Release date: Friday 30 October, 2026
The government is expected to decide on the future of councils in West Sussex between now and early 2027, with any new councils due to take over services in April 2029.
The proposals for reorganisation would replace the current county and district or borough council system with a single tier of unitary councils, each responsible for all council services in its area.
The updated timetable follows discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and an announcement in parliament.
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) would follow in May 2028, giving new authorities time to prepare before taking over services in April 2029.
The revised timetable gives councils more time to prepare, although the final arrangements remain uncertain.
Councils across West Sussex are already working together to understand the opportunities and risks and prepare for the next steps. They will continue this work while remaining focused on delivering the services residents rely on every day.
Once a decision is announced, all West Sussex councils will work with partners to implement the decision effectively and with minimal disruption to residents and staff.
Leader of West Sussex County Council Cllr Jay Mercer said:
“We continue to wait for a decision and so the uncertainty around the outcome for West Sussex remains.
"The delay, however, does give us more time to prepare ahead of vesting day and deliver our ambitions as a county council in the meantime, working with our colleagues in councils across West Sussex before the final decision.
“While it was disappointing not to have greater clarity, the county council will continue to make the best use of the time available to us to prepare, and ensure our focus remains on listening to and serving residents and working to improve the lives of people in our communities.”
Devolution and Mayor for Sussex & Brighton
As part of the timeline, and separate from local government reorganisation, the first election for a Mayor of Sussex and Brighton is still scheduled for May 2028.
This is part of devolution and the transferring of 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.
Residents can continue to access county council services as usual.
Future of local government in Sussex
Local Government Association on local government reorganisation
