We have submitted an Expression of Interest on devolution to government, signalling partnership and opportunity for economic growth.
The Expression of Interest (EoI) sets out a commitment to working together with all local authorities and partners to find the best solution for Sussex.
The letter was co-signed by Councillor Bella Sankey and the leaders of Horsham District Council, Worthing Borough Council, Mid Sussex District Council, Adur District Council, Arun District Council, Crawley Borough Council and Chichester District Council.
In July, the government announced it would be inviting applications for devolutions deals in areas where none currently exist.
Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, sent a letter to council leaders inviting them to submit an EoI by 30 September.
Councillor Bella Sankey said: “Sussex has so much potential.
“We're proudly home to a beautiful coastline and national park, three leading universities, a Premier League football team, international gateways including the UK’s second largest airport in Gatwick, and the ports of Shoreham and Newhaven.
“We have so much to offer but have not yet reached our potential.”
Councillor Sankey added: “There's extensive economic and business experience across all our local authority boundaries, so we are well-placed to be involved in discussions about deeper collaboration through devolution.
“We’ve started the journey of building stronger partnerships in Sussex and are open to continuing these conversations and working together to find the right devolution geography that will work for all our residents.
“This is an exciting time. Devolution has the potential to unlock powers and funding that would drive economic growth and ensure that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.
“This is a very early stage in the process, and we look forward to building further positive collaboration with partners across Sussex as further details from government emerge.”
Overall Sussex is an economically prosperous county, but there are significant regional disparities, with pockets of deprivation and unmet potential.
Devolution has the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities, and support collaboration to drive economic and social benefits.
Engagement will continue with councils in Sussex and will include key strategic partners and businesses.
Residents, businesses and local organisations will be involved at the earliest opportunity to inform and shape the process.
Our expression of interest can be read here:
The letter to Angela Rayner MP can be read here: