Councils in West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove will be likely to agree to forward plans to create one strategic authority to govern all.

By tomorrow it’s expected they will apply to the government to scrap county council elections due to take place this May and preparing to elect members of a new authority – and a mayor of Sussex.

This move would bring about changes to the way local services like education, social care and policing are run.

More detailed criteria for local government reorganisation is expected to be sent to all councils in the next few months, followed by a government-led consultation on reorganisation proposals.

Elections due to take place across Surrey this summer could be postponed for a year while proposals are made to reform local councils.

It has requested holding them in 2026, giving it time to make proposals on council reform, after plans for changes to local government were outlined in December.

The leaders of Surrey’s 11 district and borough councils have said they would oppose any postponement if submitted.

There was also concern the change would decrease local representation for residents.

The police and crime commissioner for Surrey has warned that services could be cut if council tax is not increased.

Lisa Townsend said Surrey Police was one of the fastest-improving forces in England but her force still had to find a way to save roughly £18m over the next four years.

To combat the shortfall, the PCC wants to increase the amount Surrey residents pay for policing through their council tax by roughly 4.3%.

People are being asked for their thoughts on increasing their contribution.

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 2 February. Further information can be found on the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner website.