This second, technical consultation seeks feedback on two potential modifications on the proposals previously submitted to the government by Sussex’s local authorities.

Proposals developed by West Sussex councils would have seen one unitary council covering Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex, and one covering Chichester, Arun, Worthing and Adur.

In the government’s revised West Sussex unitary arrangement option, Chichester District would be moved into a unitary authority alongside Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. The population would be around 566,000.

A second West Sussex unitary authority would comprise Arun, Adur and Worthing. The population would be around 349,000.

The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council. 

Data collected jointly by councils in West Sussex suggests that without a significant boost in financial support from the government, a unitary council covering just Arun, Worthing and Adur would have financial challenges from the start.

Adur & Worthing Councils are now encouraging residents to comment on the proposals to the government.

A spokesperson for Adur & Worthing Councils said: “Many of our residents and businesses have expressed support for a West Sussex coastal authority, but any new council has to be financially viable.

“A new council along the coast from Fishersgate to Bognor Regis will be able to focus on the needs of our coastal communities and, with the right leadership and funding, improve services and bring much needed investment to our communities and businesses.

“West Sussex councils are continuing to work together closely throughout this process and we want to ensure that residents, business, community groups and partners are aware of the opportunity to have their say.”

The consultation opened on May 12 and closes at 23:59pm on Monday June 15. For full consultation details and to submit a response, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/modified-proposals-for-local-government-reorganisation-in-west-sussex/modified-proposals-for-local-government-reorganisation-in-west-sussex.

A decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and the government considers the new representations. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains, with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028.

The government is calling for further evidence and views to ensure that any reorganisation proposals taken forward reflect the identities, geography, and needs of local communities. 

Interested parties are encouraged to read the consultation materials and submit their responses directly to the government before the deadline. For West Sussex residents unable to complete the consultation via the digital links, hard copies will be available from council offices and all West Sussex libraries from May 19.

Residents can find updates on the reorganisation process at: www.shapingwestsussex.org.uk.