Following the confirmation Brighton & Hove and Sussex will be included in the government’s accelerated devolution programme, a new Cabinet adviser post has been created at the council.
Councillor John Hewitt is now Cabinet adviser for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation.
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “With the recent news that Brighton & Hove and Sussex have been accepted on to the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme, it’s all hands on deck to create a new strategic authority for our region and develop proposals for local government reorganisation.
“I’m delighted to appoint Councillor Hewitt as Cabinet adviser for this project.”
The role replaces the previous Cabinet adviser post on Regional Partnership held by Councillor Ty Goddard before he stepped down from the post last month.
A further change has been made to our Cabinet positions.
Councillor Tristram Burden has stepped down from his role as Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation. He will remain a ward councillor for Queen’s Park.
Councillor Jacob Allen has been appointed as interim Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation and will step down as deputy chair of the Planning Committee.
Councillor Allen will now oversee our work in areas like public health, adult safeguarding, adult social care, corporate performance, modernisation and IT and digital and will attend his first Cabinet meeting in this role on Thursday.
Councillor Sankey said: “Councillor Burden has been a valued member of our Cabinet.
“I would like to thank him for his hard work in helping this council deliver on our priority of creating a better Brighton & Hove for all.
“From more supported accommodation for those with mental health needs to developing our new drug and alcohol strategy, Councillor Burden has worked hard to deliver more effective services to those most in need.
“I am sure Councillor Burden will remain a passionate advocate and champion for residents in Queen’s Park.”
Councillor Sankey added: “I am delighted to appoint Councillor Allen to this important portfolio on an interim basis. I know he will roll up his sleeves and embrace our vital work delivering high quality adult social care, timely public health interventions and service transformation.”