New Timetable for Changes to Councils in West Sussex

The government has announced it will provide a decision on local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals in West Sussex between now and early 2027, with any new councils due to take over services in April 2029.

These proposals would replace the current county and district or borough council system with a single tier of unitary councils, each responsible for all council services in its area.

Although no final decision has been made on the future council structure for West Sussex, a decision is expected to be based on the proposals that residents and local authorities have already been consulted on. West Sussex councils will receive Government funding of £500,000 to help to cover costs incurred in implementing reorganisation.

Scheduled local elections will take place in May 2027 using existing boundaries. This will include Worthing Borough Council elections, but not Adur District Council as no elections are scheduled in Adur next year.

Elections to any new councils would follow in May 2028, giving new authorities time to prepare before taking over services in April 2029.

As part of the timeline and separate from LGR, the first election for a Mayor of Sussex and Brighton is still scheduled for May 2028. This is part of devolution - transferring powers and funding from government to the area - rather than the changes to local councils. The mayor will focus on strategic priorities such as transport, education, economy and emergency services, not day-to-day council services.

Residents can continue to access council services as usual. In the meantime, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council say they will continue their preparations for LGR while remaining focused “on delivering the services residents rely on every day”. Once a decision is announced, the councils say they will work with their partners to implement it “effectively and with minimal disruption to residents and staff.”

Cllr Caroline Baxter, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The government has reconfirmed its commitment to delivering a robust LGR programme that will align with wider plans to shift power out of Westminster and back to local communities. This review will ensure that any decision in our area is given the time and consideration it deserves. We also welcome the government’s funding commitment, which will help councils prepare while we await the outcome.”