10 things we learned about devolution for Sussex

1  Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation are two different things
We’ll all hear these two terms a lot in coming months and years so it’s good to know the difference. ‘Devolution’ refers to the creation of a pan-Sussex Mayoral Authority, including Brighton & Hove to which certain powers and decision-making will be ‘devolved’ from central government. ‘Local Government Reorganisation’ (LGR) refers to the disbanding of the current district, borough and county councils to create the unitary authorities – of which East Sussex is expected to be one – that will have their own decision-making powers and also have representation on the Sussex Mayoral Authority.

 
2  The TWO types of authority being planned
The district, borough and county authorities in East Sussex will be combined to create a ‘unitary authority’, representing around 590,000 people, stretching from Peacehaven in the West to Camber in the East. Representatives from this unitary authority (and other unitary authorities for West Sussex and Brighton & Hove) will then be part of an overarching Sussex Mayoral Authority (aka the Mayoral Combined County Authority, or MCCA), representing a total population of around 1.7 million.

3  Devolution is intended to give Sussex greater decision-making powers…
That includes giving the Mayoral Authority more direct access to ministers in national government, the power to manage the region’s own budget (and the power to raise money) and the power to make strategic decisions in areas like economic growth, transport and adult education and skills. But there are big concerns that, at the same time that powers are being given down to regions, a democratic voice is being taken away from local communities at the grass roots level, with small towns and parishes especially at risk of not being adequately represented in either the unitary or mayoral authorities.

4  … but the number of elected representatives for Lewes Town likely to reduce from nine to around four
Currently, Lewes Town has two county councillors and seven district councillors representing it. Indications are, the town will get four representatives on the new unitary authority for East Sussex. At the time of writing, it is unclear what voice towns and parishes might have in relation to either to the mayoral or unitary authorities.

5  Lots of detail for the unitary authority for East Sussex is still to be ironed out
There has been unique consensus from the constituent councils of East Sussex in terms of the principles that will underpin development of the new unitary authority. The government has indicated that resident consultation on how the unitary authority might operate will happen, but is leaving it to district/boroughs/counties to see to this. Leadership of these bodies has committed to an evidence-based approach that draws strongly on the experience of authorities elsewhere that have already implemented LGR and/or devolution.

However, all the detail has yet to be formulated. That includes issues such as what happens to the finances when solvent and non-solvent authorities come together – and what happens to their respective assets. It’s expected that public consultation on the plans may happen this summer, with a final draft of the plans submitted to government in the autumn. Elections for representatives for the new unitary authority are expected to take place in 2027, with a ‘shadow’ authority created until the full East Sussex Unitary Authority is vested in May 2028.

6  Early discussion is taking place about Lewes District Council assets to ensure they are secure for the future
The list of assets (i.e. buildings and land) held by Lewes District Council is being carefully reviewed to see what might be viable to be transferred into, e.g. Lewes Town Council ownership, trust stewardship, etc. so assets don’t simply get swallowed up by a unitary authority (and potentially sold in order to address any legacy financial deficits). However, although Lewes Town Council could have the administrative resources to look after more assets, there are questions around how parishes and villages with far fewer resources could do the same with assets in their areas.
 
7  The Mayor will have extensive funding and fundraising powers…
Reflecting the devolution of powers from central government, the Mayor will get a consolidated government funding pot. In addition, they will have the powers to raise a ‘precept’ (effectively council tax) to generate money to fund local priorities, the same way that the Police & Crime Commissioner and the Fire Authorities can.  Careful scrutiny is essential to avoid the risk of funds being raised to support mayoral ‘pet projects’ – but it is not clear what scrutiny structures will be put in place to avoid this happening.
 
8 …but there’s no mention of funding for climate action for the Mayoral Authority
The Mayoral Authority is intended to be used for strategic planning in areas including housing and regeneration; adult skills; and local transport. However, there’s no mention of statutory duties or powers to decide on climate or environmental strategy. Given that other mayoral authorities in the UK have developed climate strategies, there is scope to press for this being a key focus for the mayoral authority. Indeed, more than a dozen climate action networks, including the South East Climate Alliance (SECA), are demanding that the English Devolution Bill include statutory duties for climate and nature.
 

9  A first-past-the-post election for Mayor is favoured by government but it’s not a done deal
Given that London boroughs are petitioning for reform of the system for voting for the London Mayor, there is scope for a more progressive approach than a first-past-the-post vote in Sussex. However, with deposits to run for Mayor ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 in other parts of the country (and campaigning costs of up to £175,000), vigilance is needed to make sure that smaller parties with modest resources aren’t squeezed out of the race.

There is lots of talk about the potential for fielding a ‘progressive’ candidate that multiple parties get behind. This especially attractive, given the potential for the Mayor to be highly influential in local decision-making (perhaps even more influential than our own MP), and access to a significant budget and fund-raising powers too.
 

10 Efforts will be needed to make sure Lewes doesn’t end up simply a bit of ‘Greater Brighton’
As the most populous centre in the proposed Sussex Mayoral Authority, there is a risk that the needs and wants of Brighton & Hove could eclipse everywhere else. To ensure a more balanced focus, there are calls for the Mayor to be headquartered in the County Town of Sussex (i.e. Lewes!). There are also calls for an East Sussex Unitary to have multiple ‘headquarters’ to ensure populations in Hastings, Rye, Wealden, etc. retain their visibility. Given the potential power and influence of the Sussex Mayoral Authority, and the shift to a unitary authority in East Sussex, their administrative locations will doubtless be the focus of extensive discussion.

Download Councillor Dr Wendy Maples’ full presentation here.

If you would be interested in ongoing sessions at Lewes Climate Hub about the upcoming plans for devolution and local government reorganisation – and how to ensure that climate action and nature have a voice in these developments, email .