Background and Original Government Proposal…
In February 2026, the Government announced significant changes to the structure of local government across Sussex, which were to be introduced over the next few years.
These reforms include the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex, expected to have responsibility for a range of strategic functions across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
Alongside these changes, it was proposed by the Government that local government across Sussex will also be reorganised. Under such proposals, the existing district, borough and county councils, together with Brighton & Hove City Council, will be replaced by a smaller number of unitary authorities, each responsible for delivering all principal local government services within their area.
For Hailsham residents, this means that Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council would be expected to be replaced by a new unitary authority.
Programme Pause and Review of Plans…..
On 7 September, the Government announced its decision to pause the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme while it launches a full review of plans. The announcement, follows updated legal advice and will see a rapid review of the LGR programme, including decisions already made and areas where decisions are still outstanding. The Government has confirmed that there is currently no timetable for when the review will be completed.
While Hailsham Town Council would not have formed part of the proposed unitary authority merger process, the Council has been actively engaging with the wider changes to local government and discussing proposals to take on additional responsibilities and services currently delivered by Wealden District Council.
The Town Council had been exploring how greater local responsibility could provide opportunities to improve services, strengthen local accountability and ensure that decisions affecting Hailsham are made as close to the community as possible.
We recognise that the Government has decided to pause and review the Local Government Reorganisation programme, and we will await further information as the review progresses.
Our priority throughout this process has been, and remains, ensuring that any changes work in the best interests of Hailsham and its residents. We will continue to engage constructively with the Government and our local authority partners as more information becomes available.
The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed on existing council boundaries while the review is undertaken.