Wealden District Council says no to One East Sussex council plan

Cabinet can also be involved the proposal begins with a £50 million monetary shortfall.

In addition, while supporting the precept of 5 smaller unitary councils throughout Sussex – as outlined in Brighton & Hove’s different proposal – Wealden’s Cabinet have stated there was inadequate time to correctly study the detailed boundary and monetary preparations.

“One East Sussex Would Be Too Big and Remote”

Councillor James Partridge, Leader of Wealden District Council, stated, “A single East Sussex unitary council covering approximately 550,000 residents would be far too large and unwieldy. It would lose touch with local communities and be unable to provide the responsive, high-quality services our residents deserve, and – as our consultation clearly showed – want us to prioritise. In particular, we run the risk of rural communities being under-served, and under-represented. We know that residents appreciate close connection with local councillors who understand their area.”

Five Smaller Councils: The Better Option

The council’s Cabinet strongly believes that 5 unitary councils of 300-400,000 residents every would higher serve Sussex residents as a result of they might:

• Stay nearer to native communities whereas attaining needed efficiencies
• Better perceive and reply to native wants
• Provide stronger democratic illustration
• Maintain civic pleasure and native id
• Be giant sufficient to ship high quality providers cost-effectively

Councillor Rachel Millward, the council’s deputy chief, stated, “We believe smaller councils work better for residents. A council serving 300,000 residents would be big enough to be efficient but small enough to stay connected to the communities they serve.”

Despite supporting the five-unitary precept, Wealden can’t endorse Brighton & Hove’s particular proposal as a result of there was inadequate time to correctly study the proposed boundaries, or the funds, and their implications for native communities.

Councillor Millward stated, “We’ve had days, not months, to assess proposals that will affect how our residents receive services for generations to come. That’s simply not enough time to make such important decisions responsibly.”

Councillor Partridge stated, “Whatever the outcome, we will continue delivering for Wealden communities as long as we can – investing in community infrastructure, nature restoration and affordable housing. We will continue to lobby government for deeper investment into our public services and do all we can to ensure any future authority is designed with our residents’ needs in mind.”

Notes to editors: 

The authorities needs to switch England’s advanced system of county and district councils with easier “unitary” councils that deal with all native providers. Sussex presently has two county councils – East and West Sussex – and 12 district and borough councils, and the unitary council of Brighton and Hove.

Other East Sussex councils are anticipated to submit a joint proposal for a single giant unitary council masking all the county. Brighton & Hove will submit a separate proposal for 5 unitaries throughout the entire of Sussex.

The Cabinet at Wealden has printed a full place assertion on their resolution which is able to quickly be obtainable on the council’s web site