West Sussex County Council requested that Ministers consider the deferral of county council elections in 2026 as part of its submission to the Government on its proposals for the creation of unitary government in the county.
There were several reasons presented to Government in support of this request including the cost of holding elections now planned in 2026, 2027 (unitary elections) and 2028 Mayoral elections which would present council taxpayers with a £9m bill, across the whole of Sussex.
Taking these factors into account, the council believes it would be more prudent for one set of elections to be held in 2027 which would mean postponing the county council elections currently scheduled for 2026 and bringing forward the Mayoral election planned for 2028.
This is a request made by West Sussex County Council but it is for ministers to make the final decision.
The Government has requested representations from councils wishing to defer elections by 15 January 2026 with a decision made afterwards.
See also: Future of local government in Sussex
