Decision - Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

That Cabinet: 1) Agrees to submit the response to the Government's devolution consultation for Sussex & Brighton as attached at Appendix 1. 2) Agrees to submit the response to the statutory invitation letter on local government reorganisation outlining Brighton & Hove's interim plan as attached at Appendix 2. 3) Delegates authority to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader, to make formatting, typographical or factual changes to ensure accuracy to the documents referred to at 2.1 and 2.2 prior to final submission. 4) Notes a further report will come to Cabinet prior to submission of the Council's final proposal on local government reorganisation in September 2025.

Brighton & Hove City Council gathered 597 responses on possible local government reorganisation in Sussex. Most respondents wanted Brighton & Hove to retain its current identity and autonomy, although some supported limited boundary changes or reorganisation if these delivered clear improvements to services, efficiency or financial sustainability.