Planning for the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority continues apace.

The Informal Partnership Board, which is overseeing the preparations for the new body and the election of the area’s first mayor in May 2026, met for the second time recently to discuss progress.

The key focus of the meeting was on investment and, in particular, the work that is underway to shape a Prosperity Strategy for Sussex and Brighton which is the framework designed to ensure the area is investment-ready at the earliest opportunity.

Council leaders agreed that evidence-based priorities will ensure partners pull in the same direction, inform delivery plans, and accelerate progress ahead of the Mayoral election.

Cllr Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “Our residents will rightly want to know what the new authority can do for them, and the first answer will be to make our communities better off. That’s why we’re starting by looking at how we prepare now to attract investment and to share its benefits so they can be felt by everyone across Sussex.”

Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, added: “This is about creating the foundations for long-term growth and opportunity across Sussex and Brighton. Our strategy for prosperity focuses on how and where we will invest across housing, skills, transport, health and more.

“With the three upper tier councils of Sussex and Brighton and our partners working together now, we can ensure the new authority hits the ground running and delivers real benefits for our communities from day one. Not least, all leaders agree we want the Mayoral Authority to bring decision-making closer to our communities, unlock funding and take forward locally agreed priorities.”

Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Sussex is ready to make the most of devolution. By combining our strengths, we can drive progress on the things that matter most to residents, from better transport and more affordable homes to the skills our economy needs to grow.”

The board also reviewed principles for investment decision-making and next steps in the devolution programme, including an upcoming policy sprint in December. This will bring together councils, businesses, and partners to shape priorities for transport, housing, skills, and economic development.

The first meeting of the formal Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Board will take place in March 2026 and will approve the constitution, governance arrangements and statutory officers.

Elections for a Mayor for Sussex and Brighton will take place in May 2026.

More on the processes of devolution and local government re-organisation.

See also: Sussex leaders unit to launch Informal Partnership Board

Ends.