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These regular bite-sized emails are from the always possible team.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We are together understanding the opportunities and risks facing growth, sustainability and identity in Sussex.

Sussex And The City is an independent and non-political project, clarifying the major reorganisation affecting Sussex and Brighton over the next two years.

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🌍 Will devolution accelerate climate action in Sussex?

With a Mayoral Combined Authority probable for Sussex and Brighton, there’s a critical question we can ask all mayoral candidates:

What does devolution mean for our ability to tackle the climate emergency - locally, strategically, and fast?

Right now, councils are legally required to cut emissions and adapt to climate change.

But fragmented responsibilities, tight budgets and siloed infrastructure make it harder than it should be. A regional mayor might be able to change that - if the powers and ambition are right.

Here's how a Sussex-wide combined authority could make a difference:

🗺️ Integrated planning
A Spatial Development Strategy could align transport, housing, and land use with climate goals - prioritising low-carbon zones, green corridors, and flood resilience across the region.

But then a growth-at-all-costs agenda, could also undermine protections and local nature recovery plans. The South Downs National Park Authority will be a key planning partner for any new mayoral administration.

🚌 Transport transformation
A devolved transport budget and powers to franchise buses could unlock a joined-up, low-emission public transport system - connecting coastal towns, rural areas and growth hubs.

But a pragmatic mayor will also be under pressure to improve road infrastructure, such as the A27 Arundel Bypass. Sussex, as a region, has barely any motorway - so a clear-eyed view on how better access will be achieved is key.

🏗️ Green investment
With long-term devolved funding, Sussex could prioritise retrofitting homes, nature-based flood defences, and energy infrastructure - without waiting for central government grants. 

The skills, capability and innovation is all available locally - with pioneering circular economy networks, community energy services and greentech businesses quietly growing over the past decade. How will a new authority make the most of them?

⚖️ Climate justice at the core
A regional strategy can target support where vulnerability is highest - rural fuel poverty, urban air quality, coastal flood risk - if equity is baked in from the start.

Could something like the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership's 2025 - 2030 strategy be supported and scaled as part of a regional vision?

Further reading: Friends of the Earth: why devolution must embed climate and nature

Sussex has no shortage of ambition. But so far, no single body has had the mandate or tools to lead a climate-safe transition across the whole region. A mayor might change that.

Or not. It depends on what we demand of them.

Further reading: Institute For Government: Net Zero and Devolution

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