Plans for a powerful decision-making Mayor of Sussex have been given the green light by the Government.
Council leaders have welcomed approval of their plans to collaborate in a single strategic authority for Sussex 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 (East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, and Brighton & Hove City Council) to operate across the region while, while existing councils will continue to deliver day-to-day services.
It is separate from, and not to be confused with, the on-going review of how local councils should be structured in East Sussex which is known as local government re-organisation.
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.
Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, 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.”
BHCC Council Leader 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.
The legal process for Sussex 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.