A consultation on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton is now open and everyone across the county is invited to have their say.

The government is running the consultation, which is specific to the Sussex and Brighton region, until the end of the day on Sunday 13 April.

All interested parties are welcome to have their say, including organisations as well as individuals who live and work in the region.

The consultation specifically asks about:

1. The proposed geography
2. Governance arrangements
3. Supporting the economy
4. Improving social outcomes
5. Local government services
6. Improving the local natural environment
7. Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity

West Sussex County Council and neighbouring upper tier authorities in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove will be submitting our own responses to the questions.

We encourage you to consider your responses and appreciate your support in encouraging others within your own networks and communities to take part.

Full details of the consultation can be found on the gov.uk website here:

Sussex and Brighton devolution - GOV.UK

Further information is available in the government press notice here:

Devolution Priority Programme consultations launch - GOV.UK

As previously mentioned, our bid to be on the government’s devolution priority programme is a positive opportunity to draw down more powers and funding for our areas from central government.

Ministers have agreed that a strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton, made up of an elected mayor, and two members of each constituent authority, offers the chance to give the people who live here more control and influence over the issues that affect them, from transport and housing to skills and employment, as well as a stronger voice in how national decisions affect them.

The decision whether or not to proceed with the proposal will be one for the government to take based on its assessment of the consultation responses.  We are not able to put in place any formal steps towards setting up a combined authority for Sussex until that decision is made.  However, we will look to engage you as key partners in informal discussions in the coming weeks, so that we are ready to move ahead at pace, if we do receive the green light.

Separate to this process, authorities across our region are discussing plans for local government reorganisation, with a proposal to government due to be submitted soon.  We will update on this shortly.

Regards,

Paul Marshall

Leader, West Sussex County Council