A special Rye Town Council meeting was called on Monday February 24 to discuss the transfer of assets from Rother District Council. Councillors heard the deadlines they had been given were incorrect, with the new date for requests now the end of September.
In spite of the delay, the meeting gave councillors an opportunity to agree the membership of an expanded working group to address the challenges and opportunities created by the proposed changes to local government bodies in Sussex. Elections for a Sussex mayor are planned for 2026 and consultation is taking place on replacing both East Sussex County Council and RDC with a new unitary authority.
While the debate initially focussed on what might happen to assets like land or public conveniences which are currently owned by RDC, Cllr Hansen also pointed out a wider strategy may be required as the possible changes, and their effect on Rye, become clearer.
Cllr Gilbert raised the importance of an early understanding of the legal, cost and management issues caused by any transfer of assets before any discussions of potential exchanges take place. She also noted that assets can be transferred to non-governmental organisations, which could include charities and commercial organisations.
Cllr Hughes stressed the importance of local public transport in future discussions and how how policy must not be solely created by large towns in Sussex, remote from the needs of Rye’s rural population at the far east of the county.
Councillors were advised the formation of a new mayor-led structure in Sussex awaits further central government guidance, but there is currently an expectation that unitary and strategic authorities would replace current structures across the county. The role of councils like Rye remains unclear, with councillors sharing concerns of marginalisation as large central structures are put in place.
Councillors were also reminded of the opportunity to individually contribute to the public consultation organised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Image Credits: Stuart Harland .