Business case in response to the government's invitation on local government reorganisation completed

Released: Friday, 12 September 2025

Councillors from Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council will meet later this month to consider recommendations for reshaping local government in West Sussex.

A business case for local government reorganisation (LGR) has now been completed, developed by all West Sussex authorities working together, and will be presented at council meetings across the county, districts and boroughs towards the end of September.

This marks a key step in the collaborative effort of all councils to respond to the government's requirement to re-structure and simplify local government.

The business case was informed by public feedback from the Shaping West Sussex survey which engaged residents, stakeholders, members and staff on three unitary model options that were identified as viable.

We undertook our own engagement exercise in May 2025 called Thriving Together. Using digital engagement, neighbourhood conversations and deliberative events, Thriving Together created welcoming and creative ways for people to share ideas on devolution and LGR as well as the future of the places they live.

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.

Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council members will meet on 22nd and 23rd September 2025 to discuss the recommendations in the business case.

Councillors will also be invited to consider how to deliver effective community governance in a unitary authority by setting up a working group to engage with parish councils, stakeholders, local businesses and experts in this area.

A final decision will then be made on the preferred option at the councils' Joint Strategic Committee meeting on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

Adur District Council leader Cllr Jeremy Gardner said:

“We are grateful for everyone who took part in the engagement exercises. The feedback and priorities shared with us will continue to be vitally important as we transition to a new form of local government.”

Worthing Borough Council leader Cllr Sophie Cox said:

“All councils in West Sussex have been committed to working together in order to deliver a business case that delivers the best outcome for our communities. The aim of this business case is to build on what works well, ensuring any future arrangements are resilient, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs of our residents.”

Once the business case is submitted, the government will undertake consultation. A final decision from government is anticipated in Spring 2026.

We would like to extend our thanks to the thousands of residents, businesses, community groups and council staff who took part in both the Shaping West Sussex and Thriving Together engagement surveys.

To read the report in full, see:

Joint Strategic Committee - 24th September 2025