September 25th, 2025.




Cabinet councillors at Lewes District Council today approved a landmark proposal to create a single unitary council for East Sussex.

The decision allows for the proposal to be submitted before tomorrow’s deadline for all Sussex councils under the government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

The ‘One East Sussex’ document is the result of collaborative work by all East Sussex councils and is designed to create a governance structure fit for the 21st century. It recommends replacing East Sussex's six existing councils - Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, and Wealden District Council - with a single unitary council. A shadow authority would be elected in May 2027 to manage the transition, with the new council fully operational from April 2028.

The proposal sets out a shared vision to deliver high-quality, integrated public services, improve financial resilience, and strengthen local voices. It is expected to achieve better value for money through economies of scale, reducing duplication, and freeing up funding for frontline services.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: "The impetus for local government reorganisation was placed upon us by central government and not of our own choosing, but nevertheless we have taken this duty very seriously and worked extremely hard to ensure that the proposal we put forward is the most responsible choice for and with residents.

“This is a pivotal moment for the future of our local services. Evidence clearly shows that the ‘One East Sussex’ model is the most robust and financially sound option, delivering best value for taxpayers compared to any other scenario considered. The One East Sussex proposal puts the best interest of local people at its heart and has been shaped by extensive public engagement, taking in the responses of 14,000 residents who overwhelmingly told us they were against any changes to the East Sussex boundary.”

The ‘One East Sussex’ proposal also considered and rejected alternative options, including a two-unitary model and a boundary expansion by Brighton & Hove City Council, as they were deemed less effective and financially unviable.

Councillor Nicholson added: "With today’s decision to support One East Sussex, we are building on the strong collaboration that has led to this unified proposal and will continue to listen to our communities as we move forward. Crucially, this proposal ensures that all communities within Lewes district remain firmly within the East Sussex boundary.”

The same proposal is also being considered by all other East Sussex district and borough councils and East Sussex County Council.