Background

Devolution: Following the success of the well-known devolution examples in Manchester, Birmingham, Tees Valley etc., the Government proposes the creation of a new Mayoral Authority covering East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. This strategic authority (led by an elected mayor) will have responsibility for economic development, transport employment, housing, environment and climate change, health and public safety.

Local government re-organisation: East and West Sussex County and District Councils to be abolished and replaced by between three-five unitary authorities, including Brighton and Hove, already a unitary authority that may have to expand its population size by absorbing our immediate neighbours.

Brighton and Hove Council is enthusiastic about the opportunities of devolution: increased power and probably more resources. However, the legal duties and accountability mechanisms are yet to be defined and what the budget will be and how will it be funded doesn’t seem very obvious either.  Some observers also fear there may be a slide towards more heavy-handed, top-down planning and this will need to be monitored.

The mayoral elections are expected to be held in 2026. Sussex Compass is calling for the reinstatement of Supplementary Voting (where voters can express a first and second preference) instead of the current First Past the Post system, which the Tories only introduced in 2022.  How this pans out and who will make the necessary decisions also seems underdeveloped and is surely an area for engagement.

 

10 May 2025  10.00-12.30

Cornerstone Community Centre

Corner of Church Road and First Avenue

Hove

https://cornerstonecommunitycentre.com

Join us for the latest in our Brighton and Hove Coffee with Politics Series.