Sussex and Surrey join forces to lobby Government for devolution of powers

West Sussex, East Sussex, and Surrey have joined forces to lobby the Government for devolution of powers to the South East.
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council (photo submitted). SUS-150522-082832001Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council (photo submitted). SUS-150522-082832001
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council (photo submitted). SUS-150522-082832001

All three county council leaders have signed a letter sent to Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, calling for a meeting to discuss how to progress plans.

The three authorities have identified a list of ‘devolution offers’ to manage the impact of economic growth like pressures on school places, road and rail infrastructure, housing and social care.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In their letter the leaders describe their determination to deliver better services for local residents, communities and businesses being at the heart of their proposals.

Cllr Keith Glazier SUS-150502-093231001Cllr Keith Glazier SUS-150502-093231001
Cllr Keith Glazier SUS-150502-093231001

They write: “Together we can ensure that the right decisions are made in the right places to guarantee that the current contribution to our nation’s success and finances is not only continued but also expanded to the full potential it can reach. Our three counties are special places with a strong sense of identity and place.

“They are achieving the delicate and fundamental challenge of balancing strong growth and preserving a beautiful environment. However, their ability to sustain that crucial balance needs us all to work differently.”

To tackle these new issues the councils seek access to more of the taxes that are raised locally, the ability to influence road and rail infrastructure decisions, additional powers over apprenticeships and skills to promote employment and support small businesses, as well as new ways of supporting services that provide care to the elderly and vulnerable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They highlight the fact that other partners, especially district and borough councils, would also have a crucial role to play in a successful devolution process with the potential to reshape many services at a local level as the region takes on greater autonomy.

Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Our region plays a critical role in the UK’s economy and we must nurture that.

“I’m excited to be taking forward our proposals with my colleagues from East Sussex and Surrey County Councils and I know we will all be working closely with our respective district and borough councils who will be key to making this a success.

“I do think devolution is the future for local government. It is as exciting as it is challenging. But it will allow us to deal with those difficult issues so much better if we have greater powers and freedoms.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Such opportunities do not happen often in local government but if and when they do we should embrace them for the benefit of those we serve.”

Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, added: “We want decisions about how services are delivered made closer to the people affected by those decisions. With more autonomy we believe we can help to grow the local economy and encourage greater investment in our county and our region.”

David Hodge, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Our residents and businesses are at the heart of our plans and only through collaborating and working as one team – using the local expertise we possess – can we be certain to make the services people rely upon fit for the future.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.