Adur and Worthing Leaders Back Coastal Unitary Authority Proposal

The leaders of Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council have responded to the government’s second consultation on local government reorganisation in Sussex, expressing support for a proposed coastal unitary authority covering Adur, Arun and Worthing.

They said the arrangement could provide opportunities for investment, growth and improved services, provided the new authority is financially sustainable from the outset.

The proposal forms part of the government’s review of local government structures across Sussex. Under the modified option being considered, Arun, Adur and Worthing would form one unitary authority serving around 349,000 people, while Chichester would join Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex in a separate authority with a population of around 566,000. Council leaders said the coastal areas share common economic interests, heritage, opportunities and challenges.

Both councils stressed that adequate funding, transitional arrangements and long-term financial support would be required if the proposal is taken forward. The government will now review consultation responses before deciding which reorganisation model, if any, will proceed. A decision is expected before Parliament’s summer recess in July, with elections to new shadow authorities anticipated in 2027 ahead of formal implementation in 2028.