The Government published a White Paper on English Devolution in December last year, with proposals for the creation of a new tier of local government sitting above existing upper tier councils and operating over a wider geographic footprint to which new strategic powers and associated funding will be transferred from national government.
Subject to Government approval following public consultation, the Cabinet will be asked to approve governance arrangements for the executive joint committee of the three upper tier councils for Sussex which will lead on the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Sussex on terms agreed with West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.
The implementation of the decision will be dependent on whether the Government decides the statutory test for the MCCA is met.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Decision status: For Determination
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/04/2025
Decision due: 15 Jul 2025 by Cabinet
Lead director: Deputy Chief Executive
Department: Governance Services
Contact: Philip Baker, Deputy Chief Executive 01273 481564 Email: philip.baker@eastsussex.gov.uk Tel: 01273 481564.
Consultation process
A Government run consultation on devolution to Sussex has been undertaken - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/sussex-and-brighton-devolution/sussex-and-brighton-devolution-consultation and closed on 13 April. The County Council submitted a response.
The Government will analyse the responses, and the Secretary of State will take a decision devolution proposals for Sussex.
The following are being consulted on the arrangements for establishing a Combined Authority that will hold and discharge the devolved functions alongside the mayor who is expected to be elected in May 2026:
· West Sussex County Council
· Brighton & Hove City Council
· District and Borough Council Leaders