Councils will not merge, government confirms

Crawley Borough Council (pictured) and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council claimed there would be economic benefits to forming a unitary authority

There will be no merger between a council in Sussex and another in Surrey, the government has confirmed.

Crawley Borough Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council submitted a joint proposal to be brought together, saying the partnership would "maximise economic growth".

But they have been told by Jim McMahon, minister of state for local government and English devolution, that they do not meet the specified criteria, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has reported.

A spokesperson for Crawley Borough Council said the authority was disappointed and "perplexed" by this decision.

"This decision is not based upon the merits of the proposal, instead, the decision would largely seem to be based upon a reading of the legislation, which we do not share," the spokesperson said.

"Whilst criteria are also mentioned, our ability to meet these were at least in part due to the design of the Local Government Reorganisation process, and this does not seem to have been fully taken into account.

"This decision denies this town and this council the opportunity to consider this proposal alongside those emerging from West Sussex and to then take a view on what we believe is in the best interests of the town."

Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, also said he was disappointed but thankful to have shown the government the "important contribution that our combined area makes to the national economy, as well as its economic growth potential".

"While we accept the government's decision, we will continue to advocate for joined up economic and infrastructure planning and investment across both authorities," he added.