West Sussex County Council has backed the creation of a single unitary authority covering the entire county, as part of a wider reorganisation of local government.
The proposal, developed in a joint business case with all eight councils in West Sussex, will be submitted to central government by September 26, with a final decision expected in spring 2026.
Councillor Paul Marshall, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Thank you to my fellow council leaders and chief executives who have worked collaborated successfully to develop the options in the business case.”
“As the case shows, creating a singly unitary authority will save £50m per year, which is £30m a year greater than the savings that would be generated by moving to two unitary authorities, and pays back the cost of change much more quickly.”
“This unlocks millions we can invest in crucial public services while minimising disruption to services, especially those that protect vulnerable people.”
Mr Marshall said dividing the county into two unitaries would mean splitting services such as children’s and adults’ social care.
He said this could put further strain on sectors already facing significant challenges.
The council leader is also urging ministers not to consider the business case put forward by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Mr Marshall said: “I was personally very disappointed to see Brighton & Hove City Council’s alternative proposal for local government reorganisation in Sussex.”
“Brighton & Hove City Council has not engaged with us and so we have not been able to test their assumptions or modelling.
“Our initial assessment though is that the case lacks sufficient detail, due diligence and analysis, and it is difficult to see how the proposals meet the government’s criteria.”
The West Sussex business case draws on feedback from 9,000 residents who took part in public engagement over the summer.
Residents said they wanted councils to focus on the unique needs of their communities and ensure a strong local voice in decision-making.
The government will hold a formal consultation on the options in the months ahead.
In his letter to ministers, Mr Marshall has also argued for county council elections scheduled for May 2026 to be postponed.
He said this would avoid unnecessary costs and confusion if the new unitary model is approved and new elections are required under the restructured system.
West Sussex County Council has backed the creation of a single unitary authority covering the entire county, as part of a wider reorganisation of local government.
The proposal, developed in a joint business case with all eight councils in West Sussex, will be submitted to central government by September 26, with a final decision expected in spring 2026.
Councillor Paul Marshall, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Thank you to my fellow council leaders and chief executives who have worked collaborated successfully to develop the options in the business case.”
“As the case shows, creating a singly unitary authority will save £50m per year, which is £30m a year greater than the savings that would be generated by moving to two unitary authorities, and pays back the cost of change much more quickly.”
“This unlocks millions we can invest in crucial public services while minimising disruption to services, especially those that protect vulnerable people.”
Mr Marshall said dividing the county into two unitaries would mean splitting services such as children’s and adults’ social care.
He said this could put further strain on sectors already facing significant challenges.
The council leader is also urging ministers not to consider the business case put forward by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Mr Marshall said: “I was personally very disappointed to see Brighton & Hove City Council’s alternative proposal for local government reorganisation in Sussex.”
“Brighton & Hove City Council has not engaged with us and so we have not been able to test their assumptions or modelling.
“Our initial assessment though is that the case lacks sufficient detail, due diligence and analysis, and it is difficult to see how the proposals meet the government’s criteria.”
The West Sussex business case draws on feedback from 9,000 residents who took part in public engagement over the summer.
Residents said they wanted councils to focus on the unique needs of their communities and ensure a strong local voice in decision-making.
The government will hold a formal consultation on the options in the months ahead.
In his letter to ministers, Mr Marshall has also argued for county council elections scheduled for May 2026 to be postponed.
He said this would avoid unnecessary costs and confusion if the new unitary model is approved and new elections are required under the restructured system.
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