Frustration and disappointment among Sussex leaders follow the government's decision to pause plans for council reorganisation. A key contentious move—expanding Brighton & Hove eastwards to include East Saltdean, Peacehaven, and Telscombe—will be reviewed. Meanwhile, West Sussex awaits a decision, expected in October, on how to split into two new authorities after challenging the government’s modified proposal.
The pause means elections in May 2027 will now cover existing borough and district councils, including Brighton & Hove City Council in its current form. In a joint statement, Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green, and Independent leaders of West Sussex County Council expressed frustration, urging the government to expedite a new timetable. Andy Woolley, Reform UK leader of East Sussex County Council, welcomed the pause, calling it a 'common sense decision' that should have been taken earlier, noting the squeezed timeline for setting up new unitary authorities would have been unachievable.
He hinted at legal action against the government over the reorganisation. Meanwhile, Glenn Haffenden, Green leader of Hastings Borough Council, was disappointed the government had delayed further, citing wasted time and resources on housing crisis efforts. Doug Oliver, independent leader of Rother District Council, assured no immediate changes would occur.
Labour leaders from Worthing Borough Council and Adur District Council emphasized the need for a well-considered decision on West Sussex reorganisation. The announcement delays elections until May 2027 and dissolves existing councils by April 2028, alongside the first mayoral election for Sussex and Brighton.
Source: BBC
