Consultation on the modification to the two unitary proposal received from East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council

Closes 15 Jun 2026

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Consultation on the modification to the proposal from East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the potential modification to the two unitary proposal will deliver better unitary local government in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove than the original proposal received as judged against the criteria?

More information

The original proposal referred to in this question is the proposal submitted by East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council and Rother District Council for 2 unitary councils in East Sussex and Brighton. 

You can find the proposal here: The Proposal – East Sussex Councils

The criteria referred to in this question were set out in the invitation letter sent to councils in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove on 5 Febraury 2025.

You can see this letter here: Letter: East Sussex and Brighton - GOV.UK

2. If you would like to, please use the free text box to tell us about whether the potential modification will deliver new councils that:
  • are based on sensible geographies and economic areas;
  • will be able to deliver the outcomes described in the original proposal;
  • are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks;  
  • will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing;  
  • will deliver high quality, sustainable public services;
  • will meet local needs;  
  • will support devolution arrangements;  
  • enable stronger community engagement and give the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment; 

You may also use the box to provide any other comments you have on this potential modification or any other matters.  

3. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the potential modification to the East Sussex proposal for two unitary authorities from the East Sussex councils would have a strong public services and financial sustainability justification? 
4. If you would like to, please use this free text box to explain your answer to question 3.
5. I confirm that I have not included any information that identifies an individual in the free text box.
(Required)