Sussex leaders unite to launch Informal Partnership Board ahead of Mayoral Combined County Authority
Council leaders from across the region came together (10 October) today for the first meeting of a new partnership board, marking a key milestone in the journey toward establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Sussex & Brighton.
The meeting focused on preparations for devolution for Sussex & Brighton, which promises to bring decision-making closer to communities and unlock new funding for locally agreed priorities.
Board members discussed the strategic opportunities that devolution can bring, including the potential for stronger regional collaboration and greater investment to address shared challenges in areas such as economic growth, transport, housing, and the environment and a unified voice for Sussex & Brighton on the national stage.
This collaborative effort follows the government’s positive response to a joint proposal from the Leaders of Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council.
As a result, Sussex was invited to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme and following a public consultation was given the go ahead to move forward with the creation of a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Sussex & Brighton.
Key steps remain before the formal establishment of the Mayoral Combined County Authority, including formal consent from the 3 upper-tier councils in Sussex and the approval of the necessary legislation in Parliament.
In anticipation, preparatory work is already underway, including appointing an interim Chief Officer to guide the early work to create the new body.
The meeting also provided a platform to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the new authority is ready to deliver from day one.
Brighton & Hove City Council Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey, said: “This meeting is an important milestone for Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Devolution will bring influence and financial investment closer to local communities so we can decide how to create more jobs and affordable homes and deliver better integrated public transport.”
Leader of West Sussex County Council, Councillor Paul Marshall, said: “Working together will provide us all with the opportunity to shape how the combined authority will bring benefits to the residents, communities, and businesses of Sussex.
"It will give the area a voice at the centre of government for those issues will which help to bring further economic growth including on transport and infrastructure. I look forward to working with our partners in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex in delivering a new combined authority.”
Leader of East Sussex County Council, Councillor Keith Glazier, said: “This meeting was an important first step in the process of helping to shape the vision of the new Mayoral Combined County Authority, and ensuring it reflects the unique needs, challenges, and aspirations of our communities.
“It is great to see all 3 authorities working so closely with key local partners to make the most of this opportunity for Sussex and we look forward to continuing this partnership and working with residents and organisations to make devolution a success.”