Our timeline for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Government invitation issued: Councils across Sussex were invited to submit proposals for unitary authorities as part of wider devolution plans.

Interim plan submitted: Brighton & Hove City Council submitted an initial proposal exploring different footprint options, favouring a five-unitary model.

Public engagement phase:

• over 2,300 residents participated via surveys, drop-ins, and public meetings
• feedback focused on:
  • identity
  • parish representation
  • trust in governance
  • service continuity

Scrutiny and refinement:

• overview and scrutiny committee sessions were held to challenge assumptions and refine the proposal
• special place overview and scrutiny was held on 31 July

17 September: The proposal was published publicly.

22 September: Final scrutiny session.

24 September: Special full council meeting to debate the proposal.

25 September: Cabinet meeting to approve the final submission.

26 September: Final proposal submitted to the Secretary of State.

19 November: Launch of government consultation.

Brighton & Hove City Council have submitted their response to the LGR consultation.

The government announced that it would be taking further time to consider the options for Brighton & Hove City Council, with a consultation to take place in May 2026 after the local elections in East & West Sussex.

Read the minister’s statement in full on the UK Parliament website.