January 17, 2024

 

Welcome to this week’s blog - thanks for having a read.

Last week we discussed the Sussex devolution bid. If you missed it: -

• The government is expected to decide quite quickly whether the 1.8 million residents of Sussex will be electing a mayor next year to formulate regional strategy and oversee some public services like the police.

• In 2027 we would then elect new Unitaries: East Sussex could form one, part of our County could join with Brighton & Hove to form a second and the rest of us make a third (in which our District might have about a fifth of the Councillors.) 

• As the Leader and Leader of the Opposition of CDC, Adrian Moss and I have written to the Secretary of State  to express concern about whether there will be sufficient local consultation.

This week Donna and Val had CDC’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, while in the evening Donna and I went to Sidlesham Parish Council. On Thursday, Donna had CDC’s Joint Employee Consultative Panel while Ian and I trialled a Liaison Meeting with STC’s Senior Officers online, so they can be held more frequently; I linked in from school when the pupils went home before a Year 13 Parents Evening. Next week, Val, Steve, Donna and I have Full CDC on Tuesday.

You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.

On January 26 the Vegan Market is returning to East Street in the City between 10am and 4pm.

Two colourful laser light shows come to Petworth House next month for the first time thanks to a collaboration between CDC and The National Trust, on Saturday 15 February at 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Petworth House will be lit up accompanied by music synchronised to the lights. On Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February laser light shows also return to Chichester Canal Basin, at 6pm and 7.30pm on both days. All the shows are being funded using grants from the UK Government secured by CDC.

An impact of Covid was an increase in Working from Home and a desire to move to quieter areas like ours. House prices rose, particularly in the South Downs National Park. Recently employers have been requiring staff to come back to the office and this is having an impact on house prices. Read more here.

WSCC’s Fostering Service is inviting to join their team at this year’s Bognor Prom 10k because they are an official 2025 event sponsor, which takes place on 18 May. The team are inviting supporters and runners to speak to them to discover what fostering for the council involves, how the service supports carers, and different ways to contribute to their work helping children and young people find safe and secure homes in West Sussex.

Finally: - 

• Report potholes

• Warmer Homes

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim