The transformative plans for local government in Sussex are set to bring significant changes through devolution and the reorganization of local authorities. Spearheaded by West Sussex County Council, in collaboration with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, the initiative aims to create a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton. This historical shift in governance focuses on devolving powers from Westminster to locally elected mayors, granting local authorities more control over critical functions and services. This devolution marks a major step toward enhancing localized decision-making and tailored community solutions, empowering local governments to better address their unique needs.
Introduction to Devolution and Approval
Devolution is seen as a means to enhance local governance by transferring responsibilities from the national government to regional authorities. In Sussex, the bid for devolution, submitted jointly by the three councils, was approved by the government in February 2025. This approval facilitates the implementation of a Mayoral Combined Authority, which will provide strategic leadership over eight key areas: housing, highways and transport, economic growth, skills, environment and climate change, health, and public safety. The population of Sussex, approximately 1.5 million, meets the government’s criteria for such combined authorities.
The Mayoral Combined Authority model aims to centralize strategic decision-making while allowing for more focused local service delivery. By aligning the population with government criteria, Sussex stands poised to effectively implement this governance restructure. The new authority is expected to foster economic growth, enhance transportation infrastructure, and advance public health initiatives tailored to the region’s needs. Moreover, the ability to address climate change through localized environmental policies underscores the forward-thinking nature of this devolution process.
Public Consultation Process
A significant aspect of this initiative is the public consultation, which opened on February 17 and will close on April 13. This consultation process is critical in gathering feedback from residents and stakeholders on several pivotal areas. These include the proposed geography of the authority, governance arrangements, economic support, social outcomes, local government services, environmental improvements, and addressing local community needs while reflecting local identities. This inclusive approach ensures that the views and concerns of those who live and work in Sussex are considered.
Engagement with the Sussex community through structured consultations ensures that the planned changes are transparent and democratic. Residents and stakeholders are given a platform to voice their opinions on the proposed governance structures, thereby fostering a sense of ownership over local decision-making processes. By considering diverse perspectives, the councils aim to create a more cohesive and effective governance framework that resonates with the unique identities and needs of the Sussex population.
Reorganization of Local Government Structures
Concurrently, the government is focusing on reorganizing local government structures, particularly by creating unitary authorities in regions where multiple councils currently exist. Under this new arrangement, unitary authorities will manage most of the day-to-day services presently administered by district, borough, and county councils. The larger combined mayoral authority will handle broader, strategic issues. The goal is to have areas with populations around 500,000 served by a single local council, streamlining governance and potentially improving the efficiency and coordination of services.
The move towards unitary authorities aims to eliminate redundant layers of administration, thereby reducing bureaucracy and improving service delivery. This restructuring is intended to streamline operations, making it easier to implement policies and programs across different regions. By consolidating governance, the authorities seek to foster greater accountability and efficiency, providing a clearer framework for addressing the diverse needs of the Sussex population. The anticipated result is a more coherent and responsive local government system that better serves its communities.
Strategic Postponement of Local Elections
At this stage, it is important to note that no immediate changes to local government or services will occur. The government has decided to postpone nine local elections initially scheduled for May 2025, including those in West Sussex. This postponement is strategic, given the complexities of preparing for mayoral elections in 2026 and the need to conduct the devolution consultation without interference from pre-election sensitivities. This structured approach aims to balance maintaining continuity in local services with pushing forward substantial governance reforms.
By postponing the elections, the government allows more time to adequately prepare for the transition to the new governance model. This period will be crucial for having a seamless shift, ensuring that both administrative and operational aspects are smoothly managed. It also provides an opportunity to thoroughly engage with the public, gather comprehensive feedback, and implement changes that reflect residents’ preferences before the mayoral elections. This calculated delay underscores the commitment to a meticulous and well-executed implementation process.
Benefits of Localized Control
The overarching trend is towards granting more localized control, with the belief that such decentralization can lead to more responsive, efficient, and strategic management of regional issues. A key consensus among stakeholders is the potential benefits of a more locally managed governance framework, with anticipated improvements in economic growth, social outcomes, and environmental sustainability. The detailed attention to public engagement through consultations highlights the democratic underpinning of the reforms, ensuring that the changes reflect the will and needs of the local population.
Localized control enables authorities to swiftly address region-specific challenges and opportunities, tailoring solutions to fit the unique context of each area. Stakeholders advocate for this model, highlighting how focused governance can promote innovation, increase accountability, and improve overall service delivery. Additionally, localized control supports sustainable practices by considering the environmental and social impact of policies at a micro level. The emphasis on public participation ensures that reforms are not only effective but also resonate with the community’s values and priorities.
Moving Forward with Modernized Governance
The upcoming changes in local government for Sussex are poised to bring notable shifts through devolution and the restructuring of local authorities. Led by West Sussex County Council, along with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, this initiative seeks to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton. This major change in governance aims to move powers from Westminster to locally elected mayors, providing local authorities with greater control over essential functions and services. This devolution initiative represents a crucial step towards enhancing localized decision-making and offering customized solutions for communities. By granting local governments more authority, the plan empowers them to address their unique needs more effectively. This transformation will enable local leaders to tailor their strategies and policies to better serve their populations, improving efficiency and responsiveness in meeting the distinct needs of their regions.
