Sussex could benefit from millions of pounds of investment after the newly formed Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority approved plans to spend £117 million over the next four years.
The funding, agreed at the authority's first annual meeting on 1 July, is the first instalment of a £1.14 billion package that will be invested across Sussex over the next 30 years as part of the government's devolution programme. While no projects have yet been announced for Rye, the authority says the money will be used to tackle economic growth, transport, skills and access to better-paid jobs.
The new authority brings together East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove under a single strategic body and will eventually be led by an elected mayor from 2028. Until then, the board is made up of representatives from the three councils, with the chair rotating between them.
Opening the meeting, board chair and Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey described the new partnership as "an historic and exciting moment for Sussex". She said the £117 million would be used to address "the most persistent issues across Sussex and generate opportunities for everyone who lives here".
The board also began developing a Prosperity Strategy, which will guide future investment decisions. Priorities are expected to include attracting new businesses, improving transport connections, supporting local employers and creating more apprenticeships and skilled jobs. The authority says the strategy will be developed over the next year.