Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Rother and across East Sussex have been put on hold.

The decision, announced in Parliament today by Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, follows legal advice provided to the Government.

The Government says the review is being carried out to ensure the correct process is followed, complies with the law, and reflects the priorities of the new administration and Prime Minister.

As part of the review, LGR proposals affecting several other areas of England have also been paused while the Government considers its next steps.

The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead as planned using existing district and borough council boundaries.

Rother District Council Leader Doug Oliver said:

“I know many people will be wondering what this means for Rother after all the work that has been taking place over recent months.

“I want to reassure everyone that, while we wait for further information from Government, there will be no immediate changes for our council or the services we provide.

“In the meantime, I will be working with colleagues from the other district and borough councils, as well as East Sussex County Council, to ensure decisions on LGR are evidence-based and in the best interests of local people.

“We will be seeking to understand how Rother and other areas in East Sussex will be involved in the review and the new timescales we are expected to work towards.”

In July, the Government announced that, subject to Parliamentary approval, a modified version of the One East Sussex proposal for unitary local government in East Sussex would be implemented.

Under those plans, from April 2028 Rother District Council, together with the county’s four other district and borough councils and East Sussex County Council, would be replaced by a single unitary authority. The Government also proposed expanding Brighton & Hove City Council to include East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe.

Published: 7th September 2026