Government outlines next steps for local government reorganisation in Sussex

The Government has set out the next phase of work on local government reorganisation (LGR) in West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, issuing formal letters to council chief executives to clarify expectations and the timetable for further engagement.

The correspondence, published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, follows letters sent on 27 March 2026. Ministers have asked councils in both areas to begin preparing detailed information, evidence and options that will inform future decisions on potential structural reform.

For West Sussex, the Government has requested collaborative work across the county to assess governance models, financial implications and the impact on service delivery. Councils are expected to provide clear, locally developed analysis as part of the next stage of discussions.

A parallel letter to East Sussex and Brighton & Hove sets out similar requirements, emphasising the need for robust evidence as ministers consider whether reorganisation could support long‑term sustainability and improved local accountability.

While no preferred model has been indicated, the Government has confirmed that further engagement will take place as part of the wider national programme of devolution and LGR.

IoL members seeking to stay informed on developments can use the Institute of Licensing’s LGR & Devolution Hub, which provides regularly updated resources, guidance and analysis on local government reorganisation across England.