September 2026

Local government reorganisation paused

The government has paused its programme of local government reorganisation.

It’s so ministers can determine whether decisions already taken, and those yet to be made, are the right ones.

All councils across West Sussex have expressed their frustration at the news.

Together with district and borough councils, we will be meeting with ministers to clarify details and a timetable for moving forward.

Plan today for your care needs

Thinking about future care needs for you or a loved one? Planning ahead can give you peace of mind.

To help, we've produced the West Sussex Care Guide and Planning for Your Future booklet. 

Both offer trusted information on options, funding and staying independent for longer.

Take a look online and pick up copies from a West Sussex library.

For planning advice you can also call 0330 222 4040 or speak to an advisor at an upcoming library drop-in session.

New tech for safer school journeys

Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school. 

That's why the council is introducing body worn cameras to school crossing patrol teams across West Sussex. 

We're taking action following reports of dangerous driving and abuse towards our staff, who work to keep children and families safe.

Cabinet member Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman said: "By making crossing points safer and supporting the people who operate them, we're also helping more families feel confident about walking to school." 

Investing in better roads

Our continued commitment to maintaining the county’s highways is highlighted in a report recently published on our website.

It details that we repaired an estimated 32,280 potholes last year and continued our focus on prevention to help extend the life of our roads.

The report is produced to meet the Department for Transport’s requirement for all authorities to provide transparency about highways maintenance.

With investment projected to increase this year, see for yourself the impact of our work for better roads.

Pictured L-R: Cllr Tracie Bangert, Fire & Rescue Service Director Sabrina Pennington-Down, Service Watch Manager David Button, Chair of Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee Cllr Alex Jeffery, Station Manager Lee Penfold

Fire crews stay prepared for wildfires

After a summer of record-breaking temperatures, our Fire & Rescue Service showcased specialist training facilities that help firefighters prepare for emergencies.

During a visit to Platinum House, county councillors toured the state-of-the-art training centre and saw the facilities available to our fire crews.

Cabinet member Cllr Tracie Bangert said: "It was reassuring to see just how well prepared our crews are to respond to incidents and protect our communities."

Playground upgrades get kids active

Pupils at Southgate Primary School celebrate their new active playground

We're helping children get more active with funding for upgrades at two primary schools in Crawley. 

Southgate and Broadfield primary schools received £2,000 each to install colourful playground markings designed to encourage activities. 

The money from the London Marathon's Active Playgrounds initiative was secured through our partnership with Active Sussex and the London Marathon Foundation.

Cabinet member Cllr Ian Davey said:  "The investment... demonstrates how targeted support can help create more opportunities for children to be active."

Protect your health with regular testing

Health professionals in West Sussex are urging sexually active young women aged 15 to 24 to make regular chlamydia testing part of their healthcare routine.

It follows a decline in screening rates.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK, often has no symptoms, and can cause serious and long-term problems if left untreated. 

Free, confidential testing is available through home testing kits, participating pharmacies, and sexual health clinics across West Sussex.

Apply now for your child’s 2027 secondary school place. Applying online is quick and simple. Applications close 31 October.

Planning to use an electric blanket this winter? Get it tested by the Fire & Rescue Service for free to check it's safe to use.

Do you or someone you know need help using the NHS app? Our libraries are running drop-in sessions during Get Online Week 19 to 23 October. Pass it on!

WATCH: Smokefree West Sussex. Next month is Stoptober and you’re three times more likely to quit smoking for good with specialist support.

Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis? On World Sepsis Day, we encouraged people to take a few minutes to learn the signs and know when to seek help.

Help shape a greener future. Take our survey and tell us what you think of plans for action on climate change.

NEW: climate change survey for young people. A version of the survey for young people aged 13 to 18 is now live.

The Big Conversation on Care is now open, giving everyone across the country a chance to shape the future of adult social care. 

Help shape the future of sexual health in West Sussex. Our survey on proposed priorities for a sexual health plan is open until 18 October.

Congratulations! Well done to our social care teams shortlisted as finalists in the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Our 7 refreshed Growth Deals with district and borough councils are creating greener, better connected and more attractive towns across West Sussex.

Watch the upcoming meeting of the county council Cabinet on 22 September. 

The next meeting of the full County Council is on Friday 16 October.

The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Board next meets on Thursday 10 September. 

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