2nd October 2025

Everything you need to know about devolution and local government reorganisation and how it affects Horsham District. Click here

18th July 2025

Have your say

Residents, businesses and community groups across the county are being invited to share their views about the future of their councils as part of an important survey which launched on 17 July at: www.shapingwestsussex.org.

The survey asks respondents about where they live or work, the council services they use, as well as their thoughts about how their council could be structured in the future.

The survey will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 August.

14th April 2025

Sussex and Brighton Devolution Consultation

This consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas in East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton.

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, ensuring that every part of England is covered by devolution.

The local authority leaders from councils have since written to government expressing their interest in taking forward devolution within their area through the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority, with the first election for a mayor taking place in May 2026. Before taking a decision on whether to proceed with the making of the necessary legislation, the government is seeking views from interested parties, including those who live and work in the area.  

Scope of this consultation

This consultation seeks views, particularly from interested parties, including those who live and work across Sussex and Brighton, on the effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in the area.  It includes questions on the proposed geography and how the Combined County Authority will make decisions, together with questions on the effects of working across this geography through a Mayoral Combined County Authority.  

Geographical scope

These proposals only have direct effect within the geographical area covered by the local councils listed above.  

Why your views matter

Your opinions are valuable to us. We encourage everyone to use this opportunity to share your opinions on the proposal for the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority across this area. Thank you for taking the time to read the consultation document and respond.

What happens next

Following the consultation, the Secretary of State will consider all responses and decide whether to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority. If the Secretary of State decides to proceed, government will confirm funding (subject to Spending Review) and provided the constituent councils consent, the necessary secondary legislation will be laid in Parliament. If approved by Parliament, the Combined County Authority would be established in time for the first mayoral election to take place in May 2026.

A consultation on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton is now open and everyone across the county is invited to have their say.

The Government is running the consultation, which is specific to the Sussex and Brighton region, until the end of the day on Sunday 13 April.

All interested parties are welcome to have their say, including organisations, as well as individuals who live and work in the region.

The consultation specifically asks about:

•           The proposed geography

•           Governance arrangements

•           Supporting the economy

•           Improving social outcomes

•           Local government services

•           Improving the local natural environment

•           Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity

Horsham District Council and its neighbouring Districts and Boroughs will put in a response, as will the upper tier authorities of West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.

We encourage you to consider your responses and appreciate your support in encouraging others within your own networks and communities to take part.

Full details of the consultation can be found on the gov.uk website here:

Sussex and Brighton devolution – GOV.UK

Further information is available in the Government press notice here:

Devolution Priority Programme consultations launch – GOV.UK

The Sussex upper tier Councils’ bid to be on the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme is a positive opportunity to draw down more powers and funding for our areas from Central Government.

Ministers have agreed that a strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton will be made up of an elected mayor, and two members each from East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove Councils. This offers the chance to give the people who live here more control and influence over the issues that affect them, from transport and housing to skills and employment, as well as a stronger voice in how national decisions affect them.

The decision whether or not to proceed with the proposal will be one for the Government to take based on its assessment of the consultation responses. The upper tier councils are not able to put in place any formal steps towards setting up a combined authority for Sussex until that decision is made.

Separate to this process, authorities across our region are discussing plans for Local Government Reorganisation, with a proposal to Government due to be submitted soon. We will update on this shortly.