URL: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=779

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)              That the joint business case and the arguments contained in the Supplementary Statement for Local Government Reorganisation in West Sussex, as contained in the appendices to this report be approved.   ii)             To (i) support the two unitary model, comprising Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex in one unitary and Adur, Arun, Chichester and Worthing in the second unitary (the Local Government Reorganisation Proposal) and (ii) agree the submission of the Local Government Reorganisation Proposal along with the business case and the Supplementary Statement, or the arguments contained in this statement, to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government / relevant Minister for the 26 September 2025 deadline; and   iii)           That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to (i) devise the content of and write a letter for the Leader to send to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government / Minister, to accompany and facilitate the submission of the Council’s Local Government Page 3 Agenda Item 5 Reorganisation Proposal, and, (ii) make any corrections to the business case and Supplementary Statement as are required.     REASONS   i)              Cabinet needs to approve the business case and content of the Supplementary Statement and choose which option it wishes to support for the Leader to send a letter with the Council’s opinion to the Secretary of State / Minister.   ii)             The two-council option of Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Adur, Arun, Chichester, Worthing had the most public support, allows better focus on our economy, permits more local focussed community services, and gives better democratic representation locally and on the new Mayoral Strategic Authority.     URGENCY   This decision was treated by the Cabinet as urgent on the basis that any delay in its implementation would pose a risk of harm to residents and/or prejudice the interests of the Council.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   Cabinet could choose to not put forward any preference to the Secretary of State / Minister. If Cabinet does not give a view, the Secretary of State / Minister will reach a decision based on the evidence in the business case and the views of the West Sussex councils who do give a view. Therefore, the Leader has rejected this idea.

Date of Decision: September 24, 2025