West Sussex council reorganisation paused by Government

Plans to reorganise councils across West Sussex have been paused by the Government following updated legal advice, with local elections in May 2027 now set to take place using existing council boundaries.

Ministers had been considering proposals for either one county-wide unitary authority or two smaller councils. Options included grouping Adur, Worthing and Arun in a coastal authority, while Chichester would join Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. West Sussex had not received a final decision before the wider review was announced.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the pause was intended to ensure the process was robust, lawful and consistent with the new Government’s priorities. The Government said it remained committed to simplifying council structures and devolving power, but has not said how long the review will take or when a decision on West Sussex will be made.