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Lewes District Council Leader Accused of Using "Inflammatory and Irresponsible Language" over Brighton and Hove Expansion Plans

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Residents in the Lewes District are being whipped up on social media by the MP for Lewes and the leader of Lewes District Council, using inflammatory and irresponsible language, according to Councillor Bridget Fishleigh. The expansion plans, which would see parts of Lewes District Council brought under the control of Brighton and Hove City Council, have been met with opposition from the leader of Lewes District Council, who has launched a petition accusing Brighton of planning to make Peacehaven into a "dumping ground". The Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a consultation asking for views on bringing in East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs, and Peacehaven, as well as other areas including Kingston and Newhaven.

Key Takeaways:

  • The leader of Lewes District Council has launched a petition accusing Brighton of planning to make Peacehaven into a "dumping ground" for thousands of homes to solve its housing crisis.
  • The petition, which has received over 4,300 signatures, uses "inflammatory and irresponsible language" and is not accurate or factual, according to Council leader Bella Sankey.
  • Brighton and Hove's consultation, which is taking place during the peak holiday season, has received 433 responses in six days, compared to the Lewes petition.
  • The leader of Lewes District Council has met with Newhaven Town Council to discuss concerns over the expansion plans, with concerns that communities in the area have been left behind by the two-tier system.
  • A Labour councillor, Theresa Fowler, has spoken with residents in Peacehaven and Telscombe who are worried about the changes, but mainly concerned about council tax and bin collection.
  • Council leader Bella Sankey has argued that the current system has led to a lack of leisure facilities and large supermarkets in the area.

The consultation on the expansion plans is open until Monday, August 25.

Statistics:

  • The Lewes District Council's petition has received over 4,300 signatures.
  • Brighton and Hove's consultation has received 433 responses in six days.
  • The average band D property in Lewes District pays £2,627.39 a year in council tax, compared to £2,338.06 in Brighton and Hove.
  • The bulk of Lewes District council tax payment goes to East Sussex County Council, with precepts to Lewes, East Sussex Fire Authority, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, town and parish councils.
  • Brighton and Hove receives the bulk of the council tax, with part of the bill heading to the fire authority and the police and crime commissioner.

Sources:

  • [1] Brighton and Hove City Council's consultation on the expansion plans, available on the council's website.
  • [2] The leader of Lewes District Council's petition, available on Change.org.
  • [3] Council leader Bella Sankey's statement to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as reported by local media.

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