Decision details

To consider whether to submit an expression of interest in relation to an East Sussex Devolution deal to Government.

11.1     The Leader and Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Executive.

DECISIONS

11.2     The Leader and Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Note the invitation from Government to submit a devolution proposal; and

2) Approve the draft letter (Appendix 3 of the report) and Expression of Interest (Appendix 4 of the report) which respond to the invitation from Government.

REASONS

11.3     Government recently wrote to all upper tier authorities in England without devolution deals to invite them to consider a devolution proposal for their area, with the opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest by the end of September.

11.4     Whilst devolution has been progressed by previous Governments, new legislation will allow local areas to formally request additional powers, replacing the previous deal-based approach.

11.5     It is proposed that the County Council, with the support of the district and borough councils, submits an Expression of Interest for devolved powers based on the existing East Sussex geography.

11.6     Devolution provides opportunities to support medium and long term local economic growth through opportunities for funding and new powers in areas including transport, adult education, planning and economic development. However it is not anticipated that it would help to overcome the severe financial constraints faced by the County Council in the short term.