Second consultation on local government reorganisation in Sussex closes
The second consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) for Sussex has now closed. Thank you to all who have added their views for consideration.
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 at: www.shapingwestsussex.org
All West Sussex councils remain firmly committed to delivering the best possible reorganisation outcomes for our residents and the services they rely on.
Cllr Martin Lury, Leader of Arun District Council said:
“As a council, we have reaffirmed in our official response our support for option B2 comprising Chichester, Arun, Adur and Worthing as a unitary (the one the public favoured during the previous consultation) and provided evidence as to why we believe this to be the best and most viable option.
“We are at a crucial stage in the future of local government for our area, and whilst we wait on the decision of how this will look for us, I want to reassure Arun residents that there will be no immediate changes to the services we provide. All eight West Sussex Councils will continue to operate and deliver services until the handover to the new authorities in 2028. Our priority continues to be, the people and communities we serve.”
We will continue to keep you informed as we go through this process of reorganisation via news release, social media and website updates.