Government launches formal consultation on Local Government Reorganisation - have your say
Local residents, businesses and community groups are invited to have their say until 11 January 2026 23:59pm.
The statutory consultation is published and available to complete at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/west-sussex-local-government-reorganisation
Paper copies will also be available in council receptions and in West Sussex libraries.
In February 2025, the county, district and borough councils in West Sussex received an invitation from the Government to submit proposals to review and change how councils are structured across the country. Their aim is to replace the current two-tier arrangements, which have services delivered by both county and district and borough councils with a new single-tier unitary model, with one council responsible for local services in an area.
Our shared business case and option recommendations were submitted on 26 September 2025.
The Government consultation asks for views on proposals for the whole of Sussex including Brighton and Hove. This approach reflects the breadth of the proposals and the requirement that new unitary councils support wider devolution structures. Consultation questions are set out for each individual proposal, and respondents can choose which proposals they wish to comment on.
The consultation seeks views from any persons or bodies interested in the proposals as well as statutory consultees which are listed on the GOV.UK site.
Leader of Horsham District Council Cllr Martin Boffey commented:
“I would like to thank the thousands of residents, businesses and community groups who took part in the recent Shaping West Sussex engagement survey.
“Your feedback was vital in developing the shared business case and recommendations for our area.
“We have firmly stated our preference for a two unitary council model for West Sussex and specifically the ‘B2 Option’ which would see a Unitary Authority combining the services of Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council and Mid-Sussex District Council.
“We feel this model will be the most beneficial for our residents and best reflects the views they expressed in our engagement survey, giving them a localised single point of contact for services which are important to them.
“It would offer a closer connection between you and the councillors you have elected, ensuring decisions are made closer to the local communities they affect. It would also be more financially and environmentally sustainable.
“I now encourage you all to respond to this formal Government consultation to ensure decision makers have a full picture of the preferences expressed by our local communities.“
The decision on any Local Government Reorganisation rests with the Government which has decided to consult at this time on the whole of Sussex and Brighton together.
For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk
Useful links for more information:
• Consultation link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/west-sussex-local-government-reorganisation
• www.shapingwestsussex.org
• www.horsham.gov.uk/devolution-and-lgr
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