Issue date: 21 January 2025
As Leaders across West Sussex, we reaffirm the strength of our joint working as we move towards the next stage of local government reorganisation. Over recent months, all councils in West Sussex have continued to collaborate closely, building on a solid foundation of shared ambition, evidence, and commitment to the people and communities we serve.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed their views to the government’s consultation on local government reorganisation in West Sussex which closed on 11 January 2026.
Ministers will now assess all business cases and responses to the consultation. They have confirmed that decisions will be made using the published criteria and informed by the consultation feedback. The government is expected to announce its decision for West Sussex by the end of March 2026. Elections for a new shadow authority or authorities are anticipated in May 2027, with the new arrangements formally taking effect when the new unitary councils assume governance from 1 April 2028.
There will be no immediate changes to how residents and businesses access services. The councils remain fully committed to delivering high‑quality, efficient local services across all our communities, with services continuing to operate as normal.
Our shared priority is clear: to ensure that any reorganisation delivers a structure that supports local identity, economic prosperity, and long-term resilience with simpler access to services, fair outcomes for all areas of the county, and strong value for taxpayers. The strong partnership between our councils provides a robust platform for preparing for a smooth transition and ensuring continuity of essential services.
We will continue to work together and keep you updated as this important process develops. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Jeremy Gardner, Leader of Adur District Council
Martin Lury, Leader of Arun District Council
Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council
Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
Martin Boffey, Leader of Horsham District Council
Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council
Sophie Cox, Leader of Worthing Borough Council
Future of local government in Sussex
