The government has confirmed that Peacehaven, East Saltdean, and Telscombe will leave Lewes District and become part of an expanded Brighton and Hove.
But what does that actually mean for residents, and how does the process work?
Here is a guide to what happens next and when.
What has been decided?
The government has agreed that Brighton and Hove's boundary will be redrawn to absorb Peacehaven, East Saltdean, and Telscombe.
These communities currently sit within Lewes District and are served by both Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.
From April 2028, they will instead fall under a new, enlarged Brighton and Hove authority.
This is part of a national programme of local government reorganisation, in which England's two-tier system of county and district councils is being replaced by single-tier "unitary" authorities that deliver all local services in one place.
Will anything change straight away?
No.
Residents in Peacehaven, East Saltdean, and Telscombe will continue to receive services exactly as they do today – from Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council – until at least April 2028.
Brighton and Hove City Council will also continue to serve its existing residents as normal in the meantime.
What is a shadow council?
In May 2027, elections will be held to a new "shadow council" for the enlarged Brighton and Hove area.
This temporary body will work alongside the existing councils during the transition period, but will not yet be responsible for day-to-day services.
The shadow council's job will include agreeing on the structure of the new authority, setting up its governance arrangements, approving its budget and constitution, and preparing for staff and services to transfer across smoothly and legally.
Currently serving councillors at Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council are expected to have their terms extended until 1 April 2028, and will be able to stand for election to the shadow council.
When does the new authority take over?
The formal transfer of power – known as "vesting day" – is set for 1 April 2028.
From that date, the new authority will take full responsibility for all services across the expanded area, and the existing arrangements will cease.
What is the full timetable?
Autumn 2026: A Structural Changes Order – the piece of legislation formally creating the new council – is expected to be laid before Parliament.
May 2027: Elections to the shadow council for Brighton and Hove on the new, expanded footprint.
1 April 2028 (Vesting Day): The new authority formally comes into effect.
It takes over from the shadow council and assumes full responsibility for services across Brighton and Hove, Peacehaven, East Saltdean, and Telscombe.
Who is responsible during the transition?
Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, and Lewes District Council will each remain responsible for services in their own areas throughout the transition period.
They will work together, alongside local town and parish councils, to ensure the handover is delivered safely and without disruption to residents.
Read more:
-
Brighton and Hove boundary will expand to include Peacehaven
-
Council leader expresses 'bitter' disappointment as Sussex boundaries shift
-
Men charged with crime group offences after police raids, including at estate agents
Will town and parish councils be abolished?
No.
Town and parish councils – including Peacehaven Town Council – are not affected by the reorganisation and will continue to operate as before.
What does this mean for the wider area?
The changes to Brighton and Hove's boundary are linked to a broader reorganisation of local government across East Sussex, where a separate process is underway to replace the county council and its five district and borough councils with one or more new unitary authorities.
The final shape of those arrangements has not yet been confirmed, but the overall aim across the region is for new councils to be operational by April 2028.
Share