Background to Local Government Reorganisation

Here's why we believe our plan for one big council for the whole of East Sussex makes most sense:

• Larger authorities are more financially resilient than smaller ones. They are better equipped to handle both planned and unexpected costs, particularly in areas such as adult social care and children's services.

• With UK local authorities facing a projected funding gap of £8.4 billion by 2028/29, savings are vital. Bringing services together as part of one larger authority helps reduce duplication, streamlines management, and delivers the savings needed.

• A single authority can more effectively coordinate across departments like housing, transport, education, and health. Breaking up of services increases costs, lines of communication become blurred and specialist expertise could be lost.

• Larger councils have greater capacity to deliver long-term infrastructure projects, manage housing development, and tackle challenges such as climate change and economic growth.

• Current government guidance recommends unitary authorities serve populations exceeding 500,000 people. East Sussex, with approximately 550,000 residents, meets the criteria.

• The push for a single unitary authority in East Sussex is also driven by the belief that it offers improved services, stronger finances, and more strategic leadership. By being smaller and breaking up services, these benefits could be lost.

What's next?

Following the consultation a business case will be submitted to the government in September supporting one unitary council covering all of East Sussex.

We will keep residents updated throughout the process. And thank you for taking part in the consultation - your views matter.