On February 18, 2025, at 05:31:32, we submitted Response ID ANON-RGCP-G759-R to the Sussex and Brighton Devolution Consultation—raising serious concerns about:

🔹 Misuse of public funds
🔹 Lack of oversight
🔹 The need for transparency in governance

❗ Yet, as of today, there has been NO RESPONSE from the Ministry. ❗

We Demanded:

✔ Independent investigations into financial mismanagement.
✔ Exclusion of those responsible from governance roles.
✔ Public scrutiny & transparency in the devolution process.

💬 How can the public trust a system that refuses to engage with serious concerns? Devolution must be a reform, not a reshuffling of failed leadership.

⚠ If the Ministry refuses to respond, we will take this further.

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Proposed Geography

Question 10: To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority over the proposed geography will deliver benefits to the area?

✅ Agree

📝 Explanation:
As East Sussex devolution progresses, accountability must be prioritized. Public funds have been allocated to care services deemed unfit for service, raising concerns about oversight and mismanagement. Those responsible must not be part of the new governance structures.

Key Concerns:

📌 Misuse of Public Funds – Allocating taxpayer money to failing care services is unacceptable.
📌 Lack of Oversight – Systemic failures within East Sussex Council must be addressed.
📌 Preventing Corruption – Individuals responsible must be excluded from governance roles.

Calls to Action:

🔹 Independent Investigation into financial mismanagement.
🔹 Exclusion of Those Responsible from leadership roles.
🔹 Transparency & Public Scrutiny in the devolution process.

📢 East Sussex devolution must be genuine reform, not a reshuffling of failed leadership.

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Proposed Governance

Question 11: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed governance arrangements for the Mayoral Combined County Authority?

✅ Agree

📝 Explanation:
As East Sussex moves towards devolution, it is crucial to prevent the recycling of personnel involved in past financial mismanagement. Reports have highlighted that public funds were allocated to care services deemed unfit for purpose, raising concerns about accountability and governance. Allowing individuals responsible for these failures to continue in positions of power undermines the integrity of the new system.

Key Concern:

📌 Risk of Corruption Carrying Over – Those who mismanaged public funds must not be placed in governance roles under devolution.

Call to Action:

🔹 Exclusion of Those Responsible – A vetting process must be implemented to ensure individuals with a history of financial mismanagement do not hold authority in the new system.

📢 East Sussex devolution should represent genuine reform, not a reshuffling of the same problematic figures. The public deserves accountable leadership and transparency moving forward.

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Supporting the Economy

Question 12: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through the Mayoral Combined County Authority will support the economy of the area?

✅ Agree

Key Points:

✔ Mayoral Accountability – The MCCA needs clear oversight, regular scrutiny, and independent audits to prevent misuse of power.
✔ Community Engagement – Governance must reflect local needs, not just political or private interests.
✔ Checks and Balances – Power should be distributed with strong legal safeguards in place.

Call to Action:

🔹 Implement transparency measures for financial accountability.
🔹 Establish public reporting structures for citizen involvement.
🔹 Create legal barriers to prevent those with financial misconduct from holding office.

📢 Devolution should empower communities, not centralize power. A well-designed MCCA can boost economic growth while ensuring public funds are responsibly managed and corruption is prevented.

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Improving Social Outcomes

Question 13: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through the Mayoral Combined County Authority will improve social outcomes in the area?

✅ Agree

Key Points:

✔ Better Service Integration – A unified authority can streamline social services, reducing bureaucracy and improving accessibility.
✔ Targeted Investment – A regional approach allows for smarter resource allocation, addressing social inequalities more effectively.
✔ Stronger Accountability – With clear oversight and public engagement, the MCCA can ensure that public funds are used efficiently to benefit communities.

📢 To maximize these benefits, the MCCA must prioritize:
✔ Local engagement
✔ Transparency
✔ Fair resource distribution

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Local Government Services

Question 14: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through a Mayoral Combined County Authority will improve local government services in the area?

✅ Agree

Position: Agree – A Unified Approach Can Enhance Local Government Services

✔ Better Resource Allocation – A unified budget and strategy can address service gaps and reduce inefficiencies.
✔ Improved Public Accountability – A directly elected mayor provides clearer leadership and accountability.
✔ Stronger Collaboration – Coordinated planning across local authorities can lead to smarter service delivery and better outcomes for residents.

📢 For these benefits to be fully realized, the MCCA must ensure:
✔ Local representation
✔ Transparency
✔ Safeguards against bureaucracy and power centralization

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Improving the Local Natural Environment

Question 15: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through a Mayoral Combined County Authority will improve the local natural environment and overall national environment?

✅ Agree

✔ Stronger Environmental Oversight – A unified approach can ensure better enforcement of environmental laws and prevent corrupt planning decisions that exploit natural spaces.
✔ Sustainable Development – The MCCA must focus on green infrastructure, conservation, and biodiversity protection while ensuring all projects align with existing legal frameworks.
✔ Balanced Growth – Economic development must not come at the cost of wildlife, green spaces, or community well-being.

📢 To be effective, the MCCA must actively:
✔ Prevent planning corruption
✔ Enforce strict environmental protections
✔ Prioritize sustainability over short-term financial gains

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Supporting Needs of Local Communities

Question 16: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through the Mayoral Combined County Authority will support the interests and needs of local communities and reflect local identities?

✅ Agree

✔ Stronger Representation – The MCCA must work closely with local groups to ensure policies align with community priorities.
✔ Inclusive Decision-Making – A bottom-up approach is needed, where local voices genuinely influence regional strategies.
✔ Preserving Local Identity – Governance should respect the unique character of different communities rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model.

📢 The success of the MCCA depends on:
✔ Direct outreach
✔ Transparent communication
✔ Mechanisms for public participation

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