Government Launches Second Consultation on Sussex Local Government Reorganisation

Government Launches Second Consultation on Sussex Local Government Reorganisation

Residents, businesses, community groups and local organisations across Sussex are being encouraged to take part in a second phase of government consultation on proposals for local government reorganisation.

The consultation, launched by the UK Government, seeks views on revised proposals for the future structure of councils in both West Sussex and East Sussex. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 15 June 2026.

The Government is consulting on two possible modifications to the proposals originally submitted by Sussex local authorities.

Proposed Changes for West Sussex

West Sussex councils had previously recommended either:

• A single unitary authority covering the whole of West Sussex, or
• Two unitary authorities:
  • One covering Arun, Adur, Chichester and Worthing
  • One covering Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex

However, the Government’s revised proposal would instead place Chichester District within a new unitary authority alongside Crawley Borough, Horsham District and Mid Sussex District. This authority would have a population of around 566,000.

A second West Sussex unitary authority would then consist of Arun District, Adur District and Worthing Borough, with a population of approximately 349,000.

Proposed Changes for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove

Separate proposals for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove would move the following areas from Lewes District into a unitary authority with Brighton & Hove:

• East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs
• Peacehaven West
• Peacehaven East
• Peacehaven North
• Falmer Parish (from Kingston ward)

This new authority would have a population of around 308,000.

The remaining East Sussex unitary authority would include Eastbourne, Hastings, Rother, Wealden and the rest of Lewes District, with a population of approximately 537,000.

Council Response

Commenting on the revised proposals, Horsham District Council Leader Councillor Martin Boffey said:

“A second phase of government consultation on revised options was certainly not the outcome we had hoped for at this stage in any local government reorganisation.

“We are also disappointed that the government are proposing an alternative plan that the District, Borough and County Councils in West Sussex had already considered and dismissed as not being financially viable, and which would inhibit the very economic growth that the government claims is the key driver behind this current wave of devolution and local government reorganisation.

“However, as a council we will continue to work constructively to ensure that the best interests of Horsham District residents, businesses and communities are well represented and fully protected in this next step of the overall process.”

What Happens Next?

The Government is expected to make a final decision during summer 2026 after reviewing consultation responses and recommendations from councils.

Current timescales indicate that elections to new shadow unitary authorities could take place in 2027, with the new councils formally launching in 2028.

Residents are encouraged to review the consultation documents and submit their views before the deadline.

For West Sussex residents unable to complete the consultation online, hard copies will be available from council offices and all West Sussex libraries from 19 May 2026.

Have Your Say

The consultation can be viewed online at:

Government Consultation on West Sussex Reorganisation

Further updates on the reorganisation process are available at:

Shaping West Sussex

For media queries, please email press@horsham.gov.uk

HORSHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE