Devolution and local government reorganisation

Sussex will be one of the first areas in England to elect a new mayor and secure greater decision-making powers as part of the government’s devolution priority programme agreed for a number of different areas of the country.

In December 2024, the government published the English Devolution White Paper. This sets out plans to move power out of Westminster and back to local communities, allowing for tailored solutions that address specific regional needs, such as on transport, housing, education and economic development.

The government launched a consultation on devolution with residents and businesses earlier this year to seek views on the creation of a new mayoral combined county authority for Sussex. If approved, the new authority will be created in March 2026 and mayoral elections will be held in May 2026.

You can read our response to the consultation here:

As part of the devolution programme, local government will be reorganised by replacing two-tier systems (county and district councils) with single-tier unitary authorities.

West Sussex local authorities have submitted an interim plan for local government reorganisation (LGR) and will continue working together to draft a more detailed final plan by September 2025.

Thriving together

At Adur & Worthing Councils, we want to go further. This isn't just about councils getting more powers - it's about ensuring that our communities and partners have a real say in shaping the future of the places we live, work or study.

We believe that devolution and local government reorganisation should reflect what makes our places special - our people, our creativity, and the unique strengths of Adur and Worthing. That's why we're inviting residents, local organisations, businesses, and public sector partners to join the conversation and shape the proposals we put forward.

This is an opportunity to think beyond council structures and focus on what our places need - whether it's enabling communities to support each other, developing thriving local economies, or tackling the big challenges together.

Watch this space as we launch a programme of participation for you to get involved in and have your say!

To find out more, see:

Press releases:

What are the next steps?

Local authorities in West Sussex, including us, have been working together to draft an interim plan for local government reorganisation that was submitted to the government in March 2025. This is ahead of a more detailed final plan for how the creation of single-tier unitary authorities will help ensure our area is economically viable and provide better public services for residents, while demonstrating how community views have shaped the plan. You can read the interim plan here:

The government’s consultation on devolution closed on 13th April 2025. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will now consider all responses and decide whether to establish a mayoral combined county authority.

If approved by parliament, the combined county authority would be established in time for the first mayoral election to take place in May 2026.

For now, we encourage you to read more about devolution and its potential benefits via the GOV.UK announcement (below) and keep an eye out for upcoming engagement opportunities.

Back to top

Page last updated: 15 April 2025

Back to top