A new Sussex-wide local authority is to hold its first meeting next week as part of the Labour government’s “devolution” programme.
Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The first meeting of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority will take place on Wednesday 15 April 2026 at Brighton Town Hall.
“This inaugural meeting follows on from the formal establishment of the new authority in March 2026 and will enable the organisation to start operating.
“The strategic authority is the result of East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council joining the Devolution Priority Programme in 2025, reflecting their shared ambition to create a mayoral authority to provide a single strategic voice for Sussex and Brighton.
“At the meeting, members of the three constituent councils will be asked to establish the authority’s initial governance arrangements, including appointments to the board, the appointment of the chair and vice-chairs, and approval of a constitution and an assurance framework.
“Members will also be requested to set in motion the building of the foundations for the authority’s early priorities and work programme.
“These arrangements will be kept under regular review through to the first election of a mayor for Sussex and Brighton, scheduled for May 2028.
“The establishment of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority is a key step in securing devolution for the area.
“Through a mayoral strategic authority, Sussex and Brighton is able to access significant long-term investment from national government, alongside new devolved powers over areas such as transport, skills, housing, economic growth, public safety and public service reform.
“The transfer of significant powers and funding to the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority, includes
a long-term investment fund totalling £1.14 billion, providing sustained long-term term funding for locally agreed priorities
£30.4 million released over the next two years before mayoral elections, enabling early investment in programmes that matter most to Sussex residents and businesses.
£9 million in capacity funding over four years to support the establishment and operation of the new authority
“The meeting is open to the press and public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”
The Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority, formally known as the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Combined County Authority, is expected to have six members.
Two are due to appointed from Brighton and Hove City Council, two from East Sussex County Council and two from West Sussex County Council.
The two members from Brighton and Hove City Council are expected to be the Labour leader Bella Sankey and the Labour deputy leader Jacob Taylor.
The two members from East Sussex County Council are expected to be the Conservative leader Keith Glazier and the Conservative deputy leader Nick Bennett.
The two members from West Sussex County Council are expected to be the Conservative leader Paul Marshall and the Conservative deputy leader Deborah Urquhart.
The authority has been established to provide strategic leadership across the area, working with local councils, partners, investors and the government to try to deliver greater prosperity for the area.
The election of the first mayor of Sussex and Brighton is scheduled to take place in May 2028.