What are we doing?
A game to shape a Sussex Charter
Our friends at Our House have been working to create new ways for people to shape and engage in a form of democracy, and build a People’s Charter to shape a democracy that works for everyone.
We have designed a Sussex-specific version of this game, highlighting not just different ways in which people can shape democratic processes, but examples from across Sussex of where that is already happening today.
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Bull House, 16th June 2026
Thanks to Leanne O’Boyle at Thomas Paine Legacy, we played the first Sussex version of the game at Bull House on 16th July 2026.
Why are we doing this?
A new regional Mayoral Combined County Authority will span East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
The inaugural election for this regional mayor is scheduled for May 2028.
How should a Sussex Mayor involve people across the whole of Sussex in the decisions that affect their lives?
We are coming together to build a people-powered charter for change, collectively exploring how we can shape our region so it works for everyone.
We’re planning to invite as many different people, in as many different places as possible, talk about what matters to them, about what would help Sussex flourish, now and into the future.
Let’s make sure our first mayor has a mandate that truly represents all our communities.
Welcome to Sussex
Sussex is not one thing. It’s a place of places. We need a Mayor who can unite Sussex — from the weald to the waves — behind a shared plan for prosperity, fairness, and sustainability. A mayor who makes Sussex work for everyone, not just the well-connected or well-off.
Seaside Splendour
From Brighton’s bohemian buzz to the Georgian elegance of Worthing, Sussex’s coastal destinations welcome visitors from far and wide. But some towns have seen visitor numbers fall and a lack of new employment opportunities. Local pride is coupled with frustration about deprivation and inequality, poor transport and underinvestment.
Market Towns
Cobbled streets wind between independent shops, antique dealers, and centuries-old pubs. Market day still matters here, for locals and for tourists. Sussex market towns are prosperous, civically engaged but wary of overdevelopment and keen to protect their heritage.
Downland Villages
Flint churches anchor generations of communities, and offer respite for walkers to refuel, and artists to find inspiration. Downland communities are affluent, environmentally conscious and proud of their landscapes but sceptical of distant government. As custodians of the Downs they want to centre nature protection, rural services and respectful planning.
Commuter Suburbs
Practical places that don’t pander to the picturesque. Good schools and decent high streets, where much of Sussex life happens. Urban centres such as Brighton, Worthing and Crawley are younger, diverse and politically fluid, demanding fair rents, green jobs and inclusive leadership.
Regenerative Rebels
A rising choir of landowners, farmers, produce pioneers, stewards and gardeners striving to support nature in new ways across Sussex. They’re championing sustainable farming, rewilding, biodiversity and want clear leadership on climate resilience and protecting natural systems.
Wooded Weald
Villages scattered across the High Weald like well-kept secrets. Rows of half-timbered houses, and winding lanes that go nowhere fast. Local services and connectivity can be hard to access, leaving some people isolated.