Government launches new consultation on West Sussex council reorganisation

The government has launched a second consultation on plans to reorganise local government across Sussex, with residents, businesses and community groups being encouraged to submit their views on revised unitary authority proposals.

The consultation follows earlier submissions from councils across Sussex and a decision by the government not to approve any of the original proposals without further review.

Revised plans for West Sussex would see new coastal authority covering Arun, Adur and Worthing, covering a population of around 349,000. Chichester would move into a new authority alongside Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex.

Adur and Worthing Councils said many residents and businesses had expressed support for a coastal authority but warned that financial viability remained a concern without additional government support.

The consultation opened on May 12 and closes on June 15, with a final government decision expected later this summer. Elections for new shadow authorities are expected in 2027 ahead of formal reorganisation in 2028.