Proposals to make huge changes to local government – the biggest to affect Rye in fifty years – were announced on Monday, December 16. It could mean Rother District Council is abolished, five decades after it replaced Rye Municipal Borough following the Local Government Act of 1974.
The shake up was revealed as part of the government’s plans for devolution in England. All five district and borough councils in East Sussex, including Rother, could be merged with East Sussex County Council to form a unitary authority. The government is asking local councils to put forward joint proposals.
Writing in this week’s Rye News, Rye mayor Andy Stuart says the plans ignore smaller local councils like Rye Town Council. “It saddens me that, when it comes to local government, like its predecessor, this government has demonstrated a woeful level of ignorance. Once again, a government has failed to acknowledge the existence of around 10,000 parish / town councils in England alone. These councils are the closest we have to local decision making.”
A mayor for Sussex – covering both east and west counties – could also be on the agenda, although it is not in one of the areas prioritised, unlike Kent. This new role would take on responsibility for the police, transport, and development as well as representing Sussex on the new Council of the Regions and Nations.
The new structure could look like this.
Following the July election the government asked councils to consider how they might be better organised. All five district authorities in East Sussex and the county council signed up to a joint bid.
The need for robust funding for whatever is agreed is a a priority says Keith Glazier, the leader of East Sussex County Council. “All the services local government provides require stability and secure funding, especially in this time of intense financial pressure. Our priority will be that any changes should benefit the people of East Sussex.”
All the seats on East Sussex County Council are up for election in May next year, however the proposals to reorganise local government could see the vote delayed or postponed.
In a letter to council leaders the local government minister Jim McMahon said the changes would be phased in. “I expect to deliver new unitary authorities in April 2027 and 2028. I am minded-to lay secondary legislation to postpone local council elections from May 2025 to May 2026.”
Despite attacking the proposals for ignoring smaller local councils. Rye mayor Andy Stuart says there may be some good news in Rye. “If regionalisation is foisted upon us, it may provide Rye Town Council with an opportunity to deliver services that were provided formerly by Rother and county, enhancing local control and accountability.”
You can read Andy Stuart’s take on the local government re-organisation plans in the Opinions section of Rye News.
Thanks to Russell Hall for the graphic.
Image Credits: Jim Linwood , Russell Hall .