Dear Stakeholder

We are writing to share the latest position regarding local government reorganisation in Sussex and Brighton following the update from government of 25 March.

West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision on reorganisation in our area by the end of March. The government has not yet made a decision on which unitary solution to apply in Sussex and instead have confirmed they will be running a second consultation on plans covering the whole of Sussex.

The new consultation will see two variations on the proposals already submitted by Sussex local authorities. The first proposed modification is moving Chichester District Council into a unitary with Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council. Leaving a second unitary in West Sussex comprising Arun District Council, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council.

The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council.

This new consultation will begin after the local elections in May, and a decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes, and new representations are considered.

Your input into this consultation will help ensure that the implications for the communities you serve are fully considered by government. We will share more information on the consultation and further details as they become available.

The overall timescale for reorganisation remains the same with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028.

The latest government statement is available at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-

statements/detail/2026-03-25/hcws1455 and the latest correspondence is available here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c3d6e4cdfd19de13d0f59e/SoS_-_Letter_to_

Sussex_Leaders_25.03.26.pdf

All councils in West Sussex remain committed to working together in the best interests of our communities, and we will continue to collaborate closely as we await further clarity from Government.

We remain committed to keeping you informed as we move through these changes. You can find the latest news and updates on our hub at: www.shapingwestsussex.org.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Dawn Hudd, Chief Executive Officer, Arun District Council.

On behalf of all West Sussex Councils