Government launches second consultations on local government reorganisation in Sussex
Government has 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 consultation opens on: 12 May
- The consultation closes 11:59pm on
15 June 2026 - Consultation link
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 and Hove, new proposals would move the following wards from Lewes District (East Sussex) into a unitary authority with Brighton and Hove: East Saltdean and 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.
Councillor Martin Lury, leader of Arun District Council said:
“I am exceedingly disappointed, indeed dismayed, that the strong and evidence-based business case submitted by West Sussex councils, in line with the government's criteria for local government reorganisation, has not been accepted despite favourable local consultation which took place during summer 2026.
"The reputedly modified proposals now being put forward raise a number of questions, particularly around long-term financial viability of a so-called 'coastal authority' with a likely high-level demand for adult social care and children's services. I look forward to seeing the financial modelling and assessment of likely demand from the government in order to be able to comment further on this apparent modification.”
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 at: www.shapingwestsussex.org.uk.