Brighton & Hove boundary to expand
New authority to be established for Brighton & Hove, East Saltdean, Telscombe, and Peacehaven
Last updated 16th Jul 2026
The government has confirmed the expansion of Brighton & Hove's boundary, uniting East Saltdean, Telscombe, and Peacehaven with Brighton & Hove under a new local authority area.
Brighton & Hove City Council announced today that it will work closely with Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, town and parish councils, and residents to ensure a smooth transition.
The new authority will officially assume responsibility for services on 1st April 2028.
According to the announcement, a shadow council will be elected in May 2027 to oversee the establishment of the new authority.
Residents will continue to receive services until April 2028 from Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, and Lewes District Council while the transition is underway.
A new chapter for local communities
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “This is an important decision for residents that reflects the natural and practical connections between the special and unique communities in East Saltdean, Telscombe, Peacehaven and Brighton & Hove."
“We recognise that there have been strongly held views on Local Government Reorganisation, and some residents will remain sceptical.”
“As we embark on the next stage of this process, I hope that we can start from a point of shared history, deep connections, and genuine partnership."
“Day-to-day we all already travel along the same roads, our children go to the same schools and colleges, we work in the same places and we use the same local business."
“This announcement from government means we can build on the best services currently provided across all authorities and work to deliver better outcomes for all our residents."
Councillor Jacob Allen, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Public Realm & Local Government Reorganisation at Brighton & Hove City Council, voiced optimism: “Today's announcement gives us clarity for planning and delivering changes that will benefit residents from all areas of the new footprint."
“Our focus now is making sure that the 700 services we provide for residents, businesses and visitors are efficient and respond to local needs."
“I want to reaffirm to residents, businesses, community groups and public sector partners across Brighton & Hove, East Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven that this is the start of creating a local authority that works for our communities, but not the end."
"We will continue to engage with residents, their representatives and their town and parish councils as we move forward in this process.”
Broader context of local government reorganisation
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, provided a statement regarding the ongoing delays in Local Government Reorganisation in West Sussex: “Earlier today the Government announced that it has not yet arrived at a decision on Local Government Reorganisation in West Sussex. This is the second such delay we have seen."
“In the meantime we will continue to work with West Sussex councils to seek to mitigate the impact of this further delay.”
The Secretary of State said: “In both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and West Sussex, I am not announcing decisions, and I believe that further time is required as it is vital that we get these decisions right.
“I remain committed to meeting the existing deadline, aiming for elections to new unitaries in 2027, with new councils going live in 2028.”