The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority (SBSA) has published its first Sussex-wide Local Transport Delivery Plan, marking a major milestone in delivering joined‑up, cross‑county transport improvements for residents, businesses and visitors.
The Plan brings together transport strategies from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex into a single, coherent picture—reflecting how people actually travel across the region for work, education, healthcare and family life. The publication was marked with a visit to Metrobus’s hydrogen bus depot in Crawley, home to the UK’s largest hydrogen bus fleet and Europe’s first liquid hydrogen refuelling station for buses.
SBSA Chair Cllr Bella Sankey said the visit highlighted the scale of innovation already underway in Sussex:
“It’s one thing to publish a plan; it’s another to stand in a depot full of hydrogen buses and see the future of public transport. This gives us a strong foundation for the bus reform work agreed last month.”
Government announcements strengthen Sussex’s opportunities
Recent Government announcements at Conference have opened new doors for Sussex, including:
- A £100 million Local Apprenticeship Service launching in 2027
- New powers for mayoral authorities over 16–19 skills
- A roadmap for fiscal devolution
- A new overnight visitor levy
- A national fund to revitalise high streets and town centres
- Continued support for council housing
- The return of the £2 single bus fare cap for all of 2027
The SBSA is working to ensure Sussex is at the front of the queue for these opportunities, with meetings scheduled with Treasury ministers next week.
Strengthening governance and scrutiny
The Authority’s new Overview and Scrutiny Committee has met for the first time, chaired by Cllr Paul Marshall (West Sussex) with Cllr Julia Hilton (East Sussex) as Vice-Chair. The Committee will meet in public and attend Board meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability as the Authority grows.
Progress on heat networks and local energy
Worthing and Crawley have been successful in their bid to expand local heat networks—providing reliable, locally sourced and more affordable heating for homes and businesses. This success demonstrates the impact of councils working together through the Authority.
Creativity, culture and community
The SBSA joined Creative Crawley to celebrate preparations for the National Festival of Play, arriving in June 2027. The festival aligns with the Authority’s Prosperity Strategy, recognising creativity as a driver of quality of life, economic vitality and cultural identity.
New talent joins the Authority
The SBSA welcomed its first graduate management trainees, Ellie Reeder and Gabrielle Burns, who will complete four six‑month placements across the organisation. The Authority has also secured eleven civil service secondments—bringing new expertise in policy, data, governance and skills development at no cost to the Authority.
Sussex bonfire season returns
As communities prepare for the world‑famous Lewes Bonfire Night on 5 November, the Authority encourages residents to check local guidance, travel restrictions and ticketing requirements to ensure safe and enjoyable celebrations.
Upcoming dates
- 5 November – Bonfire Night
- 4 November – Overview & Scrutiny Committee (please note the incorrect date of the 9th is quoted in the newsletter link below)
- 11 November – Sussex & Brighton Board meeting
For more information or to sign up for the SBSA newsletter, contact enquiries@sussexandbrighton-cca.gov.uk or visit sussexandbrighton-cca.gov.uk.