Reaction to delay into local government reorganisation in West Sussex

The leader of Arun District Council has shared his frustration at the Government’s latest delay in deciding how West Sussex will be divided under local government reorganisation (LGR).

But Martin Lury welcomed the ‘clearer timetable’ provided today (October 29) which estimated a decision will be made between now and early 2027.

He said: “I have to say there is a level of frustration that, after many months of work, consultation and uncertainty, we are still without a decision on the future structure of local government in West Sussex.

“Councils, elected members, staff and residents have invested significant time and energy into this process and are understandably keen to know what the future holds, both for West Sussex as a whole and for Arun specifically.

“While it’s disappointing that a decision has once again been deferred, we now at least have a clearer timetable and a fixed date to work towards.

“Our priority remains ensuring that any future arrangements deliver the best possible outcomes for residents, protect vital local services and provide strong, effective and accountable local government for the communities we serve.”

LGR is the Government’s plan to simplify local government by ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils. But, for West Sussex at least, the journey towards achieving that aim has been uphill all the way.

In September 2025, the county, district and borough councils submitted their preferences for the change.

The county council proposed one unitary authority to cover the whole of the county, while the district and borough councils proposed two – with Adur, Arun, Chichester and Worthing in one, and Crawley, Horsham, and Mid Sussex in the other.

But the Government put forward a third option – not popular with any of the councils – placing Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex in one authority, with Arun, Adur and Worthing in another.

A council spokesman said: “Although no final decision has been made on the future council structure for West Sussex, a decision is expected to be based on the proposals that residents and local authorities have already been consulted on.”

District and borough council elections will take place in May 2027 using existing boundaries. Elections to any new councils (Shadow Authority elections) will follow in May 2028, giving new authorities time to prepare before taking over services in April 2029.

The spokesman added: “Residents can continue to access council services as usual. In the meantime, the council will continue its preparations for local government reorganisation while remaining focused on delivering the services residents rely on every day.

“Once a decision is announced, it will work with its partners to implement it effectively and with minimal disruption to residents and staff.”

As part of the timeline and separate from LGR, the first election for a Mayor of Sussex and Brighton is still scheduled for May 2028. This is part of devolution – transferring powers and funding from government to the area – rather than the changes to local councils.

The Mayor will focus on strategic priorities such as transport, education, economy and emergency services, not day-to-day council services.

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