Worthing To Be Part of a Unitary Authority in Sussex.

Sussex is to join the priority devolution scheme which provides for unitary authorities to take over the responsibilities of the current councils. Local elections due in May are to be cancelled, with a new mayor elected in 2026.

Cllr Dr Becky Cooper, MP for Worthing West, said “Unitary authorities will give residents a direct say in how their area is run and mean services can be tailored to meet local needs and demand. While Mayors will be given new powers to deliver on the things that really matter - like transport, housing and jobs - backed up with the funding they need.”

Others have expressed dismay that elections will not now go ahead. Paul Holden, editor of the Worthing Journal, commented on the lack of consultation with voters, and predicted “the probable obliteration of Worthing as a standalone borough.”