A cross-party motion supported by all opposition groups (LibDem, Green, Conservative and Independent) at East Sussex County Council (ESCC) will be brought forward at the Full Council meeting in July.
The motion calls for all councillors to be involved in shaping a more democratic and better-coordinated approach to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
At present, decisions that ESCC makes about LGR (as the lead authority on reorganisation in East Sussex) need only be agreed by Cabinet.
This motion ensures that the whole council is fully engaged in shaping the next steps, with a central role for both Scrutiny committees and Full Council in overseeing decisions of this scale and significance.
Brought in by the government, LGR – which will see all current county, district and borough councils across East Sussex disbanded and replaced by a new Unitary Council - This has already been a significant piece of work for ESCC, which is currently relying on Exceptional Financial Support from central government. Whilst councillors recognise that Local Government Reorganisation may bring efficiencies in the long-term, they stress that this opportunity must be shaped through full democratic engagement, ensuring that all voices across the county are properly represented through a decision made at Full Council level.
Paul Redstone, leader of the Conservative group said ‘The proposal for One East Sussex was agreed by a cross-party group of all but one of the District and Borough councils and the County Council, in response to the government requirement that all councils move to a unitary model. It is clearly the best way to simplify services for residents and save costs.
There is valid concern about the timescales and costs of moving to a unitary model, but the government have imposed this change. Simply pretending it isn't happening, instead of finding solutions, won't help residents. Our responsibility is to get on with the job, make the best of the situation, and ensure taxpayers get the best possible outcome.”
