Government delays West Sussex council reorganisation decision again

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 17:14 · Archive

The Government has postponed deciding how to reorganise West Sussex local councils, with implementation now pushed to 2029.

The Government has postponed its decision on how West Sussex should be divided under local government reorganisation, with the implementation date pushed back to 2029. This is the second delay in the process, which aims to simplify local government by ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils.

Three different proposals are on the table. The county council proposed one unitary authority covering the whole of West Sussex. The district and borough councils proposed two authorities: one covering Adur, Arun, Chichester and Worthing, and another covering Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. The Government put forward a third option, placing Chichester with Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex in one authority, with Arun, Adur and Worthing in another.

The delay has been described as 'frustrating' by the leader of Chichester District Council. Despite the postponement, the district and borough councils have said their priority remains to work collaboratively with the Government and each other to secure the best outcomes for their residents and communities.

The reorganisation process forms part of wider plans to simplify local government structures across England. Brighton and East Sussex were approved for a two unitary authority arrangement on 29 October, but West Sussex is now one of only two areas where no decision has been made.

The councils' work on the reorganisation has involved costs. The Government has confirmed that West Sussex will receive £500,000 in the coming weeks to support ongoing efforts.

Government delays West Sussex council reorganisation decision again — Image: Chichester Observer

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How it is being reported

Adur & Worthing undeterred by latest local government reorganisation delayAdur and Worthing councils appear undeterred by the Government’s latest delay in deciding how West Sussex should be divided under local government reorganisation (LGR).Chichester Observer · 29 Oct, 16:59
Local government reorganisation delay 'frustrating' says Chichester District Council leaderThe latest delay in deciding how West Sussex will be divided under local government reorganisation has been described as ‘frustrating’ by the leader of Chichester District Council.Chichester Observer · 29 Oct, 16:31
Government delays decision on local government reorganisation in West SussexSee the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-worldChichester Observer · 29 Oct, 15:57
West Sussex left waiting again as Government delays council reorganisation decisionThe Government has failed again to make a decision on how West Sussex should be divided under local government reorganisation.Sussex Express · 29 Oct, 14:26
Will Chichester go into new council with Worthing and Arun or Crawley and Mid Sussex?The Government has failed again to make a decision on how West Sussex should be divided under local government reorganisation.The Argus · 29 Oct, 14:23

In this story: West Sussex · Chichester · Worthing · Arun · Crawley · Mid Sussex · Brighton and East Sussex · Angela Rayner

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