There does seem to be some confusion about what the Labour Government are planning to do to Local Government. Their plans have been set out quite fully but they could change.
Often only politicians are concerned about government organization and management. Most voters just want efficient services to be delivered. However, it is important to explain what is planned.
In May 2026 we will all be asked to elect a Sussex Mayor covering East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove.
The Mayor will be selected in the same way as other politicians. Each political party will select a candidate from its members and then their names will be submitted to the electorate. There, can, of course, be any number of independent candidates. As far as we know, voting will be on the ‘First Past the Post’ system.
The Mayor will be responsible for Transport, Economic development, Housing and Planning strategy, Skills and employment support, Environment and Public Safety including Police and Fire Services…
The District and Borough Councils will be abolished as will East Sussex County Council and replaced by Unitary bodies which will each cover an area of about half a million people.
It looks likely that East Sussex will stay as one Unitary authority. West Sussex have put forward 3 different options for their area which has a population of 850,000 people. Brighton and Hove is much smaller and further discussion is needed on what the boundaries might be
There will not be a Mayoral authority or assembly advising or scrutinising the Mayor as there is in London. He will consult a small cabinet which will be nominated by the Unitary authorities, two per authority.
The unitaries will be responsible for children’s services, adult social care, highway maintenance, waste collection and disposal, planning, housing management, environmental health, Public health, Libraries, trading standards , registration.
The cabinet of East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has passed an interim plan, created with partners from borough and district councils which suggests that a new local authority on the current boundaries of East Sussex as an option for the geography of the new unitary body.
The plan suggests a single body could meet the government’s ambitions for streamlined local government and satisfy its criteria that new unitary councils should be created with a population of 500,000 or more. This initial plan drawn up by the six local authorities makes clear that council leaders remain open to presenting alternatives if the government changes its criteria and if evidence and strong public support suggest other options. There is a large measure of cross-party support for this.
Some are still arguing for one unitary authority along the coast and one for the rural hinterland. This would present some challenges. It would mean a fundamental reorganization of all care services which are currently of a good standard and major change could jeopardise delivery for vulnerable people. Another problem is financial. East Sussex is not a wealthy County and a coastal authortity would have even more serious financial problems.
Highways: Lane Rental
East Sussex County Council is about to introduce a lane rental scheme on busy roads for utility companies-water, BT, gas, and electricity. This will mean they will pay for road closures and the length of time a section of road is closed. This will give them an incentive to do the work more quickly and efficiently.
Roy Galley
April 10th 2025
cllr.roy.galley@eastsussex.gov.uk
01825 713018
07960 607672
