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.

Instead, the government wrote to councils in Sussex to advise them that it had not made a decision on which unitary solution to apply, and would instead run a second consultation to seek feedback on two potential modifications on the proposals submitted by Sussex's local authorities.

Proposals developed by West Sussex's councils would have seen one unitary authority covering Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex, and one covering Chichester, Arun, Worthing and Adur.

In the government's revised West Sussex unitary arrangement option, Chichester would be moved into a unitary authority alongside Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. The population would be around 566,000.

The second West Sussex unitary authority would comprise Arun, Adur and Worthing. The population would be around 349,000.

As their official response to the consultation, which has now closed, the leaders of Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that a coastal unitary authority which covers Adur, Arun and Worthing could bring, but stressed that any new authority must be financially viable from day one.

Both leaders have, however, highlighted that if the government progresses with its modified proposal sufficient funding, transitional arrangements and long-term financial support will need to be made available to enable a coastal unitary authority to succeed and prevent a financial imbalance with the other West Sussex authority.

You can read the leaders' responses in more detail here:

A decision on LGR in Sussex is expected before the summer parliamentary recess, which begins on 16th July 2026.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has provided a summary of the local government reorganisation process. This gives more information about the formal change process and expected timelines.

We anticipate elections to the new shadow unitary authorities in 2027, preparing for their formal 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:

For more information on LGR:

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

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Press releases:

 

Shaping West Sussex - update on local government reorganisation - Adur & Worthing (The Downs and River Adur)

Council logos of West Sussex (Adur, Arun, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex, West Sussex County & Worthing) white

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Page last updated: 16 June 2026

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