More jobs and homes; better transport; faster connectivity and accelerated growth across a a leading South Coast City Region – the Greater Brighton Economic Board’s vision is supported by leaders from the business, education and public sector communities.
Now, following an encouraging meeting with Baroness Williams of Trafford, it would seem that the Government is also highly interested in the developing prospects for the City Region.
Cllr Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council and Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB), comments:
“GBEB went to Whitehall to present specific, detailed proposals which amounted to a compelling case for devolution of powers from Government to our City Region area. Our approach to Baroness Williams hinged on a quantified gap between what we’re achieving now and will continue to achieve with organic growth, and the added ‘kick-start’ that taking more control over our local destiny through Devolution will bring.
“I am absolutely confident that the Baroness heard our clear asks and saw the value in the offer that we’re able to make in return for additional powers. We are now arranging further meetings with the Baroness and civil servants to continue to build on our devolution proposals which will drive extra value into the region.”
Accompanying Cllr Parkin in the pitch were
- Andrew Swayne, Chair of the Adur and Worthing Business Partnership
- Phil Jones, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and Managing Director of Wired Sussex
- Professor Debra Humphris, Vice Chancellor, Brighton University
- Michael Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Sussex
- Nick Juba, Chief Executive, Brighton and Hove City College
- Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader, Brighton and Hove City Council
- Geoff Raw, Chief Executive, Brighton and Hove City Council
Cllr Parkin continues:
“Our team was drawn from the City Region’s local authorities, local enterprise partnership, business and further and academia to fully represent the ambitious programme that we have developed.
“This partnership between key sectors – not just between local government authorities – is fundamental to the boldness of our vision and success in delivery. The Greater Brighton Economic board is now working closely with Government officials to further develop and refine its devolution proposals and the Government’s final Devolution decision is expected in the Spring. At the same time, the GBEB will continue to drive forward a pipeline of transformative projects worth millions of pounds to local communities, moving the City Region from Great, to Greater and then to the Greatest economy in the South East connected to London.”