Chaos or considered approach? The Sussex rollercoaster continues.
Hello!
Buckle up guys.
The direction of travel is becoming clearer, even if the destination isn’t fully settled and the journey is very bumpy.
Recent developments in Sussex’s devolution and local government reorganisation programme point to a growing alignment around structures and powers, but also expose huge unresolved tensions around geography, delivery risk and local consent.
The formal establishment of the combined authority provides a firm institutional anchor, while the delay on LGR decisions suggests government is still testing what model can be both politically and economically.
This week, we have an explosive podcast interview as well as new insight on the landscape for culture and the voluntary sector across Sussex.
Let us know what you think.
NEWS
Does delayed LGR decision inevitably mean a four unitary model?
Government has postponed its decision on how Sussex’s councils will be reorganised, despite multiple proposals from across East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
Ministers cited concerns about cost, service disruption and long-term economic fit, particularly around splitting services and limiting growth.
Instead, a revised option is being developed for four unitary authorities.
This would see an East Sussex authority (including Eastbourne, Hastings, Rother and Wealden), a coastal West Sussex authority (Arun, Adur, Worthing), an expanded Brighton & Hove incorporating parts of Lewes (including Peacehaven and Saltdean), and an inland West Sussex authority (Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Chichester).
The proposals aim to balance economic growth and community identity, though concerns remain about disaggregation risks, rural representation and Brighton’s expansion.
A short consultation will follow May’s elections, with a final decision expected in summer 2026. Elections to new councils remain planned for 2027, with implementation in 2028.
Reaction has been mixed, to put it mildly...
Brighton & Hove has welcomed the direction of travel, particularly the 'opportunity to align boundaries with how people live and work'. However, leaders in East and West Sussex County Councils, and many districts and boroughs, have voiced deep frustration at the delay, rejection of locally agreed options, and ongoing uncertainty for services, staff and residents.
Sussex combined authority becomes an official legal entity
In a letter to local council leaders, Devolution Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh confirmed the formal establishment of the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority.
Following participation in the Devolution Priority Programme in 2025, East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove councils have jointly created the new strategic body.
The authority can now take on devolved powers and responsibilities, including the future election of a mayor in 2028, marking a significant milestone in advancing local decision-making, investment and economic growth across Sussex.
Creatives make the case for culture at the heart of devolution.
98 creative professionals have co-written a West Sussex Cultural Prospectus, in response to devolution plans.
The Culture East Sussex forum has also produced a similar positioning paper.
As Sussex undergoes a once-in-a-generation change to local government, these documents argue that arts and culture makes a contribution to every inch of the county.
These collaborative works offer ideas for strategic investment priorities led by new Combined County Authority and unitary leadership over the next few years.
The authors claim it will help underline shared aims across economic growth, health and wellbeing, skills, environmental resilience, community safety and place - by placing culture at their heart.
A widerSussex Culture group, with support from Arts Council England and the University of Sussex, is also collaborating to create a single offer across all of East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. This new documents feed directly into that work.
Not all Labour MPs are happy with the handling of local government reorganisation.
In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley and former leader of Crawley Borough Council, about the realities behind local government reorganisation and devolution.
Recorded just before the government delayed its decision on Sussex's future structure, this provocative conversation offers a candid, insider perspective on how these reforms are being shaped, and challenged, from within.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Crawley Innovation Centre.
Located at the heart of Manor Royal, one of the South East's most significant business districts, Crawley Innovation Centre provides flexible workspace, meeting facilities and on-site support for growing companies.
Designed for start-ups, scale-ups and established teams, it offers a professional base without unnecessary friction, alongside a strong focus on collaboration and community. With excellent transport links, including easy access to Gatwick, it connects Sussex businesses to national and international markets.
Chris Goodman, is a Sussex-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Focus Group, now leading the grant-giving Focus Foundation with his wife Elaine.
In the latest Sussex and the City expert opinion, he reflects on how devolution could improve both public services and philanthropy across the county.
Chris calls for stronger coordination between funders, better visibility of local need, and greater investment in grassroots organisations. He also urges Sussex businesses to play a more active role, positioning devolution as a chance to create a fairer, more consistent support system.
Join Richard Freeman + special guests for an online briefing session and Q+A about all things devolution and local government reform in Sussex, ahead of the local elections.
What has happened so far? What happens next? What are the emerging opportunities and challenges?
Tickets are free to SATC+ and Sussex And The City 100 subscribers; and to all under 18s.
MARIA BEDOYA-TORO // WILL CALLAGHAN // DR CARA COURAGE // STEVE CREED // CATHERINE FISHER // CLARE GRIFFITHS // MAIJA HANDOVER // DR RICHARD JUGGINS // JAMES MAY // GAVIN MCWHIRTER // ADAM MUIRHEAD // NATALIE ORRINGE // CAROLINE RIDLEY // JONATHAN STUART // ANDREW SWAYNE
And to our business and charity partners:
These regular bite-sized emails are from the always possible team.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We are together understanding the opportunities and risks facing growth, sustainability and identity in Sussex.
Sussex And The City is an independent and non-political project, clarifying the major reorganisation affecting Sussex and Brighton over the next two years.
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