Devolution and local government reorganisation
Everything you need to know about devolution and local government reorganisation and how it affects Horsham District.
- Devolution refers to creating a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton
- Local Government Reorganisation refers to the creation of unitary authorities in place of district, borough and county councils.
Have your say: Respond to the Government consultation on Devolution
The Government has launched a public consultation in areas chosen for the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). It closes on 13 April 2025.
The consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for the local government areas of East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council (referred to as Sussex and Brighton in this consultation).
It seeks views from everyone who lives and works in our county, and asks about:
- The proposed geography
- Governance arrangements
- Supporting the economy
- Improving social outcomes
- Local government services
- Improving the natural environment
- Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity
Read the full consultation document
The background to Devolution
On 16 December 2024 the Government issued an English Devolution White Paper. This paper asked for County Councils to join together to make proposals to be a Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a new level of local government, a bit like the London Mayor, that oversees public transport, the economy, police and fire, large scale planning, and may in the future look after some health powers too.
Most of these services will be transferred from central government. For residents this could lead to a strengthening economy and better public transport, and they will be able to elect the Mayor who decides how many new homes have to be built in the area.
West Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council have told the Government they think the Combined Authority should cover the whole existing area of Sussex. The Government has agreed to progress this proposal and the new Mayor is likely to be elected in May 2026.
Local Government Reorganisation
A second part of the White Paper includes a proposal to reorganise local government. In our area this means Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council would cease to exist and a new council – called a Unitary Authority - covering all their main services would take their place.
The Government has said the new council must provide new services to a minimum of 500,000 residents. This means the new Unitary Authority would cover at least four or five current district council areas. Which areas these would be isn’t yet decided. It is likely this new Unitary Authority council would be elected in May 2027 and start on 1 April 2028.
Further information
For more information about devolution and local government reorganisation in West Sussex, visit the West Sussex County Council website
How this affects parish councils in Horsham District
Existing town and parish councils will remain. When a new large council (Unitary Authority) is set up in this way it is usual to transfer some services that are very local to the towns and parishes. These services and facilities may include parks, open spaces, war memorials, public toilets, playgrounds, community halls and community libraries.
The Leader and Chief Executive of Horsham District Council started visiting the larger parishes in Horsham District throughout February and March this year to start the conversation about whether these facilities could be run locally by them.
Plans to create a town council
The only unparished area in our District is the southern part of Horsham town centre. On 4 December 2024 some residents asked Horsham District Council to start looking at whether to form a town council for this area.
Although some people think a town council in Horsham isn’t needed, moving to a large unitary council means the future of facilities such as the bandstands, the War Memorial, Hills Farm Cemetery, the Capitol, the Museum, its community halls, Horsham Park, Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Chesworth Farm or its allotments will be decided by a large organisation probably not based in our area. A town council could take over running these services.
We will be asking for your opinions on the formation of a town council for Horsham in a public survey during the early summer, so do please look out for details and let us have your views.