Issue - meetings

Report by the Chief Executive

26.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.

26.2     It was RESOLVED to:

1) Approve and consent to the establishment of the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority;

2) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to agree the contents of, and consent to, the making of the Sussex and Brighton Combined Authority Order 2026 establishing the Combined County Authority;

3) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to take such action as necessary to give effect to the above resolutions and to facilitate the establishment of the MCCA; and

4) To agree in principle (in the event that Brighton and Hove City Council also agrees) to adopt an equal share of the financial liability for any MCCA overspend, subject to the conditions set out at paragraph 3.6 of the Addendum to the report; and to delegate to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader authority to agree the terms of such an arrangement and enter into the necessary agreements; and if the terms of such an arrangement cannot be agreed that the matter be brought back to Cabinet for reconsideration.

Reasons

26.3     Devolution and the establishment of Mayoral Combined County Authority has the potential to present significant benefits to the region. The Government has confirmed that a £38m a year investment fund over 30 years (£1.14bn) to spend on agreed regional priorities. The funding will potentially boost economic growth, support jobs, and enhance local services. The Bill also devolves new transport, housing, and adult skills powers for more local decision-making.

26.4     The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, should have delegated authority to agree to the Statutory Instrument so that consent can be given in a timely manner and within the timescales set by Government. The Chief Executive should have delegated authority to take any action needed to enact the recommendations and facilitate the establishment of the MCCA.

26.5     Agreeing to align liability with voting rights is a pragmatic step that supports the establishment of the MCCA, addresses West Sussex County Council’s concerns, and promotes fair governance. East Sussex County Council’s support would be conditional on an equivalent from Brighton & Hove City Council.