The Parish Council has received the following update on Local Government Reorganisation from Chichester District Council –
The Government has announced that plans to create unitary authorities in West Sussex will be paused while it undertakes a review of its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme.
As part of this review, decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn following new legal advice. Plans for a further 14 areas, including West Sussex, will also be reviewed and paused while this is carried out.
The Government has also confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries, which means the Chichester District Council elections will go ahead in May.
No timeline has been given to local authorities as to when the review is to be carried out or when it will be concluded.
“We are deeply frustrated by this latest development,” says Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council.
“Together with our partners across West Sussex, we will be seeking urgent discussions with ministers to understand the rationale behind this decision, how it has been reached, and the timetable for what happens next.
“Our immediate priority is to provide clarity and reassurance to our staff and councillors, who continue to face significant uncertainty during what has been a prolonged and unsettling period.
“We are equally committed to keeping our residents, communities and businesses fully informed as further details emerge.
“The continued lack of certainty is unacceptable. We urge the Government to provide a clear, definitive timetable for local government reorganisation and to set out its intentions for the future of local government in West Sussex without further delay.
“In the meantime, it is business as usual. We remain focused on delivering essential services and local priorities with dedication and professionalism to support our communities.”
To find out more about local government reorganisation in West Sussex please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/devolution or www.shapingwestsussex.org
