Local government reorganisation
Local government reorganisation refers to the creation of unitary authorities in place of district, borough and county councils.
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 to make proposals to be a Mayoral Combined Authority. West Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council have told the Government they think the Combined Authority should cover the whole existing area of Sussex. The Government has agreed to progress this proposal onto a fast-track programme, (known as the Devolution Priority Programme). It is likely the new strategic authority would be created in March 2026 and mayoral elections would be held in May 2026.
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 a minimum of 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.
Latest news
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, Jim McMahon. This submission outlines progress and seeks guidance on several critical issues to ensure a successful final submission in September 2025.
West Sussex Councils received a response letter on 7 May 2025, which you can read here.
Jim McMahon, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, made a ministerial statement on 3 June, you can read that in full here
Have your say
Joint public engagement work including surveys for residents and businesses to inform the next submission will launch in July.
More details, including links to surveys will be posted here, shared on our social media pages and appear in our news section.
There will be further opportunities to get involved throughout the process. The Government will carefully consider all proposals before deciding how to proceed. For a proposal to be implemented, government must undertake a consultation.
Timeline
December 2024 – Government White Paper on English Devolution issued
March 2025 – Draft interim plans for West Sussex submitted to government
September 2025 – Detailed options for LGR to be submitted to government
Spring 2026 – Government to respond on LGR business case
March 2026 - The new combined ‘Mayoral Strategic Authority’ for East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove would be created
May 2026 - Mayoral elections to be held for the Mayoral Strategic Authority
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
Useful links
Devolution and local government reorganisation information and frequently asked questions from Local Government Association
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 visiting the larger parishes in Horsham District throughout February and March this year to start the conversation about whether these facilities could be run locally by them.