Government devolution plans and Sussex proposals
What is the government's proposal?
The government's English Devolution White Paper proposes new Mayoral Combined Authorities with local government reorganisation aligned to upper-tier authority boundaries. See:
What are the upper tier authorities in Sussex proposing?
The Cabinets of the Sussex upper tier authorities - East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council are proposing a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering all of Sussex.
What would a strategic combined authority for Sussex look like?
If agreed by the government, it would cover West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, with a population of 1.7 million, aligning with the Sussex Police and Integrated Care System (ICS) areas.
What is the difference between a unitary authority and a strategic combined authority?
A unitary authority would bring the services that lower (district/borough) and upper tier (county) councils currently provide to better tackle issues in a holistic way - ie bringing supported housing, social care and homelessness together. Unitary authorities should serve a population of at least 500,000. Adur and Worthing combined currently has a population of around 175,900, meaning Adur & Worthing Councils wouldn't be able to be a unitary on its own. See:
A strategic combined authority would have strategic regional powers - such as around transport, skills & employment, strategic planning, regeneration and devolution of funding. Examples such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Greater London show the different roles between a regional combined authority and unitaries within it. A strategic combined authority can either be a Foundation Strategic Authority (without a mayor) or a Mayoral Strategic Authority (with a directly elected mayor).
Who would decide on what once the reorganisation has taken place?
The government has published a Devolution Framework summary table to outline which level of local authority would do what. The difference between Foundation and Mayoral authorities, are that the former are Strategic Combined Authorities without a mayor and the latter are the same but with a mayor. See:
What say does Adur & Worthing Councils have in this?
At this stage, it is only the upper tier councils (county or unitaries) that are invited to submit expressions of interest to join the priority devolution programme. However the Sussex upper tier authorities have committed to a continuous engagement and collaboration with local councils in Sussex as well as other strategic partners, such as the NHS, Sussex Police, East and West Sussex Fire Authorities, businesses, and further and higher education providers and other key local organisations and businesses.
While there is no statutory duty for councils to consult residents directly, the government will lead a consultation strategy in partnership with local authorities on the combined authorities.
What is the timeline?
10th January 2025: Submission of expression of interest by upper tier authorities to join the priority devolution programme to government.
January 2025: Government decides whether to issue a formal invitation to Sussex upper tier authorities to submit reorganisation proposals.
March 2025: Upper tier authorities to submit indicative reorganisation plans.
Spring 2025: Devolution consultation on the plans following which a Ministerial decision will be taken as to whether to proceed with a Combined Authority.
Autumn 2025: The Government Spending Review will then confirm future mayoral investment funds for new mayoral areas, which could include Sussex.
Autumn 2025: Areas to submit their reorganisation proposals. At this time relevant legislation will be laid before Parliament in relation to the creation of Combined Authorities.
End of 2025 to early 2026: Ministers will consider proposals for the unitary authorities and the phasing of implementation of these with statutory consultations being undertaken on the first tranche of proposals.
2026: Mayoral elections and decision to move to Mayoral Strategic Authority.
2027: Elections for a new unitary shadow authority.
2028: Reorganisation completed and unitary councils go live.
How will Council Tax rates be affected?
Council Tax rates across participating authorities will need to be equalised. This will be recalculated by the shadow authority following specific methodologies.
What happens to council-owned assets?
Assets such as property, contracts, and intellectual property will be reviewed and transferred to the new unitary authority as agreed between the parties. This includes decisions on surplus properties, leases, and community assets.
How can I stay informed?
We'll provide regular updates as the situation evolves.
Page last updated: 10 January 2025