Devolution and the business community – where could this go?

When the Chamber team put our heads together earlier this year to agree the topic for our recent Big Debate, devolution was almost a new word for most of us and the business community.

Devolution for Sussex means a transfer of power from central to local government. For this to happen the current local authorities within Sussex will reorganise into three or four areas of roughly equal size. There will be an elected Mayor, from one of the political parties, who will work with the local authorities to decide on priorities, spending, policy and more.

Manchester’s economic growth under a Mayoral authority is to be envied but how does that relate to Brighton & Hove?

Fast forward June 2025 and we’ve just had: The Devolution Debate: Brighton’s breakaway moment? which attracted the largest turnout for a Big Debate so far with 150 attendees. 

I joined Jessica Gibbons from Brighton & Hove City Council, Richard Freeman from always possible and two Youth Council representatives - Lila Crockett and Leon Treasure - on the panel, not because I’m an expert in devolution, quite the opposite, but because like most people running businesses and organisations, I didn’t know enough.

My colleague Amy said ‘just be yourself, you’ll be fine’. A number of people who I thought would be thinking about devolution agreed to have a call; Richard Freeman, Geri Silverstone, Lucy Day, Flo Powell, Nigel Lambe, Alex Morrison and others when I tacked on a question about ‘devo’ onto another conversation.

There is a lot to piece together, and it’s pretty nuanced, and there is a glossary of terms to understand to boot.

Richard Freeman’s Sussex And The City podcast interviews are a good resource for those who want to get the feel for the scale of devolution and how far its affects could be.

On a positive note, we agreed that policy and funding for housing, planning, business support skills, health are all key areas that would be improved with a regional approach, and more resources.

This could help us work together and collaborate, fill in the gaps of provision, avoid necessary competition and duplication and be proud of our economy and how it works.

If there is one thing I would ask for at this moment it is for much better communication from those leading the journey. Regular and transparent updates about progress, the likely outcomes and where the opportunities. Genuine consultation (not surveys with a small group) will enable businesses to be part of the story.

Is this the time when we can re-set the relations between businesses and the public sector?

Devolution is most likely round the corner. The Chamber will be bringing businesses together again to discuss opportunities and challenges and give feedback to those who are responsible for making it happen.

PS - Devolution is not to be confused with LGR (Local Government Reorganisation). This is underway in Sussex and it is about creating Unitary Authorities which replace the two-tier system (of county and district councils). This will involve merging existing councils and reconfiguring boundaries.  

Sarah Springford is CEO at Brighton Chamber – a welcoming and inclusive membership organisation for businesses to meet, learn and grow. Find out more about joining the Chamber here.

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If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk