SURREY, West Sussex and East Sussex county councils have joined forces to lead the call for greater powers and freedoms to be devolved to the South East.

All three council leaders signed a letter sent to Mr Clark last summer, calling for a meeting of their own to discuss how to progress plans – but they have yet to have the opportunity to press their case in Whitehall.

The leaders pledged their determination to deliver better services for local residents, communities and businesses being at the heart of their proposals.

A joint statement said: “Together we can ensure the right decisions are made in the right places to guarantee that the current contribution to our nation’s success and finances is not only continued but also expanded to the full potential it can reach.

“Our counties are special places with a strong sense of identity. They are achieving the delicate and fundamental challenge of balancing strong growth and preserving a beautiful environment. But their ability to sustain that crucial balance needs us all to work differently.”

District and borough councils would have a crucial role to play in a successful devolution process with the potential to reshape many services at a local level.