Jess Brown-Fuller MP Urges Constituents to Have Their Say on Local Government Reorganisation

The government has launched an additional consultation on local government reorganisation in Sussex, and Jess Brown-Fuller is encouraging residents across the Chichester constituency to make their voices heard before the deadline closes. 

The new consultation, which runs until 23:59 on 15 June, invites views on a third option for reorganisation, based on a modification to proposals previously submitted by local authorities in Sussex. The consultation can be accessed at consult.communities.gov.uk. 

Jess Brown-Fuller is encouraging residents across Chichester to make their voices heard in the Local Government Reorganisation consultation.

Under the new West Sussex proposal being consulted on, two unitary authorities would be created. The first would bring together Chichester District, Crawley Borough, Horsham District and Mid Sussex District. The second would combine Arun District, Adur District and Worthing Borough. 

Responses to this additional consultation will be combined with previous proposals and will be reviewed by Ministers, with a final decision expected this summer. If agreed, elections for the new authorities would take place in 2027, with the new councils formally launching in 2028. Until then, all existing services continue as normal. 

Hard copies of the consultation are available at council offices for those unable to respond online and will also be available at libraries across West Sussex from 19 May.  

Jess Brown-Fuller MP said: 

"This consultation is an important opportunity for residents across Chichester and the wider area to have a direct say in how our local area is governed for years to come. I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to respond before the 15 June deadline: this is the final chance to make your views known before the government makes its decision. 

“The government’s proposed new councils make a mockery of local decision-making and completely break the rules they set out for local councils throughout this process. I am very concerned that the government’s proposed coastal authority will go bankrupt on day one, which is a bad deal for residents in Pagham and Bersted.” 

"Nevertheless, these are big decisions that will crucially affect local services, our community identity, and how our area is represented. It's vital that the voices of people who live and work here are heard." 

To take part in the consultation, visit consult.communities.gov.uk. For more information on local government reorganisation in West Sussex, visit chichester.gov.uk/devolution or shapingwestsussex.org.