The Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) convened to discuss and approve the submission of a local government reorganisation (LGR) proposal to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by the 26 September 2025 deadline, with members voting to recommend option B2 as the preferred option for both Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council. The committee also agreed to form a cross-party working group to explore community governance options for residents in Adur and Worthing.

Local Government Reorganisation Proposal

The main item under consideration was the submission of a proposal for local government reorganisation, a process running alongside the devolution programme and the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) across Sussex. The MHCLG had invited all councils in Sussex to submit their proposals for LGR.

The report presented to the committee included the 'Final Business Case for LGR' and a 'Supplementary Statement: A Two-Unitary Model for West Sussex'. The Final Business Case outlined three potential options for a new single-tier unitary authority, while the supplementary statement advocated for a two-unitary model.

The key conclusions from the LGR Business Case were:

• Three viable options had been identified: Option A (a single county-wide unitary authority) and Options B1 and B2 (two unitary authorities with different configurations).
• Option A was projected to deliver greater annual net savings (£48.8 million) compared to Options B1/B2 (£18.8 million).
• A majority of respondents to the public engagement survey (62%) preferred a two-unitary model, with Option B2 being the most popular.
• The viable options were broadly comparable in their ability to meet the government's tests .

The Supplementary Statement for a Two-Unitary Model highlighted several advantages:

• Better alignment with the economy, as West Sussex has two distinct economic zones.
• Strong public support for the two-unitary model.
• Financial viability, with projected annual savings.
• Improved services, especially in social care and housing.
• Enhanced local democracy due to a better councillor-to-resident ratio.

The report recommended that the JSC agree to submit Option B2 as the preferred option for both Adur and Worthing Councils.

During the meeting, members emphasised that local government reorganisation was not primarily a 'cost cutting exercise' but an exercise in making use of resources effectively to create efficient and good quality services.

The committee unanimously agreed that the B2 option should be the preferred option for both Adur and Worthing Councils.

The committee delegated authority to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leaders of Adur and Worthing Councils, to submit the Letters of Preference to MHCLG, confirming the approved LGR Option by 26 September 2025.

Community Governance

The report recognised the importance of establishing effective neighbourhood governance and ensuring responsible custodianship of place. It noted that MHCLG expects LGR to foster improved and sustained community engagement through a simplified, standardised system of local area-working and governance, potentially via Neighbourhood Area Committees. The report also acknowledged the complexities of community governance, including the option of Community Governance Reviews (CGRs) and the creation of town and parish councils. To ensure the delivery of the right form of local democracy, the report anticipated the need for a key workstream on community governance. The committee agreed to the creation of a cross-party working group to review and scope the options for community governance for the residents of Adur and Worthing as the councils move into the new unitary.

Public Question Time

A member of the public asked how the council would ensure connections with existing institutions, such as parish councils and community centres, given that the council would not exist in its current form in the near future. The response highlighted the importance of effective neighbourhood governance and the value of ward councillors and voluntary sector organisations. It was stated that a new working group would be launched to explore all available options.

Another resident asked how transparency and local decision-making could be achieved, given concerns about losing local representation and accountability. They also enquired about the future of Worthing Borough Council assets. The response stated that the leaders would continue to work closely with other West Sussex authorities on preparations for LGR transition. It was noted that the community governance working group would play an important role in addressing questions and concerns. The government had advised that councils involved in local government reorganisation should carefully consider decisions now that could impact the new future unitaries. It was also noted that historic property may be transferred to Charter Trustees to maintain civic and ceremonial tradition.

Other Matters

• Councillor John Turley, a Worthing Borough Councillor, declared an interest as a Member of West Sussex County Council.
• There were no pre-submitted members' questions.
• There were no urgent items raised.

The meeting was declared closed at 7.21 pm.