GIVING the Brighton area more decision-making powers over funding would do a great many positive things.

In these times of austerity it would be a political masterstroke. First of all it would galvanise people into becoming more interested in politics.

When people get the chance to talk about where money will be spent it is a different ball game to talking about cuts.

The Greater Brighton Economic Board may have a name which sends you to sleep.

But this group of politicians has been looking at ways to help our area prosper.

This has been a positive cross-party group which acts as an example of how they can work together.

As a prosperous area we pay lots of tax to HMRC so it would seem fitting to have greater controls over transport, housing and healthcare.

And in our Seafront 2020 campaign this is what we’ve been calling for.

It’s a great early sign to hear that greens, blues and reds from the political spectrum are saying ‘bring it on’.

Through devolution we can start projects which cross the boundaries from Hove to Shoreham and onto Worthing, or from Kemp Town through to Peacehaven.

Cities like Manchester may be the first to have a crack, but if we look and learn then we can make the most of the opportunity if and when it comes our way.

Visons can be more grand.

Ideas can be bigger.

Devolution is in the air and we do not want to miss out