Council Leaders Clash Over Brighton and Hove Boundary Expansion Plans

A row has broken out over proposals to expand Brighton and Hove City Council’s boundaries eastwards as part of a government shake-up of local authorities.

The council is consulting on plans that could see it take in areas currently run by East Sussex County Council and Lewes District Council.

The changes are part of a national move requiring all councils to become unitary authorities by 2028.

At public meetings in Saltdean and Peacehaven, Labour councillor John Hewitt said extending westward was not “financially sustainable,” adding that the government had invited Brighton and Hove to work with East Sussex councils on the proposals.

But Lewes District Council leader Zoe Nicholson described the explanation as “alternative facts,” arguing that official guidance makes clear the city could also explore options with West Sussex in some circumstances.

Councillor Nicholson said:

“I can’t understand why Councillor Hewitt has made up some alternative facts when they’re plain for all the public to see. The letter from the government speaks for itself.”

Government correspondence shared with councils earlier this year stated that proposals should make “sensible geography” and take into account the impacts on both East and West Sussex.

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently consulting on four possible boundary options, while Lewes District Council is running its own consultation with an additional option to retain the status quo.

Both consultations close on Monday 25 August.