Council Agenda Item 44
Subject: Devolution for Sussex & Brighton
Date of meeting: 13 October 2025
Report of: Director for Governance and Law
Contact Officer: Name: Head of Democratic Services
Email: anthony.soyinka@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
1.1 In July 2025, following a public consultation, the Government, confirmed that the proposal to create a new Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Sussex and Brighton had met the statutory tests and that it would move forward with mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026.
1.2 Before a new MCCA for Sussex and Brighton can be formally created, the three Upper Tier authorities – West Sussex County Council (WSCC), East Sussex County Council (ESCC), and Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) are required to provide their consent.
1.3 This report advises Council of a Cabinet report that asks Cabinet to confirm its approval in principle to consenting to devolution in the terms outlined, and seeks authority to delegate to the Council’s Chief Executive Officer the task of conferring Brighton & Hove City Council’s formal consent.
2.1 That Council endorse the recommendations set out in the Cabinet report attached.
3.1 In December 2024, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper outlining its vision, priorities and plans for devolution in England. In February 2025, an application from BHCC, ESCC and WSCC to join the Devolution Priority Programme and to establish an MCCA for the Sussex and Brighton region was accepted by the government.
3.2 Between 10th February and 17th April 2025, the government carried out a consultation to seek views from stakeholders and residents from across the Sussex region on proposals to form an MCCA for Sussex and Brighton. In July 2025, the government published the outcome of the consultation and confirmed that the proposal to create an MCCA for Sussex and Brighton had met the statutory tests and that it would move forward with mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026.
3.3 Prior to the passing of the Bill, the creation of a new MCCA will require secondary legislation in the form of an SI to be debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament. The government has announced its intention to lay the necessary SI that would create a new MCCA for Sussex and Brighton in Parliament in Autumn 2025. Before the SI can be laid it is necessary for all constituent authorities to provide formal consent.
4.1 Having submitted a successful expression of interest to join the Devolution Priority Programme and been given the go-ahead by the government to progress devolution in Sussex and Brighton, the Council has been working with partners towards the creation of an MCCA.
4.2 The alternative to the recommendations outlined above is to refuse consent to move forward with devolution in Sussex and Brighton.
5.1 A summary of a government-led public consultation is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
6.1 A summary of the financial implications is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
Name of finance officer consulted: James Hengeveld Date consulted :01/10/2025
7.1 A summary of the legal implications is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
Name of lawyer consulted: Allan Wells Date consulted: 25/09/2025
8.1 A summary of the equalities implications is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
Name of equalities officer consulted: Deborah Totney Date consulted: 01/09/2025
9.1 A summary of the sustainability implications is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
10.1 A summary of the health and wellbeing implications is set out in the Cabinet report attached.
11.1 Council is asked to endorse the proposals the recommendations for devolution set-out in the Cabinet report attached.
Supporting Documentation
1. Brighton and Hove City Council devolution consultation response
2. Summary of the Sussex & Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026
3. Summary of Devolution Framework
4. Sussex and Brighton devolution consultation response - GOV.UK