This year’s council elections across Sussex have been cancelled amid plans to scrap them and move to a new local government structure.
County, district and borough councils in East and West Sussex are now set be replaced with unitary authorities, with a mayor being given devolved powers above them.
Once the areas these would cover have been established, elections will be held for the mayor in 2026 and the new councils in 2027.
The plans were announced this afternoon by local government secretary Angela Rayner in the House of Commons.
She said: “These places will get a fast track ticket to drive real change in their area.
“While devolution can sound techy, the outcome is simple.
“It’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, it’s to play for quicker, cheaper, better transport designed with local people in mind.
“A plan for putting politics back in the service of working people.”
The new mayoral strategic authority will be made up of an elected mayor and two members of each constituent authority, with strategic powers for transport, public safety, health, environment and climate change, housing, economic growth, skills and jobs.
Speaking about the move to unitary authorities, she said: “Councillors of all types, including district councillors, tell me the two tier system isn’t working.
“So alongside our wider reforms this government is committed to making simpler, more efficient and clearer structures so residents can access good public services without eye-watering price tags.
“Today I will be issuing a legal invitation to all 21 two-tier areas to submit proposals for unitary councils.
“Letters and the accompanying written statement will set out the requirements for these proposals.”
She said the proposals would be developed with “extensive engagement with local communities.”
The government has said each unitary authority should represent about half a million people, and each mayor at least 1.5 million.
According to the 2021 census, East Sussex has a population of 545,800, West Sussex 882,700 and Brighton and Hove 276,300 – a total of about 1.7 million.
Last month, both the county councils and Brighton and Hove’s unitary authority jointly submitted an expression of interest in joining a priority programme for a new mayoralty which has now led to the elections being scrapped.
The government will then consult on the proposals between January and March, with the aim of agreeing the new strategic authority by September.
Cllr Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council said: “I believe this is excellent news for the people of Sussex because it’s an opportunity for more decisions to be made locally and for greater investment here. I’m pleased the government has recognised our potential to prosper and develop together.”
Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “This is an historic and exciting moment for our region. I am optimistic and ambitious about devolution because of the direct benefits I know it will bring to all communities in Sussex. It will mean that more money is directly invested in our area and that better transport, affordable housing and skills and job creation can be accelerated.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with residents, businesses and partners to ensure that all of our communities have the opportunity to shape the future.”
Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: ““This is fantastic news for the whole of Sussex and West Sussex in particular. A mayoral authority will give our communities greater influence in the big decisions that affect the region, such as our highways, housing, and economic growth, plus much-needed long-term financial stability.
“I’m pleased the government has accepted us on to its priority programme, meaning we can unlock these benefits sooner rather than later. There is much to do, but please be assured we will continue our focus on delivering essential services and putting the needs of our residents first.”
If approved, the authority will be created in May 2026, with elections being carried out to select a mayor.
East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove also voted to join the priority programme for new unitary authorities – although Brighton and Hove council leader Bella Sankey said she would resist moves to expand its existing area.
