Local government reorganisation
Major changes are planned to councils across West Sussex as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in more than 50 years. The government aims to replace the current county, district and borough councils with a new unitary council or councils responsible for all local services by April 2028.
Latest news
Update on reorganisation decision
West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision from the Government on local government reorganisation in our area by the end of March. The Government issued an update on 25 March 2026. They have not made a decision on which unitary solution to apply in Sussex and instead have confirmed they will be running a second consultation on plans covering the whole of Sussex.
The new consultation will see two variations on the proposals already submitted by Sussex local authorities. The first proposed modification is moving Chichester District Council into a unitary with Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council. Leaving a second unitary in West Sussex comprising Arun District Council, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council.
The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council.
The consultation will begin after the local elections in May, and a decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and new representations are considered. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains the same with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028.
The government statement is available here and the latest correspondence is available here.
We will share more details on the second consultation when that launches. This is a significant change that will affect how local services are run in the future – and how decisions are made about the things that matter most to you. That’s why it’s vital that residents, businesses and community groups continue to get involved throughout the process.
The background to local government reorganisation in West Sussex
On 16 December 2024 the Government issued an English Devolution White Paper. This paper asked for County Councils to join together and make proposals for Mayoral Combined Authorities The Government has agreed to progress proposals for a Combined Mayoral Authority covering the existing area of East and West Sussex and Brighton. It is likely the new Mayoral Authority would be created in March 2026 and mayoral elections would be held in May 2028.
The White Paper also asked two-tier authorities to reorganise into a single-tier of local government. In our area this means Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council would cease to exist and a new council – called a Unitary Authority - covering all their main services would take their place. The Government has said the new council must provide new services to around 500,000 residents. This means the new Unitary Authority would cover several current district council areas at least. Which areas these would be isn’t yet decided. It is likely this new Unitary Authority council would be elected in May 2027 and start on 1 April 2028.
On 21 March 2025, West Sussex councils submitted their draft interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution. Read the draft interim plan document here.
West Sussex Councils received a response letter on 7 May 2025, which you can read here.
The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, made a ministerial statement on 3 June 2025, you can read that in full here.
As part of collaborative work between all West Sussex Councils, residents, businesses, community groups, public sector partners and other stakeholders across the county were invited to share their views about options for local government reorganisation in West Sussex through a public survey which ran from 17 July to 13 August 2025. The survey asked respondents about where they live or work, the council services they use, as well as their thoughts about how their council could be structured in the future. We would like to extend our thanks to the thousands of residents, businesses, community groups and council staff who took part. Your feedback was vital in shaping the proposals and ensuring they reflect the priorities of our communities.
Horsham District Council along with the other six district and borough councils, stated its preference for a two unitary council model for West Sussex which would see the creation of a new Unitary Authority combining Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council and Mid Sussex District Council areas. Our shared business case and recommendations to government on the strongest option for West Sussex was submitted on 26 September 2026.
A written ministerial statement was made to Parliament on 19 November 2026, this confirmed that a first consultation on local government reorganisation in West Sussex had launched and would run until 11 January 2026. The Government consultation asked for views on proposals for the whole of Sussex including Brighton and Hove. and sought views from any persons or bodies interested in the proposals as well as statutory consultees.
We had expected to hear a decision for our area by the end of March 2026.
Timeline
December 2024 – Government White Paper on English Devolution issued
March 2025 – Draft interim plans for West Sussex submitted to government
17 July to 13 August - Shaping West Sussex engagement survey live
26 September 2025 – Detailed options for LGR submitted to government
19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026 - Government first consultation on LGR for Sussex and Brighton live
25 March 2026 – Government issue update on LGR for Sussex and Brighton
March 2026 - The new Strategic Authority for Sussex and Brighton would be created
May 2026 - Government second consultation on LGR for Sussex and Brighton expected
Summer 2026 - Government decision on LGR for Sussex and Brighton expected
May 2027 - Elections to new (shadow) unitary authority or authorities for West Sussex
1 April 2028 – Vesting day for the new unitary authority or authorities for West Sussex
May 2028 - Elections for new Mayor for the new Strategic Authority for Sussex and Brighton
Useful links
Shaping West Sussex information and survey hub for West Sussex
Devolution and local government reorganisation information and frequently asked questions from Local Government Association
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued a summary of the local government reorganisation process.
Devolution and local government reorganisation from West Sussex County Council
Devolution in Sussex from East Sussex County Council
Devolution in Sussex from Brighton & Hove City Council
English Devolution White Paper from gov.uk
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. Local Government Reorganisation is about how the powers and funding that sit with local government are organised between councils.
No. As far as we are concerned, it is business as usual, and we will continue to support our communities to the high standards that they expect. We will just need to carefully consider any long-term decisions that may impact on any future reorganisation.
All current authorities in Sussex will cease to exist on the transfer date and all staff will move across to the newly formed authority.
All services provided by county, unitary, district and borough councils will continue. There may also be some services that are currently delivered by county, unitary, district and borough councils that may transfer to the new strategic authority.
If Local Government Reorganisation takes place, then Horsham District Council will no longer be an entity once the new Unitary Authority is established. However, councillors will be able to put themselves forward as candidates for the new authority.
If the Government decides to go ahead with Local Government Reorganisation then a Structural Order will be laid in Parliament. This will set out in detail what will happen to all assets and liabilities, including reserves, for all of the councils merging to form the new unitary council. Where other local government reorganisations have taken place, assets, liabilities and reserves were not ringfenced.
Existing town and parish councils will remain. When a new large council (Unitary Authority) is set up in this way it is usual to transfer some services that are very local to the towns and parishes. These services and facilities may include parks, open spaces, war memorials, public toilets, playgrounds, community halls and community libraries.
The Leader and Chief Executive of Horsham District Council started engagement with the larger parishes in Horsham District from early 2025 to start the conversation about whether these facilities could be run locally by them.