Rother councillors have agreed to add their support to an interim plan that begins to look at how local government could be reorganised.
The plan was drawn up by borough and district councils and East Sussex County Council in line with guidance from central Government and suggests work on a single authority using the current county council boundaries should continue.
It makes it clear that council would consider alternatives if the criteria for the population of a unitary authority set by Government changes.
Cllr Doug Oliver, Rother District Council leader, said: “Devolution is one of the biggest changes, challenges and opportunities we have faced in recent years and it’s important we move forward in a collaborative way with our focus on what is best for our residents and businesses.
“We may not have asked for the pace that’s been set, but it’s our responsibility to make this work for the benefit of our communities. We want to shape the changes, rather than have them imposed upon us.
“The interim plan agreed by full council is not the final decision, it is part of a journey. It sets out how we see local government reorganisation working but makes it clear that we remain open to consider alternatives should Government guidance change.”
If created, a new authority or authorities would replace the county council and the five boroughs or districts of Rother, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Wealden in 2028.
The six councils have agreed that the extra work necessary to develop a new local government structure in East Sussex should be funded by Government and not from existing council resources.
They also agreed a set of principles that will shape their work as they develop a new structure for local government which includes improving outcomes for residents and communities, making the best use of resources, and providing a stronger, unified voice to help attract investment and tackle priorities.
Following submission of the interim plan, more work will be carried out to develop more detailed proposals which will be submitted to Government in September.
The full report from the Extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 19 and the interim plan can be found at Agenda for Council on Wednesday 19th March 2025, 6.00 pm – Rother District Council
Ends.
Published: 25th March 2025
