In December 2024, the Government announced a significant reform programme for local government, including devolution and local government reorganisation as two key components.

These changes will affect residents, organisations, and businesses in Mid Sussex. Information is provided on this page to keep you informed and updated on the changes.

Devolution

Devolution refers to the transfer of powers and funding from national government to local government, giving local areas greater control over decisions and spending that affect their communities.

As part of this process, strategic authorities are being introduced across the country, each led by an elected mayor. In Sussex, West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council have jointly proposed the formation of a combined strategic authority to serve all 1.7 million residents across the region.

The Government approved this proposal for the devolution priority programme and consulted with residents and businesses. The programme aims to agree on the new strategic authority by September 2025, which will be followed by Mayoral elections in May 2026.

Local Government Reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation refers to the creation of unitary authorities in place of district, borough and county councils. Local Government Reorganisation focuses on the distribution of powers and funding among local councils.

Sussex has been accepted onto the devolution priority programme, with the region now working towards finalising the new unitary authority in 2028. This means Mid Sussex District Council will no longer exist and a new council – called a Unitary Authority - covering all the main services currently provided by the Council will operate in its place.

The vision for local government reorganisation is about ensuring that local governments continue to best support their communities. It is about delivering efficient services, ensuring new councils cover diverse areas, providing opportunities for the region, and moving towards a more positive future for all members of the community.

Business Case

West Sussex councils have reached a significant milestone in the journey towards reshaping local government. A business case for local government reorganisation was completed on Friday 12th September and will be presented at council meetings across the county, districts, and boroughs towards the end of September.
 
Our cabinet will meet to consider the business case and confirm our position on a preferred unitary option on Wednesday, 24th September at 7.00 pm.
 
All councils, including MSDC, will then submit letters to central government on 26 September proposing their preferred option for local government in West Sussex. The government will then undertake consultation and a final decision is anticipated in Spring 2026.

Useful links

Devolution and local government reorganisation from Local Government Association

Devolution and  local government reorganisation from West Sussex County Council

Devolution in Sussex from East Sussex County Council

Devolution in Sussex from Brighton & Hove City Council

English Devolution White Paper from gov.uk

Adur & Worthing councils

Arun District Council

Chichester District Council

Crawley Borough Council

Horsham District Council

Last updated: 12 September 2025