West Sussex County Council say they are setting out the next steps in devolution and local government reorganisation plans.
Planning is underway for the processes that will shape the future of local authorities and delivery of services in the county.
West Sussex County Cllr Marshall said: “The government has asked us to present options for single-tier unitary local government in the county. I want to be clear that we are presenting options to the government for them to provide guidance on what may or may not be acceptable for the future shape of local government in Sussex.
“The government wanted early sight of our proposed options, but the March submissions do not reflect outcomes as more evidence-based work will need to be done following March.
“There will be a list of various options, discussed and agreed collaboratively with our partners, and not a statement of the county council’s preferred model. We will wait for guidance from government to then work, with partners, on what is the best for the county.
“I can also reassure everyone that we will be consulting with our residents, communities, businesses and other interested parties on our proposals during 2025.”
Meanwhile - Portsmouth City Council will consider the development of plans for local government reorganisation across Hampshire and The Solent.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Whilst we don’t agree that Portsmouth City Council should be caught by the Government’s reorganisation plans, it is nonetheless very positive that councils across the region have worked collaboratively to establish guiding principles for how we take this work forward. Everyone wants to get the best outcomes for their areas and it is going to be really important local people’s voices are heard as part of that process”.
“We have significant concerns regarding how this will work and the implications on our communities and what any new councils would inherit, given the eye -watering deficits experienced by other local authorities, notably Hampshire County Council with its £216m forecast deficit for 2026-27”
“I will continue to advocate for Portsmouth’s interests both locally and nationally, and I’ll be writing to the Government to reiterate our belief that Portsmouth City Council does not need to be part of any reorganisation.”
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