The government, in line with a manifesto commitment, has announced that Sussex will be at the forefront of the next stage of devolution in England, “returning more power to communities”. This long-awaited change will ultimately enable parts of the country to redevelop their own distinctive cultures, industries and communities, renew and champion local pride and set priorities without the dead hand of a remote and patronising centre on their decision-making.
From 2026, the current structure of local authorities in East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove – City, Borough, District, County councils – will be simplified into three unitary authorities – just one council, wherever you live, under the strategic overview of an elected mayor for Sussex as a whole including Brighton. The Mayoral Combined County Authority is to comprise two representatives of each unitary authority plus the elected mayor.
There has so far been very little of either consultation or information about this important change beyond the postponement of this year’s county council elections, due on 1 May. This has caused some controversy, being presented by some as erosion of such democracy as we already have; by others as ruining their chance of winning seats they have long planned and worked to achieve; and some concern in rural areas over the potential domination of budgets and agendas by a Big Brother Brighton.
But concerns of a democratic deficit from this delayed election should be seen in the context of voter engagement. Turnout for 2024 local authority elections in Wealden District, for example, was an average of 35.6%; and that for the East Sussex CC in 2021 38.6%. Neither is a ringing endorsement for localism or democracy under the current system and there seems little point in holding expensive elections only for their results to become redundant the following year.
A fair voting system is needed for the new mayor
Details of the new structure and processes are not yet determined and the opportunity remains for objections or suggestions to be put forward until 26 September this year.
How will rural residents have sufficient representation for improvements to their communities? How will representatives of minority parties gain the attention of the mayor?
Hastings Independent Group’s FEAST proposal for an East Sussex model to enhance localism and avoid Brighton domination is already in the queue for consideration. Such ideas should not be seen as obstructive. The changes are coming but the short notice and lack of consultation to date must not be allowed to obstruct local knowledge and views.
How many voters actually understand the different roles and responsibilities of the current local authority layers? Sticking up for the current system means favouring low-level, small-scale decision-making. If the government could be so persuaded during the consultation, Fair Voting could and should be introduced for the MCCA elections, which would render them a distinctly more democratic option.
So-called City Mayoralties like those of Manchester and South Yorkshire have become very popular, championing as they do the strengths and needs of wider catchment areas well beyond city boundaries.
They recognise the importance to cities of the surrounding communities and vice versa: how people’s lives are oriented around employment, shopping, leisure, education and health facilities as well as homes. Mayors can also act as salespeople for inward investments and tourism. The knack now must be to develop the right model for a mixed urban-rural mayoralty for Sussex.
Devolution should surely be seen as an improvement to our democracy. Decision-making is closer to communities. Decision-makers are of the community. The unitary structure removes bureaucracy and confusion over responsibilities. Above all, it allows for joined-up thinking about investments which transcend the boundaries of ward, borough or district.
The ability to see a larger, cohesive area as a whole should enable housing developments and infrastructure to be positioned sympathetically to the wider geography of the region, actual workplaces and environmental focal points, transport routes and social hubs.
More cohesive policy making for Sussex
Currently the counties are beset with ad hoc, infrastructure-free housing developments which seem to bear little relationship to need or practicality. With delegated authority over transport, economic development, housing and adult education functions and the ability to influence local energy, water and health services, the new Authority could develop a land-use strategy for the whole area to guide and integrate not only housing but also the services residents and businesses need.
This is surely unachievable from either Whitehall, remote and ignorant of local patterns of life, or from ultra-local council offices, constrained by limited responsibilities, budgets and boundaries.
A multi-agency, near-home approach should surely offer a better outcome for all concerned and ensure more engaged voters. The new unitary authorities may bring some greater sense of place and pride to constituencies like Rother, Wealden, Uckfield and East Grinstead and Mid-Sussex, whose names, shapes and (absence of) history bear little relation to how residents lives are oriented.
We may actually feel a renewed sense of civic belonging to motivate our voting.
Now, who should be Sussex Mayor?
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