#1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?

The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 1:

Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?

Host: Richard Freeman
Guest: Geri Silverstone, founder of Silverstone Communications / regional lead at Devo Agency

🔍 Episode summary

In the debut episode of Sussex and the city, host Richard Freeman sets the scene for one of the most pressing and under-discussed transformations affecting Brighton and the wider Sussex region: local government reorganisation and the introduction of a directly elected mayor.

Joining Richard is political communications strategist Geri Silverstone, who unpacks the complexity of devolution in Sussex, the imminent shift to unitary authorities, and what this means for representation, power, and public services.

They explore the risks, opportunities, and democratic dilemmas of a new combined authority model - asking what kind of leader Sussex really needs, and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.

Topics include:

• The end of the two-tier system: abolishing district and county councils in favour of unitary authorities

• The role and powers of a new mayor for Sussex

• Comparisons with Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and Cambridgeshire

• Questions of identity, geography, and regional cohesion

• How we build “devolution literacy” and avoid a low-turnout disaster

• The priority issues: housing, transport, strategic oversight, and place-making

With humour, insight, and urgency, Richard and Geri begin a public conversation that aims to inform, challenge, and prepare people across Sussex for the biggest governance shift in a generation.

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📚 Key references and further reading

• Government White Paper: “Devolution Revolution” (December 2023)
  Outlines proposals for mayoral combined authorities and restructuring of local governance.
  Read here (GOV.UK)

• Local Government Association – Combined Authorities explainer
  Offers background on what combined authorities are and what powers they hold.
  Read here (LGA)

• Centre for Cities – “Do Metro Mayors Make a Difference?”
  Analysis of metro mayor effectiveness across the UK.
  Read here

• Institute for Government – “Unitary local government” briefing
  What unitary councils are and why government is pushing for more of them.
  Read here

• Sussex And The City project hub
  Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme.
  COMING SOON

• Sussex And The City LinkedIn page

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🎧 Production credits

• Host: Richard Freeman

• Guest: Geri Silverstone

• Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey

• Production management: Letitia McConalogue

• Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton

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💡 Supported by

• always possible – building evidence, trust and visibility in a changing world
  alwayspossible.co.uk

• Projects – workspaces designed for innovation and impact
  projectsclub.co.uk

• Plus Accounting – friendly Brighton-based accountancy firm
  plusaccounting.co.uk

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📣 Get involved

Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex?
Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.