This move indicates support for a Sussex Mayoral Strategic Authority, which they state could unlock new powers for the region. This would bring East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove City council all together.
According to the Government’s white paper on English Devolution, Mayoral Strategic Authorities will bring funding and local decision-making powers down from central government to deliver on economic growth, jobs and skills, housing, and transport.
A Mayoral Strategic Authority could provide the people of Sussex with a stronger voice in how national decisions affect them and greater power to shape major projects across the area, it is argued.
If the Government accepts the initial proposal for Sussex to join the devolution priority programme, it will conduct a consultation to obtain residents’ views.
West Sussex County Council leader, Cllr Paul Marshall, said: “We were pleased to receive the clarity needed from the Government which clearly identified the benefits an elected Mayor and strategic authority would bring to Sussex.
“By bringing powers down from central government on transport, infrastructure and health, we can join services and plans together that will enable more efficient and strategic decision making which will help boost our economy and the well-being of our residents and communities.”
Cllr Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “This is an exciting and significant step to unlock new powers and resources for communities across Sussex.
“I’m keen to move swiftly with the Government and all tiers of local government across the region to take advantage of the opportunities being presented to us.”
Leader of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Keith Glazier, said: “This is historic for Sussex; bringing together the three authorities and our partners to discuss the future of local government in the area and the benefits to our residents, businesses, and communities it could bring.
“We have all looked closely at the Government’s white paper, together discussed its benefits and what it offers and believe that we have come to the right decision to put forward an expression of interest for a Strategic Mayoral Authority for Sussex.”
The Government’s white paper outlines the key areas that a strategic authority would control to drive growth and provide support on shaping public services.
These include transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety.
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