council)

Glenn Haffenden (Hastings Borough Council)

Doug Oliver (Rother District Council)

Andy Woolley (East Sussex County Council)

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