DEVOLUTION would lead to a better transport network and adult care services, a council leader has claimed.

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith is leading calls to the government to hand more powers to local authorities.

She described the region as an “economic powerhouse” – but said this success came at a price.

The council has commissioned research into the benefits of greater autonomy for county councils.

The research shows the South East’s seven councils alone produced more than £133 billion in GVA in 2012 – making them the third largest contributor to the UK’s economy, and with more active enterprises than Scotland and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority together.

Speaking at County Hall on Thursday, Mrs Goldsmith said: “This work highlights the very strong economy in the South East but that economic success comes at a price which county councils deal with day in day out.

“We are acutely aware that we need to nurture our vibrant economy which continues to be the economic powerhouse for the South East.”

The research, yet be published, will emphasise the potential benefits of devolution and the need for central government to change.

It describes an offer to the Government that would help sustain growth for the whole UK economy and identifies an initial list of potential “devolution asks”.

These are grouped into five areas – fiscal devolution, road and rail infrastructure, employment and skills, social care and health, infrastructure for the future.

Mrs Goldsmith added: “There is considerable work to do to prepare a case, particularly around infrastructure, social care, our work on the troubled families agenda and skills.

“To me, this work is about building a case to put to the government about how devolution could help resolve some of those really key issues around infrastructure and adult social care.”