The government has accepted councils in the South to be fast-tracked for devolution.
This marks the most significant local government reorganisation in Sussex and Hampshire in decades. It shifts more authority away from Westminster, allowing decisions to be made closer to home.
This means there will be no local elections in May, and some councillors have criticised the move, saying it could make decision-making feel even more remote in some areas.
What does devolution involve, and how will it benefit people?
Devolution in England refers to the process of decentralising powers from the national government to regions or localities, allowing them to have greater control over matters such as transportation, housing, and health services. It aims to provide regions with the autonomy to tailor policies to local needs, thereby improving governance and accountability.
The process typically involves the establishment of regional assemblies or the election of mayors who have the authority to manage certain devolved responsibilities. These changes are formalized through legislation, often with the establishment of new administrative bodies or the restructuring of existing ones.
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