Sussex And The City
Sussex And The City
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as devolution, local government reorganisation, climate action, and regional identity, encapsulating the complexities of Sussex's future. Example episodes include discussions on the shift to unitary authorities, comparing Sussex’s governance to other regions like Greater Manchester, and addressing pressing issues like housing and transport, providing a forum for innovative ideas and collective learning.
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.
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
🎧 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.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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