HVA members will be aware of the Government's proposal for Devolution published just before Christmas - English Devolution White Paper – GOV.UK. The Government's position is to move towards the creation of single strategic authorities to bring all services together across areas with a population of at least 500,000. This will have significant implications for areas like Hastings and specifically for the future of Hastings Borough Council. Further information can also be found here: Sussex councils agree to submit expression of interest to devolution priority programme | The Newsroom
As the local infrastructure organisation for the voluntary sector, HVA will be making available relevant information as the proposals become clearer to enable our members to be fully briefed. As a new pan-Sussex structure may be the most likely outcome to this process, HVA are taking part in early conversations with infrastructure organisations across East and West Sussex to discuss how the sector's voice and influence will function within the new arrangements.
We are calling for clear and consistent information to be made available during this process and through the Hastings Community Network, we will be discussing with HBC and ESCC how these arrangements will be put into effect. We will also be using our information service to keep our members informed.
Although the headlines have inevitably focused on the change to Council structures, in the detail of the proposals ther are some key changes that will impact on the work of the voluntary sector, such as enhanced rights for communities to acquire assets, the devolvement of funding for adult skills training and new local powers relating to health and the environment. As further information becomes available we will ensure that we are making this available.
