Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove and West Sussex

Closes 11 Jan 2026

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Consultation on the Proposal from West Sussex County Council

Consultation for one unitary council:

  • A single unitary council:  Adur, Arun, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, Mid-Sussex and Worthing.

Please note that this is referred to as Option A in their business case.

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal suggests a council that is based on a sensible geography and economic area?
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed council will be able to deliver the outcomes described in the proposal?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed council is the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks?
4. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this proposal will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing, particularly given that some councils in the area are in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support?

More information

As of 19 November 2025, within the West Sussex area, Worthing Borough Council has received in-principle Exceptional Financial Support to support their 2025/26 budget. They will not necessarily be in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support in future financial years or on/after vesting day for any new unitary authority. 

5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed council will deliver high quality, sustainable public services?
6. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal has been informed by local views and will meet local needs?
7. To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing the council in this proposal will support devolution arrangements, for example, the establishment of a strategic authority?
8. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
9. If you would like to, please use the free text box to explain the answers you have provided to questions 1-8 referring to the question numbers as part of your answer. You may also use the box to provide any other comments you have on this proposal.
10. I confirm that I have not provided any information that identifies an individual in the free text box.