The government has opened a formal consultation on proposals to reorganise local government across Sussex and introduce a directly elected mayor for the region. The public now has seven weeks – until the 11th of January – to share their views, following months of discussion in which council leaders were unable to reach agreement on a unified plan for how the area should be governed in the future.
At the heart of the consultation are several different models for restructuring councils, each of which would significantly change how services are delivered and how local decisions are made. One option put forward is to bring all of West Sussex under a single unitary authority. This would mean the current district and borough councils, along with West Sussex County Council, would be merged into one organisation responsible for everything from housing and planning to adult social care, education, and highways. Supporters argue that this approach could save money, reduce duplication, and streamline local services. However, critics say it risks creating an authority that is too large and remote from the communities it serves.
A second proposal suggests splitting West Sussex into two separate unitary authorities. Although no final boundaries have yet been agreed, this plan is intended to balance efficiency with local representation, potentially allowing services to be run at a more manageable scale while still reducing the overall number of councils.
East Sussex County Council has made clear that it wishes to remain as it is, arguing that its existing structure already works well and that further change could disrupt services. Council leaders there say stability is essential and believe residents would be best served by keeping the current arrangements intact.
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove City Council wants to see Sussex divided into five entirely new authorities, with significant boundary changes. Under its proposal, the city’s borders would expand to include neighbouring Peacehaven and Falmer. Brighton and Hove’s leaders argue that this reflects the way people already live, work, and travel across the area and would allow for more coherent planning and service delivery.
Residents across Sussex are now being encouraged to review the proposals and submit their opinions before the January deadline.
Get involved:
The decision rests entirely with national government and will be subject to Parliamentary approval.
The government consultation is available online and hard copies can be requested from West Sussex libraries.
Future of local government in Sussex (information on local government reorganisation and devolution).
Shaping West Sussex (includes links to the West Sussex shared business case).
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