The second government consultations on local government reorganisation (LGR) for Sussex have now closed. Thank you for all those that have added their views for consideration.
All West Sussex councils continue to work in close partnership as we navigate this important process.
Government will now consider all representations received for the area in full. Ministers will then decide which, if any, models for reorganisation will be taken forward for Sussex. Government has said that all responses and representations received for all consultations will be considered and no final decisions have yet been made, all reorganisation options consulted on for the area remain open for consideration.
Our understanding is that we can expect a decision for our area this before the summer parliamentary recess which begins on 16 July.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government have provided a summary of the local government reorganisation process. This gives more information about the formal change process and expected timelines.
We anticipate elections to the new shadow unitary authorities in 2027, preparing for their formal launch in 2028.
You can find more information including details of all the cases being considered for our area on the Shaping West Sussex website.
All West Sussex councils remain firmly committed to delivering the best possible reorganisation outcomes for our residents and the services they rely on.
We continue to reassure residents that there will be no immediate changes. All eight West Sussex Councils will continue to operate and deliver services until the handover to these new authorities in 2028. Our priority is, and will continue to be, the people and communities we serve.
We will continue to keep you informed as we go through this process of reorganisation.
Leader of Horsham District Council Cllr Martin Boffey commented: “We have engaged constructively throughout this process, always focusing on the best interests of our residents and communities. We have been clear about our concerns, particularly around balancing the financial impacts of the proposals.
We remain disappointed that the government are proposing an alternative plan that District, Borough and County Councils had already considered and rejected based on its financial weakness and the negative impact it would have on economic development.
“It is frustrating that the Government has refused to share the evidence and rationale behind its alternative proposal. If the Government had concerns around the proposals jointly developed by all local authorities in West Sussex, it would have been far better if it had opted to co-design a solution collaboratively with the local authorities who know their areas best. Instead, they plan to impose an ill-conceived model developed in Whitehall. Surely the path they have followed is the very antithesis of devolution.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to work in good faith to ensure any reorganisation protects services and delivers the best possible outcomes for Horsham District, while we await the much-needed clarity and direction from government to enable effective planning.”