EAST Sussex residents have just days left to have their say on a new local council and how it would serve them.
The Government consultation into plans to replace county and district and borough councils in Sussex with single authorities closes on Sunday, January 11.
It puts forward two options for how councils will be structured in East Sussex.
The One East Sussex option, put forward by the county council, four district and borough councils and developed with the feedback of 14,000 people across East Sussex, is one option included. It would create a single unitary authority covering Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden.
A second option, put forward by Brighton & Hove City Council would see five unitary authorities across Sussex with Brighton & Hove expanding its boundary to include parts of Lewes, a mid-Sussex unitary authority merging parts of Wealden and Lewes with areas currently in West Sussex and the remainder of East Sussex (Rother, Hastings and parts of Wealden) as a separate unitary.
Cllr Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “This is a decision that is going to affect how people access the services they rely on, and it’s important that the Government fully understand the impact of each proposal before making it.
“We are pleased with the inclusion of our One East Sussex plan, which has been built on a robust evidence-base and solid partnership working, as we feel it offers the best quality and value to our residents and businesses.
“But I would encourage residents to look at the details of all options put forward and make sure they have their say before the consultation closes.
People can find details of the options put forward for Local Government Reorganisation and take part in the consultation by visiting Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove and West Sussex – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space
It is expected the Government will make a final decision in spring 2026.
Ends.