Work we've completed
We've completed the following stages:
- proposal development
- submission to the government
- government assessment
More information on completed work can be found below.
Early 2025
Government invitation issued: Councils across Sussex were invited to submit proposals for unitary authorities as part of wider devolution plans.
March 2025
Interim plan submitted: Brighton & Hove City Council submitted an initial proposal exploring different footprint options, favouring a five-unitary model.
July to August 2025
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
June to July 2025
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
September 2025
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.
November 2025
19 November: Launch of government consultation.
January 2026
Brighton & Hove City Council have submitted their response to the LGR consultation.
March 2026
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.
Our next steps
May 2027: Proposed elections for new unitary authorities (if approved).
April 2028: Target vesting day for new governance arrangements.
May 2028: The first mayoral election is due to take place. Read more about Devolution in Sussex and Brighton.