New Sussex Authority To Set Out £1bn Investment Plans

Leaders from across Sussex are set to meet for the first time as part of a newly created regional authority overseeing major investment and decision-making.

Representatives from East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council will come together on Wednesday to formally establish the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority and agree how it will operate.

The authority was created in March as part of wider devolution plans, with the region expected to elect its first mayor in May 2028.

A total of £1.14 billion has been allocated over the next 30 years to support economic growth, skills and transport improvements, with £30 million available in the first two years.

Initial funding plans include £7.2 million for integrated transport and £2.8 million to support bus services, which will be distributed to the existing councils until new unitary authorities are introduced in 2028.

The new body will also oversee a £9 million budget over the next four years to fund its setup and day-to-day running.

Wednesday’s meeting is expected to confirm leadership roles, with senior figures from the three councils forming a six-member board, alongside agreements on governance, staffing and the authority’s constitution.

The move is part of the government’s wider devolution programme, which will hand new powers over transport, housing, skills and economic growth to the region under an elected mayor.