Rother District Council's cabinet has approved the submission of a business case for local government reorganisation (LGR) in East Sussex to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution. The cabinet also noted the findings of resident and stakeholder engagement that informed the report. The Chief Executive has been granted delegated authority, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leaders, to make final amendments and provide additional correspondence with the submission.

Local Government Reorganisation Business Case

The Cabinet considered a report from the Chief Executive, Lorna Ford, regarding the business case for LGR in East Sussex, taking into account the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee from their meeting on 22 September 2025, and from the full council meeting held prior to the cabinet meeting.

The business case, the result of collaborative work across East Sussex councils, sets out the rationale for creating a single unitary authority across East Sussex. It examines three options:

• Option 1: One East Sussex - A single unitary authority covering the current East Sussex boundaries.
• Option 2: Two Unitary Authorities - Dividing East Sussex into two new councils (geography undefined).
• Option 3: Brighton & Hove Expansion - Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) expands into parts of Lewes District Council,¹ while the remainder of East Sussex forms a separate unitary authority.

The report stated that the 'One East Sussex' model best aligned with the government's criteria for local government reform, reflecting existing service delivery footprints, ensuring minimal disruption to services and building on existing collaboration. It also noted that extensive engagement with residents and stakeholders indicated a preference for this model, although concerns were raised about the potential loss of local representation.

Councillor Christine Bayliss, Labour Group Leader, moved to amend the recommendations to include approval for submission of both the East Sussex business case and a proposal from Brighton and Hove, and to note the findings of engagement on both reports. This motion was seconded by Councillor Ruairi McCourt but was lost with 3 votes in favour, 6 against, and 1 abstention.

Councillor Doug Oliver, Leader, moved to approve the original recommendation, with an amendment to include the Deputy Leaders in the consultation process for final amendments. This motion, seconded by Councillor Susan Prochak, Liberal Democrats Group Leader, was carried with 7 votes in favour and 3 against.

The cabinet resolved to:

1. Approve the business case for LGR in East Sussex for submission to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution.
2. Note the findings of the resident and stakeholder engagement.
3. Grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leaders, to make any final amendments to the submission and provide additional correspondence.

Councillor Bayliss requested that her vote against the resolution be formally recorded.

During the discussion, several concerns were raised, including:

• The size of the 'One East Sussex' model being too large.
• Potential service deterioration.
• Increased casework for elected members.
• Only one proposal being submitted, denying residents a choice.
• Financial and remoteness risks.
• Loss of continuity, local representation, identity, and area knowledge.

It was suggested that some statutory services could be commissioned to other unitary authorities or devolved to the Mayoral authority. The importance of hearing the local voice, including parish and town councils and community groups, within the new unitary authority was emphasised, with suggestions for Neighbourhood Area Committees. Some support was expressed for two smaller unitary authorities, and some preference was expressed for the BHCC proposal.

The Chief Executive advised that BHCC had not consulted any of the other East Sussex Councils regarding their proposal, despite numerous requests for them to participate in discussions. Concern was expressed regarding its late submission and the limited information available.

It was agreed that the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution should be made aware of issues regarding the district, including protection of the High Weald National Landscape, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, natural landscapes, and addressing deprivation.

It was noted that the government would undertake its own statutory consultation process, expected to run from November 2025 to January 2026, before deciding whether to implement the proposal. Subject to approval, a Shadow Authority would be established by May 2027, and the new Unitary Council would assume full responsibilities from April 2028.