Everything you wanted to ask about devolution (but were afraid to ask)

If decisions about your daily life— how you get to work, where you live, or what skills you learn— were made locally instead of in London, what difference could that make? That’s the promise of devolution.

Currently, Sussex and Brighton have multiple councils, like district and county councils, which can sometimes make decision-making complex and fragmented. The Government plans to replace these with larger, easier-to-navigate councils and introduce a newly elected Mayor for Sussex and Brighton—similar to figures like Andy Burnham in Manchester or Andy Street in the West Midlands. This Mayor would have real powers to shape the future of the region. 

If you’ve ever been frustrated by late buses or crowded trains, you’re not alone. Devolution means local leaders would have the power and funding to improve transport. Imagine a single ticket that works across all buses in Sussex, new routes designed around how people actually travel, and better east-west links opening up new job opportunities. A greener, more reliable transport network could make your daily commute less stressful and better for the environment. 

Sussex and Brighton are hubs of creativity and innovation, but sometimes the training available doesn’t match local job opportunities. With devolved powers, local authorities could tailor education and skills programs to meet the city’s unique needs— whether that’s digital skills, manufacturing, or creative industries. This means more chances for people to find meaningful work and a stronger local economy. 

Affordable housing is a major concern for many in Sussex and Brighton. Devolution could give local councils more say over housing policies and funding, allowing them to build homes where they’re needed most. Policies could be shaped by people who understand Brighton’s unique housing pressures, rather than relying on national targets that don’t always fit local realities. This could lead to a fairer, more accessible housing market for renters and buyers alike. 

One of the biggest benefits of devolution is that decisions would be made by people who truly understand Sussex and Brighton. A new elected mayor and strategic authority could give the area a stronger, unified voice on the national stage—championing local interests and values. 

Devolution isn’t a simple fix. Making it work will require cooperation between councils, businesses, and communities. There will be tough decisions and some growing pains along the way. But for many, the chance to shape policies that fit the local area—rather than a one-size-fits-all approach from London—is worth the effort. 

At its core, devolution asks: who should decide what’s best for Sussex and Brighton? With new powers and a local Mayor, the answer could be you. This is more than just a political change— it’s an opportunity to reimagine how local decisions can make a real difference in your everyday life. 

Silverstone Communications is a political communications agency and the go-to consultancy for all things devolution in southern England. They specialise in helping clients navigate the political landscape – especially when it comes to planning, development, and infrastructure projects.

They are sponsoring our Big Debate on 17 June – an event that will bring together Brighton’s vibrant business community to explore what devolution could mean for the city’s future, its identity, and the wider region – find all the details below!

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