The significant change which is being proposed will reshape the way our local government operates: the establishment of a unitary authority. What does this proposal entail, why it is being considered, and how it might impact our community?

A unitary authority is a single-tier local government structure that replaces the existing two-tier system which includes both county and district councils. In a unitary model, one council is responsible for all local government functions, from education and housing to waste management and planning.

A Strategic Authority will be the West and East Sussex authorities grouped together with Brighton or any other such grouping which may be created.

Why is this Being Proposed?

Proponents of the unitary authority model argue that it offers:

• Cost Savings: Streamlining local government can reduce duplication, potentially saving taxpayers money.
• Simplified Services: A single authority could make it easier for residents to navigate services and resolve issues.
• Stronger Strategic Planning: A unified council together with a Strategic Authority could coordinate efforts more effectively across the area, addressing challenges such as housing and economic development.
• The government says that it will devolve responsibilities and funding to the more powerful bodies.

However, critics have raised concerns about potential drawbacks, including:

• Loss of Local Representation: A larger unitary authority may dilute the voice of smaller communities.
• Centralisation of Power: Decision-making could become less responsive to local needs.
• Implementation Costs: The transition from a two-tier to a single-tier system could incur significant upfront costs and might prove damaging to the conditions and morale of employees.

How Will This Affect Us?

The proposal’s impact on us will depend on the specific details, such as:

• The boundaries of the unitary authority.
• The process by which it will be elected.
• How local representation will be maintained.
• The distribution of services and resources.
• The integration of staff into the new authority.
• Fundraising powers.

What Happens Next?

A Local Government Commission has recommended that a new unitary council be established on the south coast comprising Brighton and Hove, Worthing and Adur from West Sussex.  The Commission report recommends that the rest of the county of West Sussex should retain its current two tier structure. However the County Councils are looking to create unitary authorities across both counties. The government requires that the new unitary authorities consist of a population not less than 500,000.

The Commission’s alternative option was for the creation of three new unitary authorities comprising Arun and Chichester; Crawley, Horsham and Mid-Sussex; and Worthing, Adur and Hove.  Consultations are expected to take place to gather input from residents, businesses and stakeholders. It is vital that we, as Labour Party members, engage in this process to ensure that the voices of our community are heard and that any changes prioritise social justice, equity, and public accountability.

Many party members see the benefits of a West Sussex Coastal Authority which will reverse the decline that our our seaside towns have experienced in recent decades.  It could encompass a development corporation with powers to drive improvements in the region. On this basis the authority would encompass Arun district and the coastal wards of Chichester. It is a concern that consideration might be given to dividing Arun to increase the population of an authority based on Chichester. Party members in Crawley see advantages in pursuing city status for the town with a unitary authority encompassing the  Horsham area and Gatwick.

The Tories appear to favour West Sussex Authority based on the existing county. For the run down and neglected areas of the county this would not be good news.

Staff reorganisation and the inevitable redundancies must be viewed with caution and help from our trades unions. The whole package raises concerns that a smaller number of local authorities and a powerful mayor would centralise power and make it easier for the party to control candidate selection and reduce still further internal party democracy.

On 5^th February the County elections were cancelled and deferred to 2026 when they will be centred on the unitary authority proposal. Any proposed unitary authorities are expected to operate by May 2028.

The Sussex Mayor is a proposal which the government will announce shortly with administrative powers over West and East Sussex together with Brighton. It is intended that Mayoral elections should be conducted in May 2026. Without doubt the Labour mayors of London and Greater Manchester have had considerable success. Elsewhere elected mayors have had a lesser impact. A Sussex mayor would take over the role of the police and crime commissioner together with some of the powers of the leaders of the Sussex county councils and Brighton. Unless we can motivate our Labour electorate this could be a move in a challenging direction.

What would a strategic combined authority for Sussex look like?

The Strategic Authority will be the unitaries grouped together, with (or without) a Mayor.

If agreed by the government, it would cover West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, with a population of 1.7 million, aligning with the Sussex Police and Integrated Care System (ICS) areas.

The Government White Paper says the Strategic Authority would be responsible for:

1. Transport and local infrastructure
2. Skills and employment support
3. Housing and strategic planning
4. Economic development and regeneration
5. Environment and climate change
6. Health, wellbeing and public service reform
7. Public safety

With regard to planning we should seek  a return to wider regional planning. The Strategic Authority will do the (sub) regional plan

The risk in this change is a further transfer of power to Whitehall. We need to ensure that any new authority is more transparent and accessible to the public than the current system, otherwise the simplification of council structures will not benefit the people we are told it’s aimed at. Number of councillors and the size of their electorate will be important. In addition, parish councils must be considered. They do important work, especially in rural areas and this change may make parish and town councillors the first point of contact creating a much heavier casework load.

Democracy is critical. How will elections be run. Might it be ‘first past the post’, something like ‘single transferable vote’ or a more representative proportional representation system?

Funding. We need any efficiency benefits to be retained locally. We also need the restoration of the Revenue Support Grant in some form, with good protection and guarantees.

How Can You Get Involved?

• Attend local meetings and forums to learn more about the proposal.
• Share your views during the consultation process.
• Discuss the potential implications with friends, family, and neighbours to raise awareness.
• Canvass continuously in areas where we can identify Labour supporters.

As a branch, we will be monitoring developments closely and will keep you informed about opportunities to contribute to the debate. Together, we can ensure that any changes serve the best interests of our community.

If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to contact us or attend the next branch meeting.