Proposals to introduce a new decision-making Sussex Mayor are not ambitious enough for nature, according to the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT).
It has criticised the proposals which would see more decision-making power moved from central government to an elected Mayoral authority that would make big decisions affecting all of Sussex. It’s a process called devolution.
The SWT has now published its response to the plans and has called for more to be done to protect the wildlife of our county.
It said: “Nature doesn’t get much of a mention in the consultation document, despite being fundamental to achieving all other aims. Nature is not a luxury; we depend on it for our health, wellbeing and prosperity, so we’ve been clear that nature must be at the heart of decision-making in Sussex.
“Devolution presents a critical opportunity to ensure nature’s recovery in Sussex, and any governmental shifts within our county must have positive effects for the environment. Devolution could change the decision-making processes for the better, delivering healthy and resilient habitats to support sustainable, nature-positive growth.”
But while devolution represents an opportunity, SWT believes that opportunity is being missed. “The current proposals are not ambitious enough to meet the government’s nature recovery targets. A new Sussex authority must be committed to these aims.” It said.
It has called for a new Sussex Mayoral Authority to commit to:
- protect, restore and expand sites for nature
- halt in species decline by 2030
- protect 30% of land and sea by 2030
- restore Sussex rivers to good ecological health
SWT says it has a particular concern about planning. “We have questions and concerns about the powers a new Mayor for Sussex would wield, especially when making decisions about planning. These decisions must remain evidence-based and informed by sound ecological expertise. The government is pushing for economic growth, but this must not come at a cost to nature; a thriving economy is dependent on a healthy environment, and wildlife must not be falsely framed as a blocker to development.”
And also about community environmental projects. “Many of our projects, from wetland restoration to community gardens and nature-based education programmes, work in partnership with Local Authorities and we are keen to ensure these can continue. Empowerment of grassroots initiatives, and dedicated mechanisms to allow for community input into decision making, collaboration and community action are vital to nature’s protection and recovery, and must remain at the heart of Sussex’s future.”
Alongside devolution there is a parallel process of Local Government Reorganisation. Local councils are now working up proposals for one or more single or unitary authorities in place of the existing District / Borough Councils in East and West Sussex. They have a September deadline to submit final, detailed proposals.