Devolution of Local Government to West Sussex
In the past few months, we have heard a lot about local government reorganisation and devolution of powers, which could lead to a radical transformation of local government as we have hitherto known it. The information at times appears confusing and strong views have been expressed by various groups and individuals.
In an attempt to simplify things and to encourage members to contribute to the discussion, the officers of Chichester Conservative Association want to share an update on what has been happening in relation to the Government’s Devolution Agenda.
First, a timeline of what is happening.
There is currently a consultation open, which finishes on the 13th April 2025 which calls on people and bodies to submit views on the devolution process to create a Combined Mayoral Authority. Councillors will be responding to that consultation in their official capacity as District and County Councillors.
The Association will not be formally responding to the consultation although Association members may do so individually.
If party members would like to respond to the government consultation, then the link is here.
Future of local government in Sussex - West Sussex County Council Follow the tab “Have your Say”.
The Local Government Association has published a lot of useful information, including a FAQ.
The devolution and LG reorganisation hub | Local Government Association
Following the results of the consultation there will very likely be an election for a Regional Mayor in May 2026 to lead a new Combined County Authority.
Subsequent to that there will be elections in 2027 to elect the new representatives for a new unitary authority that will cover West Sussex, including Chichester. It is not yet totally clear what the makeup of that unitary authority will be, and we have been told that there will be a consultation on that in the future.
Overall, the view of the officers of The Association is that the Government gave West Sussex no real choice but to go through the process of moving to a Unitary Authority and being part of a Combined Mayoral Authority. The Government made it clear in its proposals that local authorities who do not engage in the process will still have a devolved system imposed on them at a later stage but would not have the full benefit of the services and finances available to the authorities that had engaged in the devolution proposals at the start of the process.
There will hopefully be benefits of devolved powers, which we can make the most of for our local community in the long run. Further, it is important that West Sussex is part of the discussion and influences any decisions made by the Government which it should do if it participates at this point whereas, later, such influence will be substantially reduced.
The postponement of the May 2025 elections by the Labour Government does not mean that we can put our feet up. If the devolution plans proceed, we must ensure that the Combined County Authority is led by a Conservative Mayor. In addition, we have a four-year long campaign ahead of us to turn Chichester blue again at the next General Election. We must start now!
A Fighting Fund has been established and any donations people might be willing to make as we start the process towards defeating the Lib. Dems would be greatly appreciated. They are already spending time and money on campaigning! We must ensure that we are not left behind.
Susan Taylor, Chairman
David Millican, Deputy Chairman Political
Tim Chatwin, Communications Officer