Town Council Statement on Local Government Reorganisation Review

Hailsham Town Council is aware of the Government’s decision to pause the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme while it launches a full review of plans.

The announcement, made by the Government on 7 September, 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.

Town Clerk, John Harrison, said: “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.”

“The Government’s announcement creates a period of uncertainty, particularly for councils that have already invested significant time and resources in preparing for local government reorganisation.”

“For Hailsham, however, our position is somewhat different. The Town Council has been looking at the opportunities that greater local responsibility could provide and was discussing the potential transfer of additional responsibilities with Wealden District Council.”

Mr Harrison added: “We will continue to monitor developments closely and will seek further clarification from the Government and relevant local authorities regarding the implications of the review for our proposal. In the meantime, it remains very much business as usual for Hailsham Town Council as we continue to deliver our existing services and support the local community.”

The Town Council will continue to keep residents informed as further details emerge from the Government regarding the review and any implications for the future structure and responsibilities of local government.

The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed on existing council boundaries while the review is undertaken.