Thread by @BHDemocracyNews

The cabinet meeting has started with @BellaSankey in the chair discussing devolution #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

The meeting is to discuss the devolution priority programme and the government's deadline is tomorrow says Cllr Sankey. The government wants all areas of England to have equal devolved powers. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

#Brighton and #Hove signed up with West Sussex districts to back a pan-Sussex devolved authority. Mayors in Greater Manchester and other areas are able to plan over a longer period and respond to residents' needs #LDreporter

Greater Manchesterkept the bus cap at £2 because they have the economies of scale to deliver this with their publicly owned bus service. The south east has no devolution says Cllr Sankey. It is in the interest of the city and region to explore this option #LDreporter

"I see this as an exciting moment & an opportunity for our city & our region. I'm optimistic & ambitious about devolution" says Bella Sankey. Devolution will support collaboration & drive economic development. East & West Sussex are also meeting this morning #LDreporter #Brighton

The process is in its early stages and public consultation will follow on.
Member engagement is being extended this morning to answer as many questions as possible #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

Ben Thomas asks if #Brighton & #Hove is looking to be exempt from 500k population numbers for unitary authorities. Cllr Sankey says this is a move for two-tier authorities such as the districts and boroughs of East and West Sussex merging together #LDreporter

Cllr Sankey says the government is backing unitary authorities & it's an exciting time to look at what is in store. The conversation has not started with government. The government has said there is flexibility around the 500k figure & will see what works best #LDreporter

No matter what happens the city of #Brighton and #Hove will still exist says Cllr Sankey. The delivery of service is distinct. Brighton and Hove is a distinct place and will retain its identity #LDreporter

Member question nows @kerrypickettbh.bsky.social asks about Cityclean & the challenges if the authority changes.

Cllr Sankey says the meeting is about devolution priority b The issues with refuse & recycling are well aired & being worked on.

@KerryPickettBH Modernisation will delivery improvements in the service says Cllr Sankey. There are legacy issues being addressed #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH What is the suggested ratio of councillors to residents in the proposed new unitary authority asks @kerrypickettbh.bsky.social

Cllr Sankey says strategic authorities will deliver decisions currently made by ministers and civil servants #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH There would be a new layer of political accountability with a Sussex Mayor & the leaders of the unitary authorities, delivering at a regional level that sits with government says @BellaSankey.

There are not discussions underway yet about what new unitaries will look like

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey The main change experienced by residents will be the regional authority making regional decisions says Cllr Sankey.

@kerrypickettbh.bsky.social says the process is being rushed. What is to be gained with three unitaries.

Cllr Sankey said London devolved in the 90s

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey Wales, Scotland & much of the North has devolved over the last 25 years & is not rushed We do not want to be left behind says Cllr Sankey. The government stood on a platform of change. It is in line with what was in Labour's general election manifesto #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey There is no mention of democracy it's all about growth, is this a massive waste of time says @Brunswick_Green Cllr Sankey says there is a huge amount of material on constructing a system of government to enable sustainable & inclusive growth to lift those in most need

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green We are being held back from growth, there are ministers making decisions which should be made by local government.
@brunswick_green it feels like politics being done to communities rather than collaboration. Council and government are not walking their talk #LDreporter #Brighton

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green This is how we can deliver says Cllr Sankey. She understands how the government is taking a directive approach. There has to be a framework. A blank sheet with every area designing its own set up would be chaotic. Local government is there to deliver for residents #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green There needs to be some directive, that's not to say the government doesn't want to move into a phase where we shape our areas, the boundaries and how we want a Sussex strategic authority, what investment looks like and the challenges in Sussex #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green There is feeling of concerns & anxiety in district, boroughs and county councils, that is inevitable when there is local government reorganisation says Cllr Sankey. But we can have dialogue and shape things. Being in the priority programme gives #Brighton & #Hove a biggest stake

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Green Cllr Pete West says the White Paper was published just before Christmas with a deadline tomorrow. It is disempowering and any decision should be ratified by council and subject to a referendum #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green The priority programme is what is being discussed and offering more funding, powers and investment says Cllr Sankey. We will bring back updates to council and if accepted onto the priority programme consultation will be carried out. No referendum is necessary it offers more

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green If an elected mayor opposes publicly-owned systems they won't happen says Cllr Raphael Hill.

Cllr Sankey says it's not just a mayor that will sit on the authority but also the leaders of the unitary authorities. Let's make sure to elect a mayor that believes in public ownership

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Hill asks about potential boundaries in Sussex.

