Brighton & Hove City Council submitted a proposal to the government to explore how local government could be reorganised to serve our communities better, improve services, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The government has launched an 8-week statutory consultation on different proposals to change how local government is structured across Sussex.
LGR is a government-led initiative to simplify council structures by replacing the two-tier system (county and district councils) with unitary authorities that deliver all local services.
LGR is a process led by the central government that looks at how local councils are structured. It can involve changes such as:
The aim is to improve outcomes for residents, reduce duplication, and ensure councils are financially sustainable.
Plans for LGR are outlined in the government’s White Paper (December 2024),
Brighton & Hove City Council is the only Unitary Authority (one tier) in Sussex. Our Sussex neighbouring councils operate under a two-tier organisation. This means services are split between a county and a district council. As part of the two-tiered local government, areas are asked to reorganise into unitary councils.
As they change, there's a potential for Brighton & Hove to combine with other areas in Sussex.
Any change needs to:
Government guidance is to increase the size of new unitary authorities to between 300,000 to 500,000 residents. This would mean between 3 to 5 unitary authorities across the footprint of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government.
Local government reorganisation is about how the responsibilities and funding that sit with local government are organised between councils.
Find more information about devolution in Sussex and Brighton.
Brighton & Hove is a unique and diverse city with a strong sense of identity. However, like many councils, we face increasing demand for services, financial pressures, and a need to modernise how we work.
Brighton & Hove is already a unitary authority, but as part of the wider Sussex devolution programme, it may need to adjust its boundaries to serve a larger population and align with regional governance models.
Our proposal sets out how reorganisation could:
We support a five-unitary model across Sussex, with each authority serving 300,000 to 400,000 residents. Brighton & Hove may retain its current footprint or merge with neighbouring areas to the east.
Four options for eastern expansion are under review. Westward expansion was ruled out due to financial and community feedback.
Services will continue, but may be delivered more efficiently. The aim is to improve access, quality, and financial sustainability.
We're committed to preserving local identity and parish boundaries. Any changes will reflect existing community ties and service use.
Governance models will evolve, but local representation will remain a priority. Area Committees or similar structures may be introduced to ensure community voices are heard.