# East Sussex County Council: Local Government Authority Overview **East Sussex County Council is the local government authority serving the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, headquartered in Lewes and established in 1889.**[1] With a population of approximately 550,000 residents, the council operates as a major public sector organization responsible for delivering essential services across the region. ## Core Responsibilities and Services The council manages a comprehensive range of local services critical to community welfare, including **planning, schools, social services, roads, and refuse collection.**[1] As of March 2025, the organization employs 9,923 staff members working 7,246 full-time equivalents, comprising both corporate workforce (5,025 staff) and school workforce (4,898 staff).[3] This substantial workforce reflects the council's significant operational scope across East Sussex. ## Organizational Structure and Leadership **Becky Shaw serves as Chief Executive**, leading the corporate management team and directing departmental operations.[3] The council operates through structured divisions including Business Services, Governance Services, and various operational departments, each headed by senior management responsible for policy planning and service delivery. ## Current Developments and Future Changes The council is undergoing significant organizational transformation. Government proposals suggest consolidating East Sussex's current two-tier council system—where residents receive services from both district/borough councils and the county council—into a **single unified council structure.**[2] Additionally, from May 2026, a new **Sussex Strategic Authority will be established**, bringing together councils from East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove under an elected mayor.[2] This authority will handle strategic planning affecting the broader Sussex region while local councils continue delivering day-to-day services. The council also operates the East Sussex Growth Hub, providing free business support services to entrepreneurs and established businesses.[7] These initiatives demonstrate the