Cllr Sankey says there have been no discussions. All that's being done is saying #Brighton and #Hove and East and West Sussex are discussing is whether to join the programme. #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green .@BellaSankey says #Brighton and #Hove is not seeking fastrack local government reorganisation but devolution as in a strategic authority for Sussex with a mayor #LDreporter.

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Hill says Cllr Sankey was critical of growth hubs at 500K as arbitrary and the same figure for unitary authorities is now being put forward Cllr Sankey says the difference is now the government is prepared to be flexible & to listen #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green This government doesn't think it knows best and is not acting like a parent says Cllr Sankey.

Cllr Hill says neighbouring authorities have fewer LGBTQ+ people and asks if an EIA can look into the impact of that. #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green There is no question of change or taking eyes off the ball to challenge the discrimination of LGBTQIA people says Cllr Sankey, it is part of #Brighton and #Hove's international identity and she says yes EIA will be part of the process #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Neighbouring county councillors may end up having a 6-year term. How was this handled previously asks Cllr Hill? Cllr Sankey says there is an issue of remits and what #Brighton & #Hove is doing. The city has no elections scheduled until 2027 when the new unitaries will be elected

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Hill asks more about elections and shadow authorities.

The new strategic authority would start in 2026.

Any new local government reform and whether #Brighton and #Hove becomes a new unitary, a shadow authority would be for a transition with councillors from all councils.

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green How will council debts be dealt with asks Cllr Hill.

Cllr Sankey says this meeting is about devolution and the issue is about local government reorganisation. #Brighton and #Hove will seek information from the government to ensure getting the best deal for residents #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Jacob Taylor says #Brighton and #Hove is mid-table when compared with other council's nationally.

Cllr Hill says the council still has a lot of debt #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Hill asks if she backs supplementary votes for a mayoral election.

Cllr Sankey confirms she backs supplementary vote for the role. The area is diverse with urban, countryside and diverse political thought and needs support from a large proportion of people #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Green councillor Sue Shanks asks if staff & unions have been consulted on the decision as any change in local government impacts on staff Cllr Sankey says unions have been contact about the expression of interest. Devolution would not have direct bearing on staffing #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green A devolved authority can unlock some of the burdens. There is a role for regional government on strategic work. Cllr Sankey cites the difficulty travelling east to west across Sussex. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Green councillor Pete West is making a representation now. There is no precedence for centralised power in Sussex and no King of Sussex since Saxon times. Decisions are best made with committees not to communities.
#Brighton
&
#Hove
City Council could disappear.

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green If we combine with Worthing & Adur what would their communities thing. This is a smokescreen for failing to provide funds to local government says Cllr West. We disagree with Angela Rayner's preference for a Mayor. This is not democratic. He suggests a referendum#LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Hill says Lewes has no Conservative councillors but is losing out on its county council elections due to a Conservative leader at East Sussex. Greater Manchester has 10 unitary authorities why are we talking about a strategic authority with fewer people #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green It is likely Cllr Sankey will be outvoted by the Conservative leaders of other unitaries here in Sussex says Cllr Hill.

We would have lost the opportunity to vote on the Gas Works to people who do not share our values #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green We are now on the report and Cllr Jacob Taylor who thanks the Green councillors for their points.

He recommends the book Failed State which discusses why governments of every colour have struggled with elements of policy implementations. Central government tries to do too much

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Britain is one of the most centralised governments in Europe. The UK is close to the bottom of government expenditure at local level, 20% says Cllr Taylor. The government talks about growth economic development is a better word. If distribution is unequal we don't want that

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Income inequality and wealth inequality is even more extreme says Cllr Taylor The country is unequal with the lowest potential of money going to local government. He believes the country is being presented with an opportunity to spend money locally and increase growth #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green We need to change the shape of the economy and how resources are allocated. Cllr Taylor does not believe devolution has gone far enough. Here we have no devolution. We have to say how can we not be part of this and demanding more resources #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green We are not looking for a Sussex super council or a Mayor controlling councils under that. The councils underneath will administer local services says Cllr Taylor. He is pleased to see Sussex coming out as an identity #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green As a #Brighton born person Cllr Taylor identifies with Sussex as he grew up in "The Deans". The historic county was split in 1890, we have an international airport, strong links to London. We are one of only three cities in the country with a Premiership football team & cricket

