Consultation Launches on Future of Local Government in Sussex

The Government has launched its statutory consultation into the future of local government across Sussex.

This consultation is part of the Government's reorganisation of local authorities and will run for seven weeks, ending on Sunday 11 January, 2026.

It follows the engagement during the summer, when the business cases for different unitary options were being developed locally. This Government-run consultation aims to gather evidence from stakeholders on the options developed by local councils.

Four proposals are included in this consultation:

• A proposal from all the councils in West Sussex which has two options:
  • Two unitary councils based on Mid Sussex, Horsham & Crawley and another covering Chichester, Arun, Worthing & Adur or:
  • One unitary council covering all of West Sussex
• A proposal from East Sussex councils for one unitary council covering East Sussex
• A proposal from Brighton & Hove City Council for five unitary councils covering East & West Sussex and the City.

In West Sussex, all the councils worked closely together to develop two viable and implementable options for the county. Whichever is selected, all councils are committed to working closely together.

Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, comments: “We would like to extend our thanks to the thousands of residents, businesses, community groups and council staff who took part in the Shaping West Sussex engagement survey over the summer.

“Your feedback was vital in developing the shared business case for our area. We encourage you to participate in this government consultation which seeks views from statutory consultees as well as staff and the public.

“We are proud of the business case that was submitted by the West Sussex partnership. Together, we have worked in a democratic and collegiate way. We have shown what close, partnership working can achieve and together we remain committed to ensuring that, when this reorganisation happens, it is as smooth and seamless for our communities as possible.

“The final decision on Local Government Reorganisation rests with the Government.”

Read the business cases for West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove and share your comments and views at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-east-sussex-and-brighton-and-hove-and-west-sussex