Devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)

About devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)

In December 2024, the government published the English Devolution White Paper. This sets out plans to move power out of Westminster and back to local communities, allowing for tailored solutions that address specific regional needs, such as on transport, housing, education and economic development.

The government has now agreed to move forward with a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) and confirmed the first mayoral election will take place in May 2028.

As part of the devolution programme, local government will be reorganised by replacing two-tier systems (county and district councils) with single-tier unitary authorities.

For answers to some frequently asked questions on devolution and LGR please visit our hub:

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What are the next steps?

West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision from the government on local government reorganisation in our area by the end of March.

The government have not 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.

The 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. 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.

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

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Thriving Together

In May 2025 we launched a new online platform to give you a voice in the government's planned changes for Sussex.

We asked you to take part in our online survey by sharing your hopes and ideas for the future of Adur and Worthing and voting for other peoples ideas as part of our 'Thriving Together - Devolution' project.

The process produced a People's Vision with seven aims and 21 actions covering priorities that include keeping decisions local, investing in community and culture, creating better places, and focusing on young people.

Thriving Together has already helped shape big changes - from the LGR submission in September 2025 to the creation of our new corporate strategy, called Fair, Green & Local.

Read a full report on the Thriving Together programme here:

To find out more and sign up for upcoming Thriving Together events, visit:

For more information on LGR:

You can find the latest news and updates on our hub:

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Press releases:

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Page last updated: 26 March 2026

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