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Sussex is the centre of the British wine industry and provider of the greatest drink on earth Harvey's best says Cllr Taylor. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green We would be remiss not to take money and power away from Whitehall and into the hands of local people says Cllr Taylor #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Cllr Gill Williams says devolution gives potential to address the crippling housing crisis and she is excited about it. There would be better partnerships to Homes England with a regionalise model for funding and planning how those houses will come #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green Devolution is a rare opportunity to be ceased. We are not reorganising ourselves says @tristramburden.bsky.social this is what East and West Sussex is doing. Other countries have better functioning local government. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden As a unitary #Brighton & #Hove has the best of all works. @TristramBurden is pleased to work with the two counties on devolution. Devolved areas can work on reducing health inequalities. It's also an opportunity for adult social care tackling out of control costs of care

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden I think it’s vital that those powers are centred locally, and no longer clutched tightly in the remote locales of Westminster and Whitehall says @tristramburden #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden Finally #Brighton and #Hove will be able to get a grip on pavement parking without going to the secretary of state says @lesliepumm.uk He cites devolved decision making in the USA and Germany. Devolution will empower a devolved authority to support local start ups.
#LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm Cllr Pumm would like to see more funding opportunities to start-up businesses and for #Brighton and #Hove to be the UK's answer to Silicon Valley #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm Cllr Pumm would like to see more funding opportunities to start-up businesses and for #Brighton and #Hove to be the UK's answer to Silicon Valley #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm There are benefits for an integrated transport policy for the economy, affordability and accessibility of public transport says @trevmu10 A wider strategic approach to transport is crucial #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 People come to the city to work, for entertainment, but we have limited parking. A better approach is for a devolved strategic authority to have an integrated transport plans, as seen in London, Manchester and Liverpool says @TrevMu10 #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 Cllr Robins says he has never lived more than two miles from the house he was born in in #Portslade . Portslade hada councilor for every 350 people in the past but times change. He hopes the character of #Brighton & #Hove is not so fragile as to take away our character

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 The LGBTQIA life would not be watered down if we linked with Worthing and Shoreham says Cllr Robins. We spend six months of the year stretching our money but we could spend our time on something better. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 Devolution was a Labour initiative for the nations says @rowkz people think of Greater Manchester and Andy Burnham's work. It resulted in the Bee Network, buses, bikes and walking brought together. We want the power to do that #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz They have control of their health and social care budget in Manchester says @timrowkins.bsky.social Policing and community safety is overseen by the mayor. There are issues with policing in #Brighton & #Hove that need dealing with regionally. Wind power is the future #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz A Sussex wide view would change this. Here we can have roof-top solar power says @rowkz We need a regional workforce, and thinking of training and education to deliver it. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz Even though he does not eat meat or dairy @rowkz is working on saving an abattoir which is the only one serving the south east that takes rare breeds. Vegans for abattoirs, he quips. He wants the region out of the devolution wilderness #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz What happens if we're not selected says @timrowkins.bsky.social

Cllr Sankey says any region that is not devolved is applying tomorrow. The majority of places without a deal are applying. If #Brighton and #Hove is not successful the council will ask what's next #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz Growing up in Canada Cllr Miller grew up with devolved local government at province level. Moving to Sussex as an adult she did not understand the varied structures. You move not so far with a completely different system at least in the city there is one authority #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz Cllr Miller looks at what Manchester has done & how devolution has helped the creative destination. As a musician she knew the Royal Northern and the bands. Devolution has given Manchester a strategy for a strong cultural economy and presence in the country #LDreporter #Brighton

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz We can create a place-based cultural offering with supports residents and we can take it to people where they are says Cllr Miller.
On tourism resources need to be looked at. We can work with East and West Sussex as one authority and not waste time #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz Cllr Emma Daniel (@huxley06) says it's a no brainer not to move forward with Sussex devolution. She was less enthused by the local government reorganisation because
#Brighton
&
#Hove
is a unitary authority.
#LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz @huxley06 There is optimising from @rowkz that power is not going to be handed over to the Conservatives as the districts have more Liberal Democtral Democrats, Labour and Greens #LDreproter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz @huxley06 This is not about putting all power into one person's hands. There would be representatives from the unitaries #Brighton and #Hove or as a larger unitary will have a seat at the table. Labour mayors are making good decisions for their residents says @bellasankey #LDreporter

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz @huxley06 Cllr Mitchie Alexander says devolution is an ideal opportunity for the food industry to work together to make sure there is more sustainability #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz @huxley06 The cabinet agrees to move forward with asking to be a priority council in the devolution programme alongside East and West Sussex. @BellaSankey assures residents and opposition councillors we "wunt be druv" #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove

@KerryPickettBH @BellaSankey @Brunswick_Green @TristramBurden @LesliePumm @TrevMu10 @rowkz @huxley06 @threadreaderapp unroll