Local elections now taking place in West Sussex this year

CPRE Sussex Director’s column written for West Sussex Gazette, March 2026

After months of uncertainty, we now know local elections will take place in West Sussex this year.

This decision is a much-needed win for local democracy at a time when power is increasingly being centralised.

The elections are also an opportunity to ensure our newly elected councillors back the countryside and green spaces.

Climate, nature and affordable housing are in disastrous positions.

But public support for the countryside remains strong.

Recent research commissioned by the national CPRE charity revealed 7 in 10 people believe the amount of land protected for nature and wellbeing should be increased.

At a time when politics is so often divisive, protecting the countryside is cross-generational and cross-party.

What we need is strong local leadership which recognises the value of the countryside and the vital role of communities in decision making.

Of course, this year’s elections take place at an uncertain time for councils across Sussex.

The Government is planning to introduce unitary authorities across the historic county by 2028.

Four proposals for different unitary authorities were included in a recent consultation, each of which was backed by different councils.

Public awareness of this consultation appeared worryingly low.

However, one thing is very clear.

Whichever proposal is chosen, the result will be a loss of local knowledge and nuance in decisions, leaving us with a one-size-fits-all approach.

None of the proposals mention words like ‘countryside’ or ‘nature’, showing a lack of regard for Sussex’s unique qualities.

Rural communities in particular have reason to be concerned.

We saw the effects of centralisation after the appointment of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Police services were withdrawn from rural villages, leaving communities feeling abandoned.

Central and local government leaders might learn from that experience, not repeat it.

Distant, urban authorities will be less well-equipped to design policies and services that respond to rural needs.

Planning authorities in towns and cities may lack the local knowledge needed to achieve truly sustainable development.

Parish and town councils have a vital role in ensuring local concerns are heard and local knowledge is involved in decision-making.

Yet the consultation had nothing to say on the role of the most local tier of government.

More clarity is also needed on how and when new unitary authorities will implement strategic level planning policies for Sussex.

There are welcome opportunities in changing the infrastructure of local government, including in areas like strategic planning of transport, energy and land use.

But the proposals so far seem to be more about centralising than devolving.

With so many changes on the horizon, local political leaders should take note of two things.

First, protecting and enhancing the countryside is a priority for people from all walks of life.

Second, local voices must be at the heart of decision making.

To help CPRE Sussex shape a greener future for Sussex visit cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved.