In his latest newsletter, East Sussex county councillor Roy Galley (Maresfield & Buxted division) highlights how the plans for a unitary authority in East Sussex are in something of a shambles thanks to Labour-run Brighton & Hove.
"The plans for Unitary authorities which will effectively take over from County and District or Borough Councils are, at this point, in disarray. The East Sussex proposal across parties is for an East Sussex authority based on the current County boundaries. However, Labour controlled Brighton wants to add Newhaven, Peacehaven and other parts of Lewes District into a new Brighton Council area. This would upset the plans of other councils. East Sussex will be putting forward its preference in late September but we will not know the final shape of things until Ministers make their decisions which could be early in 2026", he writes.
"More alarming is the indication that the government does not want to create more Town and Parish Councils. They are looking at neighbourhood-level committees which may add another layer to local governance or perhaps take over from town and parish councils."
Read his full newsletter, and subscribe to future editions, HERE
