Government Confirms Brighton Boundary Expansion Plan
Brighton's eastward expansion has been approved by the government after plans were temporarily paused, with new timescales now set.
Plans back on track
The government has restarted local government reorganisation plans for Brighton and Hove after a pause, with the council's eastward expansion now confirmed. The changes affect one of five areas that have had their reorganisation plans approved today.
Brighton's boundary change will see East Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven become part of the city. Brighton and Hove is already a unitary authority, so the boundary shift represents the main change for the area.
New timeline confirmed
The original timescale has been pushed back by a year. Shadow elections will now take place in May 2028, with the new authorities coming into force in May 2029. Brighton and Hove's regular elections scheduled for next year will still proceed as planned.
Wider restructuring in Sussex
East and West Sussex face more significant changes. The current system of two county councils and smaller borough councils will be replaced with three unitary authorities. A new mayoral authority led by an elected mayor will take on additional powers mostly transferred from Westminster.
A decision on West Sussex, where the government previously consulted on splitting the area into two unitary authorities, has not yet been made.
Government reasoning
Local government minister Jim McMahon said ministers had found the original criteria for the reorganisations was "robust", following a review after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Councils seeking clarity
Eamonn O'Brien, chair of the Local Government Association, said councils were "frustrated" by the process and needed "urgently clarity".
Mr McMahon told MPs the Government would "move faster where we can", with updates on remaining areas expected before Christmas and a final outcome by early next year.
Mr O'Brien called for councils to have greater involvement, stating: "All councils affected need urgent clarity on next steps and how costs already incurred will be met."
Councils and bodies can provide further feedback on the plans during a three-week consultation period.
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