East Sussex council shake-up paused as leaders seek clarity

11 September 2026 · Local government · 1066 Radio

Plans to reorganise local government in East Sussex and Brighton have been paused, leaving councils awaiting the government’s next steps.

Hastings Borough Council confirmed the pause on 7 September. Its leader, Glenn Haffenden, criticised the renewed uncertainty after more than 18 months of work by councillors and staff, and called for a prompt review involving local councils.

East Sussex County Council leader Andy Woolley welcomed the pause, particularly for communities proposed for transfer to Brighton and Hove. He said the county would seek more evidence for that decision and clarity on the review’s timetable.

The two responses show different views of the pause, but both councils want clearer information about what happens next.

For residents in Hastings and St Leonards, the announcement does not mean an immediate change of council. The county council says its services will continue as normal.

Sources: Hastings Borough Council; East Sussex County Council, 7 September.

Location image: Hastings, photographed by Gabriel Mihalcea / Pexels. This is a general town view.