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Sussex And The City

Sussex And The City

Auteur(s): always possible
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 Sussex And The City is the essential podcast for anyone curious about the future of place, power, and prosperity in Sussex. Hosted by Richard Freeman, each episode unpacks the people, policies and economics shaping one of the UK’s most complex and compelling regions. Focused on forthcoming devolution and local government reorganisation, we're telling the Sussex and Brighton story in the 21st century. From climate action and infrastructure to growth, enterprise and identity, this is where business leaders, community voices, policy wonks and creative thinkers share bold ideas for what Sussex could become. Join us for lively conversations, expert insights and provocative questions at a time of major change — whether you’re in Brighton or Battle, Crawley or Chichester. New episodes weekly. Always independent. Of, from, and for, Sussex.2025
Épisodes
  • #2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust

    #2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust
    May 11 2025
    The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O’Brien – Green Party councillor, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems (Lewes District Council), and Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board (speaking in a personal capacity) This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Strategy+Impact – A Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results. 🔍 Episode summary In this thought-provoking second episode, host Richard Freeman is joined by Emily O’Brien – a councillor, campaigner and sustainability expert – to explore the democratic tension at the heart of Sussex’s devolution plans. Emily doesn’t hold back in describing the current proposals as a “weird halfway house,” warning that what’s billed as a decentralising revolution may, in practice, centralise power even further. With deep insight and real urgency, she argues that what's on the table could strip away local democratic accountability, weaken community agency, and concentrate too much influence in the hands of a single elected mayor and a tiny executive board. But this isn’t just critique – Emily offers practical alternatives for building a model that truly empowers people and places across Sussex. Topics include: Why the current proposals risk being “fake devolution”The dangers of speed over sense: rushed timescales and lack of local consultationThe case against a single elected mayor – and fears of political imbalanceThe importance of governance design and proportional representationThe risk of a top-heavy Combined Authority with weak scrutinyWhat’s missing: climate and nature duties, transparent funding, public engagementOpportunities for better housing delivery, green investment, and collaborative transportWhat citizens, councillors and civil society can do to shape what comes next This is a critical listen for anyone who wants to understand what’s at stake as Sussex stands on the brink of the biggest governance change in a generation. 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Government White Paper: “Devolution: A Plan for a More Local, More Accountable Government” (December 2023) The foundational document outlining current proposals for mayoral combined authorities, unitary restructuring, and regional powers. 👉 Read on GOV.UK Local Government Association (LGA): People and Places Board Emily O’Brien serves as Deputy Chair. This board leads LGA’s work on devolution, regional governance and local empowerment. 👉 About the board Institute for Government: Devolution in England: Local government reorganisation Clear explainer on the difference between unitary authorities, combined authorities, and the role of metro mayors. 👉 Read here Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Principles for fair and inclusive devolution A critique of centralising tendencies in English devolution and why legitimacy depends on accountability, subsidiarity and community voice. 👉 Read the report Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority – Governance Model An example referenced by Emily, this combined authority has faced scrutiny for lack of clarity in accountability and voter engagement. 👉 Governance overview Private Eye Magazine – Investigations into Tees Valley and West of England mayoralties Referenced in the episode as cautionary tales of mayoral overreach and the dangers of weak scrutiny. 👉 Subscribe for investigative reporting The Climate Coalition – Why local climate leadership matters Relevant to Emily’s call for statutory climate and nature duties alongside growth. 👉 Read the paper Homes England – Strategic plan and regional investment data Emily references the challenge of unlocking Homes England funding for housebuilding at local level. 👉 Visit Homes England Sussex Bay and The Living Coast Biosphere Examples of existing pan-regional collaboration across Sussex focused on green growth and environmental recovery. 👉 The Living Coast 👉 Sussex Bay Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O'Brien Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 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.
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    26 min
  • #1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?

    #1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?
    May 5 2025
    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. SIGN UP HERE for regular emails on change, as it happens. 📚 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 🎧 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 💡 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 📣 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.
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    31 min

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