A regular bulletin about once-in-a-lifetime change in Sussex and Brighton
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Hi

 

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.

 

You can unsubscribe at any time. But we'd love you to build something with us, and share with others! Send us thoughts, news and questions by replying to this email.

 

    πŸ‘‹ What powers would a Sussex and Brighton Mayor actually have?

     

    With a Combined Mayoral Authority (CMA) proposed for Sussex and Brighton, we’re getting closer to the reality of a directly elected regional mayor. But what does that really mean?

     

    This is a new political role with real powers, and if other devolution deals are anything to go by, here's what Sussex's mayor could be responsible for:

     

    🚌 Transport
    Likely to become the Local Transport Authority, with powers to:

    • Franchise and reform bus services

    • Develop a regional transport strategy

    • Bid for infrastructure funds and deliver joined-up road, rail and active travel improvements

    🏘️ Housing & Planning

    • Create a Spatial Development Strategy for Sussex (think: big-picture housing, employment land and climate adaptation)

    • Influence major developments, brownfield funding, and regeneration schemes

    • Possibly establish Mayoral Development Corporations for major projects (like Brighton Marina or Gatwick corridor hubs)

    πŸŽ“ Skills & Adult Education

    • Control over the Adult Education Budget

    • Shape regional skills plans, aligning training with employer demand (e.g. care, logistics, green tech)

    πŸ’° Investment & Economic Growth

    • Manage devolved economic development funds (as seen in other deals, such as Β£30m/year for 30 years)

    • Create business support programmes and coordinate inward investment

    • Promote regional clusters like creative industries, logistics, green energy

    🌱 Net Zero & Environment

    • Develop a regional climate strategy

    • Direct investment into green infrastructure and retrofit schemes

    • Coordinate nature recovery and environmental resilience across districts

    🩺 Public Health

    • Influence over regional health inequalities, prevention strategies, and integration of services through collaboration with NHS partners and directors of public health.

    • Potential to lead cross-council initiatives on mental health, active travel, air quality, and social isolation.

    🚨 Public Safety (optional)

    • Mayors often take on Police & Crime Commissioner powers too – not confirmed yet for Sussex, but increasingly standard in new CMAs.

     

    This is about long-term strategic power over how we live, work, move and thrive in Sussex.

     

    And the person elected in 2026 will need to balance coastal, rural, and city priorities - on everything from skills to sustainability.

     

    So, aside from the politics - what kind of vision do you think they should have?

     

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