Politicians in Sussex have voiced mixed views over plans to merge councils and move towards elected mayors, with one leader calling it “a death knell for local democracy”.
Deputy Prime Minster Angela Rayner has announced plans to abolish borough and district councils in favour of larger, combined strategic authorities in England.
In recent months, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex have all submitted separate expressions of interest for devolved power.
The UK Government has said devolution will give regions a bigger voice, unlock economic growth and help build 1.5m homes across England.