Government have launched an additional phase of consultation on the options for local government reorganisation in Sussex. Local councils in West Sussex are helping ensure residents, business, community groups and partners are aware of the opportunity to have their say.
The government consultation closes at 23:59 on 15 June 2026 and is available via the Gov.uk website.
The second, technical consultation seeks feedback on two potential modifications to the proposals previously submitted by Sussex local authorities.
West Sussex councils recommended a single unitary authority or two unitary authorities for West Sussex – one comprising of Arun District, Adur District, Chichester District and Worthing Borough areas, and one comprising of Crawley Borough, Horsham District and Mid Sussex District areas.
In the Government’s modified proposal for West Sussex, Chichester District would be moved into a unitary authority alongside Crawley Borough, Horsham District and Mid Sussex District. The population would be around 566,000.
A second West Sussex unitary authority would comprise of Arun District, Adur District and Worthing Borough. The population would be around 349,000.
For East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, new proposals, under a separate consultation, would move the following wards from Lewes District (East Sussex) into a unitary authority with Brighton & Hove: East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven West, Peacehaven East, Peacehaven North and Falmer Parish (from Kingston ward). The population would be around 308,000.
An East Sussex unitary would then consist of Eastbourne Borough, Hastings Borough, Rother District, Wealden District and the remaining parts of Lewes District. The population would be around 537,000.
Commenting on the government’s revised modifications to the original options Horsham District Council Leader Cllr Martin Boffey said: “A second phase of government consultation on revised options was certainly not the outcome we had hoped for at this stage in any local government reorganisation.
"We are also disappointed that the government are proposing an alternative plan that the District, Borough and County Councils in West Sussex had already considered and dismissed as not being financially viable, and which would inhibit the very economic growth that the government claims is the key driver behind this current wave of devolution and local government reorganisation.
However, as a council we will continue to work constructively to ensure that the best interests of Horsham District residents, businesses and communities are well represented and fully protected in this next step of the overall process.”
A decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and the Government considers all representations including recommendations from councils and responses from both consultations. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains, with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028.
Government is calling for further evidence and views to ensure that any reorganisation proposals taken forward reflect the identities, geography, and needs of local communities. Interested parties are encouraged to read the consultation materials and submit their responses directly to the government before the deadline. For West Sussex residents unable to complete the consultation via the digital links, hard copies will be available from council offices and all West Sussex libraries from 19 May.
West Sussex councils are continuing to work together closely throughout this process, working in strong partnership for our communities.
Residents can find updates on the reorganisation process via the Shaping West Sussex website.