Decision - Devolution for Sussex & Brighton

This report will summarise proposals for the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Sussex & Brighton, including the powers set out in the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and the relevant funding proposals. The report will set out the process for progressing the Devolution proposals for decision.

1) That Council endorsed the recommendations set out in the Cabinet report attached: 1.1 That Cabinet notes the content of this report including the effect of the 1.2 Statutory Instrument and the assessment of the implications for Brighton & Hove City Council of creating a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Sussex & Brighton. 1.3 That Cabinet confirms its approval in principle to consenting to devolution and delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to undertake all steps necessary to provide consent on behalf of the Council to the Statutory Instrument that the Government proposes to lay before Parliament to create a new Mayoral Combined County Authority in the Sussex and Brighton region. 1.4 That Cabinet approves the procurement of the mayoral booklet services outlined in 6.13 of the report and grants delegated authority to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Director Governance and Law to: i. Take all steps necessary or incidental to undertake the procurement process; ii. Award the framework agreement and any respective call-off contracts and take all steps necessary or incidental to recover the costs incurred from the MCCA.

Brighton & Hove City Council strongly supports establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority covering Sussex and Brighton & Hove. The council believes devolution would improve economic growth, governance, public services, social outcomes, infrastructure, environmental action and collaboration, while stressing that local identities and representation must be protected.