Leaders have welcomed approval of their plans to collaborate in a single strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton with a directly elected mayor.
The government has agreed to move forward with a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) and confirmed the first mayoral election will take place in May 2026.
The new MCCA will bring together all upper tier local councils across Sussex to operate across the region while, while existing councils will continue to deliver day-to-day services.
The Devolution Bill (2025) outlines how significant powers, and funding will move down from central government to a local level, where decisions can be shaped with and by the people who live and work here. Including some of the things that impact residents the most, including transport, housing, jobs, economic growth, and public safety.
Brighton & Hove City Council Leader, Cllr Bella Sankey, said: “This is an historic and exciting moment for our region. Brighton and Sussex already has so much to offer but devolution will unlock powers and funding that will drive economic growth and investment in infrastructure, affordable housing, and job creation – things all parts of the region want to see.
“Decisions about the things that matter to all of us will be made closer to local people, communities and businesses affected. Just look at the progress other devolved areas like Manchester and Liverpool have made on bus connectivity, inward investment, affordable housing and skills.
“Too many people are in insecure housing, unrewarding work, or struggling to access the support they need. We’re also facing a climate emergency that demands urgent action.
“Alongside the establishment of a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Sussex & Brighton, councils in the region are also consulting on the establishment of new Unitary Authorities in the region as part of local government re-organisation. There are big changes ahead that will offer great things for the region. This is our moment.”
East Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Keith Glazier, said: “I believe that everyone in Sussex could benefit from our areas working together and with an elected mayor on some of the biggest issues ahead, such as jobs, transport, housing and the environment. This is a welcome step towards the goal of a Sussex devolution deal and we’ll keep working together to try and reach it.”
West Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Paul Marshall, said: “The Government’s announcement is a major step forward in the shaping of local government in Sussex. By providing us with the next steps we are now closer to bringing major decision making on key areas down to a local level. This provides Sussex with a voice at national level to deliver on vital issues such as transport, infrastructure and health. I look forward to our continued discussions with our partners in East Sussex and Brighton in deciding the next steps.”
This is just one step of a journey, with the next being local government reorganisation. Conversations on what future councils might look like are happening now across the region.
The legal process for Sussex and Brighton to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) will now begin, this is known as a ‘statutory instrument’.
All councils in Sussex and Brighton will now look in details at the powers proposed and understand the financial implications, before giving their formal consent through their decision-making processes.
The legislation is expected to be agreed in parliament in the Autumn.
The Sussex and Brighton consultation response outcome from government is available to read online.
