Residents and businesses in Rother are being urged to take part in a government consultation that will help shape the future of council services across the county.
Rother District Council wants people to have their say on the two options on the table in the consultation launched this week.
The first option is the One East Sussex proposal – which would create a single unitary authority covering Rother, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Wealden.
A second option, put forward by Brighton & Hove City Council would see five unitary authorities across Sussex with Brighton & Hove expanding its boundary to include parts of Lewes, and a Mid Sussex unitary authority taking in parts of Wealden and Lewes.
Between now and January 11, 2026, people have the chance to give their views on the options which are designed to replace the current two-tier structure of county and district or borough councils with new unitary authorities.
Cllr Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said: “I would urge residents and businesses across Rother to take part in the consultation and give their views on the options put forward.
“Rother District Council proposed theOne East Sussex plan to government as it will save money, improve services, and keep the current county boundary intact. But it is now up to people to decide which option they think will deliver the best outcomes and makes sense financially.”
One East Sussex was developed collaboratively with all other East Sussex councils and advocates for replacing the 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 within the existing county boundary.
More than 14,000 residents from across the county including Rother took part in a consultation organised by the East Sussex councils earlier this year, and 74 per cent of those who took part agreed with the One East Sussex plan. The One East Sussex proposal was then sent to government in September.
It is expected the government will take the results of its consultation into consideration in making a final decision on which option to follow in spring 2026. If agreed, the new council could start work by April 2028. To take part in the government consultation, visit: Local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex – GOV.UK
Published: 20th November 2025
