RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in a consultation that will help reshape local government and how services are run in the future.
Government wants to reorganise local government so that everyone in East Sussex gets their services from just one council. This could mean the county council and district and borough councils would be replaced by a single authority.
Other options could also be considered if they attract wide public support and government backing.
With a new council expected to be elected in 2027 and start work in 2028, East Sussex County Council and district and borough councils are working on plans and are asking residents for their views.
Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council said: “In response to Government plans we have worked with our colleagues in district and borough to draw up an initial plan for a single local authority for East Sussex that could provide best quality and value for all its 550,000 residents.
“Final, detailed proposals will be submitted to Government in September and we now need to hear the views of residents, businesses and other partners to ensure the plan we develop will deliver the greatest benefits to our communities.”
The consultation will be available to complete online at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EastSussexLGR/ from Monday, May 12 to Monday, June 23.
In the interim plan, East Sussex County Council and the five district and borough councils have set out what they believe any new local authority would have to achieve including;
- Improving outcomes for residents and communities
- Making best use of resources now and for the future
- Enhance local democracy, local identity, transparency, accessibility, local decision making and accountability
- Support and drive decision making and public service reform at both Sussex and local level
- Provide a stronger and unified voice to help attract investment and tackle priorities
More information about Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex can be found at www.eastsussexcouncils.org
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