Local government reorganisation

Banner with all West Sussex Council logos and the words Shaping West Sussex - The future of local government in West Sussex. The backdrop images is a view over the Downs

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

Your feedback

Residents, businesses and community groups 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 at: www.shapingwestsussex.org.

The results are currently being analysed to inform the shared business case for West Sussex councils.

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. Paper copies and large print versions of the survey were available at all West Sussex Libraries, District, Borough and County Council receptions and additional support was provided through customer service teams.

Further opportunities to get involved  

Once the business case has been submitted on 26 September 2025, the Government will begin a formal consultation process. A Government decision on local government reorganisation in West Sussex is expected in spring 2026.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued a summary of the local government reorganisation process. This gives more information about the formal consultation process and expected timelines.

Further engagement will follow in line with the chosen model and implementation schedule. 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 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.

Read the draft interim plan document sent to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution.

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

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

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

Shaping West Sussex information and survey hub for West Sussex

Devolution and local government reorganisation information and frequently asked questions from Local Government Association

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government 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

Adur & Worthing councils

Arun District Council

Chichester District Council

Crawley Borough Council

Mid Sussex District Council