Government launches Local Government Reorganisation consultations in Sussex, looking to assess the expansion of Brighton and Hove.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched two simultaneous consultations across Sussex. These follow concerns raised by the Secretary of State regarding the original reorganisation proposals submitted by the area’s county and district councils.
East Sussex and Brighton and Hove
The government is exploring a proposal to expand the Brighton & Hove Unitary Council. This follows the rejection of two earlier bids due to concerns over high transition costs, the risks of disaggregation, and geographical footprints.
MHCLG is now assessing the impact of transferring four wards and one parish from East Sussex to an expanded Brighton & Hove. This would result in two new unitary authorities:
- Brighton and Hove: Expanded to include the four new wards and one parish.
- East Sussex Unitary: Comprising Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother, and Wealden (excluding the transferred areas).
West Sussex
In West Sussex, the government is consulting on a two-unitary model to better reflect the region’s distinct rural and coastal identities. The aim is to ensure a balance under the proposed Mayoral Combined Authority.
The proposed authorities for West Sussex are:
- North and Mid Sussex: Chichester, Horsham, Crawley, and Mid Sussex.
- Coastal West Sussex: Arun, Worthing, and Adur.
Both consultations will close on 15 June 2026. The feedback received will inform the Secretary of State’s final assessment on whether these modifications meet the necessary criteria for financial sustainability and effective service delivery.
