Draft Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026

Alison Bennett Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2026 General Committees

[Alison Bennett (Mid Sussex) (LD)]

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Desmond. Before I begin, I refer the Committee to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

The Liberal Democrats want to see devolution to local people, and we believe that every area in England should be able to secure a devolution deal that works for it, for its local economy and for its residents. We believe that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local people to decide.

However, I am mindful that the regulations are being debated before the Government’s decision on the new unitary authorities that will replace the three councils—Brighton and Hove city council, West Sussex county council and East Sussex county council— so is the Minister able to tell the Committee when the announcement will be made on those new unitary structures? Folk in Sussex were working on the understanding that it would be made in March, so, given that the House will rise for the Easter recess on Thursday, can she give any clarity on when that decision will be announced?

Let me also make some points about fair representation. There is concern from the county areas that Brighton and Hove may be over-represented and West Sussex and East Sussex under-represented. If that is not to be the case, how will it be safeguarded against? In addition, in the interim, transitional period before the new unitary councils come into place, what will be the roles of the district and borough councils in the combined authority? How will their voices be heard? They are the most local level of government, and they understand the community they are so closely attached to. Finally, how will fair representation be ensured when authorities are in a state of no overall control?