Arun District Council shares government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation
The government has launched a public consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) across Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, and Arun District Council is encouraging everyone to take part.
The consultation is now live and runs until 11.59pm on 11 January, it seeks views on proposals to change how councils are structured across Sussex. This is a significant opportunity for residents, businesses, stakeholders, partners and community organisations to influence the future of local services.
The government is reviewing the current two-tier system of county, district, and borough councils with a view to creating new single-tier unitary authorities. These changes aim to deliver more efficient services, support strong local economies, and reflect community identity.
There are different proposals up for consultation and it is important that those completing the questions consider all the options and provide their views on them.
West Sussex options: one single unitary authority for the whole of West Sussex, or two unitary authorities - Chichester, Arun, Worthing, Adur / Horsham, Mid Sussex, Crawley. This two-unitary option was supported by all district and borough councils in West Sussex. Arun District Council still believes this is the model that best meets the criteria and delivers for the people of Arun.
East Sussex option: one single unitary authority for East Sussex
Brighton and Hove proposal: five new unitary councils across Sussex, including boundary changes:
- unitary A: Brighton and Hove plus parts of Lewes
- unitary B: Eastbourne, Hastings, Rother plus parts of Lewes and Wealden
- unitary C: Mid Sussex plus parts of Wealden and Lewes
- unitary D: Chichester, Horsham, Crawley
- unitary E: Arun, Adur, Worthing
These proposals will shape how services such as housing, planning, and social care are delivered in the future.
Cllr Martin Lury, Leader of Arun District Council said:
"Firstly thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement exercise undertaken by the West Sussex authorities in the summer. This Government consultation is a vital step in shaping the future of local government in Sussex and we therefore want to ensure that any changes reflect the needs and identity of our communities. All West Sussex councils have worked collaboratively and tirelessly to develop proposals that meet the government's criteria and deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and are committed to working together to deliver whatever proposal the Minister decides will be taken forward.
“Your views will help inform these decisions, so please take the time to respond. It is important to complete the questions, not only on the West Sussex options, but also for the Brighton and Hove suggested options, as these would impact on Arun Residents.
“We remain committed to the two-unitary council model for West Sussex and specifically -Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and Adur and Worthing Councils coming together, with Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex making up the other unitary.
“Based on the business case and to reflect the views of the thousands of members of the public completing the engagement survey in the summer, we feel this is the option that offers the best local connection, best local democracy and the best environmental and economic sustainability.
“Having looked at all the proposals, we are concerned that the Brighton & Hove City Council's proposal for five unitary authorities across Sussex would not be advantageous for Arun, or wider West Sussex as not all of the five proposed news unitaries would have a balanced budget from the start.”
To complete the consultation, visit the official government consultation page at West Sussex: Local government reorganisation - GOV.UK to share your views.
Paper copies will be available at council receptions and West Sussex libraries in the coming days. Responses can also be submitted by email to lgreorganisation@communities.gov.uk or by post to: LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
Your voice matters as the government will consider all responses before making a decision, subject to Parliamentary approval. This is your chance to help shape the future of local government in Sussex.
For more information, visit:
www.shapingwestsussex.org
Arun District Council
Gov.uk summary of the process: Summary of the local government reorganisation process - GOV.UK
Local Government Association