Devolution
Devolution refers to creating a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton.
The background to Devolution
On 16 December 2024 the Government issued an English Devolution White Paper. This paper asked for County Councils to join together to make proposals to be a Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a new level of local government, a bit like the London Mayor, that oversees public transport, the economy, police and fire, large scale planning, and may in the future look after some health powers too.
Most of these services will be transferred from central government. For residents this could lead to a strengthening economy and better public transport, and they will be able to elect the Mayor who decides how many new homes have to be built in the area.
West Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council have told the Government they think the Combined Authority should cover the whole existing area of Sussex. The Government has agreed to progress this proposal onto a fast-track programme, (known as the Devolution Priority Programme). It is likely the new strategic authority would be created in March 2026 and mayoral elections would be held in May 2026.
Government consultation on Devolution
The Government ran a public consultation in areas chosen for the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). This closed on 13 April 2025.
The consultation sought views on the proposal to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for the local government areas of East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council (referred to as Sussex and Brighton in this consultation).
It asked for comments from those living and working in our county about:
- The proposed geography
- Governance arrangements
- Supporting the economy
- Improving social outcomes
- Local government services
- Improving the natural environment
- Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity
Timeline
March 2025 – Outline plans submitted to government
September 2025 – Detailed plans finalised with government
March 2026 - The new strategic authority would be created
May 2026 - Mayoral elections to be held
May 2027 - Elections to new (shadow) unitary authorities
1 April 2028 – Vesting day for the new unitary authority
The Devolution Priority Programme is the Government's fast track programme to set up strategic authorities with an elected Mayor
In this area, a proposal has been submitted to the Government to form a strategic authority covering West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. The proposal has now been accepted by the Government and placed on the Devolution Priority Programme.
A Mayor is the directly elected leader of a geographical region. Many areas of England already have Mayors, including London, Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire. There are also directly elected mayors covering single unitary councils.
The Government believes that within the context of Strategic Authorities, Mayors should have a unique role which allows them to focus fully on devolved responsibilities. Council leaders are expected to continue to focus on leading their place and delivering vital services.
Those who have been elected to the newly formed council before “vesting day” will only be given the powers to prepare for the new council coming into effect. This will involve creating a corporate plan, setting a budget for the following year, and producing a constitution. They will also appoint a Chief Executive, Statutory Officers and other senior officers to prepare for the transition.
During this year, the Government will also issue a Structural Order to all existing councils, including ours, to advise on what we can and can't do during that year. Day to day decisions will continue, but major financial decisions relating to new activities will be restricted.
No. As far as we are concerned, it is business as usual, and we will continue to support our communities to the high standards that they expect. We will just need to carefully consider any long-term decisions that may impact on any future reorganisation.
All current authorities in Sussex will cease to exist on the transfer date and all staff will move across to the newly formed authority.
All services provided by county, unitary, district and borough councils will continue. There may also be some services that are currently delivered by county, unitary, district and borough councils that may transfer to the new strategic authority.
If Local Government Reorganisation takes place, then Horsham District Council will no longer be an entity once the new Unitary Authority is established. However, councillors will be able to put themselves forward as candidates for the new authority.
If the Government decides to go ahead with Local Government Reorganisation then a Structural Order will be laid in Parliament. This will set out in detail what will happen to all assets and liabilities, including reserves, for all of the councils merging to form the new unitary council. Where other local government reorganisations have taken place, assets, liabilities and reserves were not ringfenced.