Hi

These frequent 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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Why is Sussex considering local government reorganisation now?

Sussex is currently exploring a significant restructuring of its local government, aiming to transition from a two-tier system (county and district councils) to a more streamlined model. This initiative aligns with the UK government's broader 'Devolution Priority Programme' which aims to enhance local governance efficiency and accountability.

In December 2024, the government released the English Devolution White Paper, outlining plans to move every inch of England towards into combined authorities led by elected mayors. Every Sussex authority has indicated some level of commitment to adopting these reforms.​ Even if they don't all yet quite agree on the process, the potential outcome or the speed.

West Sussex councils have jointly submitted an interim case for change, citing a desire to improve accountability, reduce duplication, and unlock access to deeper devolved powers.

The preferred option is the creation of a new unitary council for West Sussex, replacing the current county and seven district/borough councils. The submission notes that the current two-tier structure “no longer reflects how residents live, work or access services,” and that reform could save up to £34 million annually.

East Sussex County Council, meanwhile, has publicly stated that it is actively considering similar proposals, with a commitment to engage further in 2025. In its March 2025 update, the council acknowledged that “doing nothing is not sustainable,” given the financial pressures and fragmentation of services under the current system.

Brighton & Hove City Council, while already a unitary authority, is exploring its role in potential wider regional reform. In its February 2025 policy paper, the city considers deeper collaboration within a Sussex or Coast-to-Capital combined authority model — especially in pursuit of a devolution deal.

So why now? Because central government is actively encouraging reorganisation through the devolution framework, offering powers over transport, skills, housing and economic development to areas with streamlined governance.

Sussex needs to get past historical politics and artificial boundaries to secure investment, simplify services, and design local government that actually reflects how people live in the 21st century.

Without this, there is a risk of being left behind, while other regions gain tools to shape their future.

What do you think?

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