West Sussex local government reorganisation decision delayed again

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 19:14 · Archive

The Government has again delayed its decision on how to reorganise West Sussex local government. Arun District Council leader Martin Lury said councils, elected members, staff and residents had invested significant time and energy into the process and were keen to know the future. He welcomed the clearer timetable provided, which estimates a decision will be made between now and early 2027.

Local government reorganisation is the Government's plan to simplify local government by ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils. In September 2025, West Sussex councils submitted competing proposals. The county council proposed one unitary authority covering the whole county, whilst the district and borough councils proposed two authorities. The Government put forward a third option, placing Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex in one authority, with Arun, Adur and Worthing in another.

Trade union Unison called for the reorganisation process to be stopped entirely. Dan Sartin, branch secretary of Unison West Sussex, said the Government should concentrate on restoring funding to councils instead. He argued that without restoring funding first, following what he described as savage austerity cuts since 2010, reorganisation would be hugely destabilising to public services and staff, creating unnecessary distraction and anxiety.

How it is being reported

• Union calls for West Sussex local government reorganisation to be stoppedThe Government needs to stop the local government reorganisation (LGR) process and concentrate on giving West Sussex councils the funding they need.The Argus · 2 Nov, 16:34
• West Sussex council reorganisation should be stopped, says UNISONThe Government needs to stop the local government reorganisation (LGR) process and concentrate on giving West Sussex councils the funding they need.Sussex Express · 2 Nov, 12:35
• Council leader frustrated as West Sussex reorganisation decision delayed againThe leader of Arun District Council has shared his frustration at the Government’s latest delay in deciding how West Sussex will be divided under local government reorganisation (LGR).The Argus · 1 Nov, 14:02

In this story: Arun District Council · Martin Lury · West Sussex · Unison · Dan Sartin

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