West Sussex Councils issue update on reorganisation decision
Joint Statement following the government update 25 March.
West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision from the Government on local government reorganisation in our area by the end of March. The Government has today issued an update. They have not made a decision on which unitary solution to apply in Sussex and instead have confirmed they will be running a second consultation on plans covering the whole of Sussex.
The new consultation will see two variations on the proposals already submitted by Sussex local authorities. The first proposed modification is moving Chichester District Council into a unitary with Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council. Leaving a second unitary in West Sussex comprising Arun District Council, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council.
The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council.
The consultation will begin after the local elections in May, and a decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and new representations are considered. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains the same with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028.
The delay is disappointing, as the ongoing uncertainty reduces the time available for planning and preparation on the final decision and heightens the risks to delivering a smooth transition for our residents.
Councillor Martin Lury, Leader of Arun District Council, said: “I have to admit to being frustrated at a clearly avoidable delay in decision making by this government, and remain puzzled as to the need for further modifications to proposals. The two proposals submitted by West Sussex Councils were both fully costed, were in accordance with government criteria and our two unitary proposal had universal leader support and favourable public comments. It does seem somewhat perverse that modifications not proposed by West Sussex leaders are now to be consulted on.”
All councils in West Sussex remain committed to working together in the best interests of our communities, and we will continue to collaborate closely as we await further clarity from Government. We will be sharing the consultation information and further details as they become available.
The government statement is available at: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament and the latest correspondence is available here: Local government reorganisation: update letter to Sussex council leaders