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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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Devolution and LGR: what's the difference?

As discussions about Sussex's future governance start to get heated, it is useful to distinguish clearly between two related but separate concepts: devolution and local government reorganisation. Both feature prominently in national policy and in local discussions across East and West Sussex, but they serve different purposes.

What is devolution?

Devolution refers to the transfer of certain powers and responsibilities from central government to local areas. In England, devolution typically takes the form of combined authorities or directly elected mayors who are granted control over specific functions such as transport, skills, housing, and aspects of health and social care.

The Local Government Association (LGA) describes devolution as 'a process of decentralisation' aimed at giving councils and local leaders more influence over decisions that affect their areas. This is part of a wider ambition to improve outcomes, encourage local innovation, and support place-based solutions to national challenges. See: LGA – Devolution FAQs and Glossary

What is local government reorganisation?

Local government reorganisation (LGR), by contrast, refers to the structural reform of local government itself. This usually involves replacing two-tier arrangements (e.g. county and district councils) with unitary authorities – single bodies responsible for all local government functions in a defined area.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), reorganisation aims to reduce duplication, improve service delivery, and provide clearer accountability. It is often seen as a prerequisite for devolution, with simpler governance structures better suited to absorbing new powers and budgets.
See: MHCLG – Local Government Reorganisation Policy Updates

How do they relate?

While devolution and reorganisation can happen independently, the government has increasingly linked the two. In practice, regions seeking devolution deals are encouraged – or usually required – to consider structural reform to demonstrate readiness and capacity for greater responsibility.

In Sussex, councils are currently exploring both routes. 

This process aligns with national policy that favours governance arrangements capable of supporting deeper devolution.

What is still to be determined is exactly how the public debate will focus on the right questions: what powers are being transferred, who will hold them, and how services and the economy will be improved as a result.

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