Local government reorganisation

Local government reorganisation refers to the creation of unitary authorities in place of district, borough and county councils.

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 at least four or five current district council areas.  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.

Read the submission document sent to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution.

Timeline

March 2025 – Outline plans submitted to government

September 2025 – Detailed plans finalised with government

March 2026 - The new strategic authority would be created

May 2026 - Mayoral elections to be held

May 2027 - Elections to new (shadow) unitary authorities

1 April 2028 – Vesting day for the new unitary authority

How this affects parish councils in Horsham District

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.