A government consultation on local government reorganisation is underway, and Horsham District Council is encouraging residents to take part before the deadline of January 11, 2026.
The proposals would see the current two-tier system, where services are delivered by both county and district or borough councils, replaced with a single-tier unitary authority model.
Councillor Martin Boffey, leader of Horsham District Council, said: “I would like to thank the thousands of residents, businesses and community groups who took part in the recent Shaping West Sussex engagement survey.
“Your feedback was vital in developing the shared business case and recommendations for our area.”
The consultation follows an invitation from the government in February 2025 for councils in West Sussex to submit proposals for structural reform.
Horsham District Council has stated a preference for a ‘B2 Option’—a unitary authority combining the three areas.
Mr Boffey said: “We have firmly stated our preference for a two unitary council model for West Sussex and specifically the ‘B2 Option’ which would see a Unitary Authority combining the services of Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council and Mid-Sussex District Council.
“We feel this model will be the most beneficial for our residents and best reflects the views they expressed in our engagement survey, giving them a localised single point of contact for services which are important to them.
“It would offer a closer connection between you and the councillors you have elected, ensuring decisions are made closer to the local communities they affect. It would also be more financially and environmentally sustainable.”
To read and complete the consultation, go to gov.uk/government/collections/west-sussex-local-government-reorganisation.
The government’s consultation covers all of Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, and forms part of broader plans to support wider devolution arrangements.
Residents, businesses and community groups can take part in the consultation, with paper copies available at council receptions and West Sussex libraries.
Mr Boffey said: “I now encourage you all to respond to this formal Government consultation to ensure decision makers have a full picture of the preferences expressed by our local communities.”
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