Welcome to the March 2025 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.

Future options for West Sussex councils

Councils in West Sussex are setting out options for how local authorities in the county can be organised in the future.

The government wants to create a single tier of councils in places where there are currently two.

West Sussex County Council and the seven district and borough councils have written to ministers with our initial proposals.

There are several options on the table for government to consider, which are outlined in the submission..

Everyone will get the chance to comment on the options over the coming months before a more detailed proposal is submitted in September.

Read the story in full.

Devolution: At the same time, the separate but related process of devolution is underway and the government’s consultation for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex & Brighton is open until Sunday 13 April. Have your say.

Future of local government in Sussex

Take up the offer of breast screening – it could save your life

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Breast screening aims to detect thousands of cancers earlier and saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.  

Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you.

Breast screening can detect cancer long before you can even feel it. Or more likely, put your mind at rest.

So, when you're invited, save the date, it could save your life. If you missed your appointment call your local NHS breast screening service on 01903 239757 or email: uhsussex.westsussexbreastscreening@nhs.net  

Check your breasts/chest by regular self-examination (around once a month), to get to know what is normal for you. The NHS provides a ‘How to check your breast or chest guide’, which includes a helpful video showing how to do so.

Search ‘NHS breast screening’ to find out more and please share with friends, family and colleagues.

Achieving better outcomes for SEND children

Our SEND Improvement Plan is making progress and achieving better outcomes for more children and families, across the county. 

Notably, new figures show that more Education and Health Care Plan assessments are being carried out within 20 weeks, and the average number of weeks taken to complete an assessment is reducing.    

Cllr Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, Learning and Skills said: “I know that many families in the county are understandably frustrated when it comes to SEND support. However, although there is still a long way to go, real progress is being made.”

Read more

Spotlight on children's oral health

Every child deserves a bright, confident smile, and World Oral Health Day (20 March) is the perfect reminder to refresh your family’s brushing routine.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, watching out for sugary snacks, and making regular dental check-ups part of your schedule are all simple ways to help keep tooth decay at bay.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional wanting to share useful resources, you can explore ideas inspired by the Better Health Start for Life campaign.

By building these small habits, we can support children across West Sussex to maintain healthy teeth now and as they grow.

Visit our campaign page

Careers in early years and childcare: getting it right from the start 

Did you know that children’s brains develop faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives? This critical early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed – not just in school, but in life too.

By choosing a career in early years and childcare, you can directly influence the life chances of children and help to shape their futures.

Our Early Years Team has created a new website which is full of useful information for anyone interested in working with young children.

You can also sign up to our Jobs in Early Years and Childcare Newsletter to receive the latest local jobs straight to your inbox every week.

Rewarding careers in early years

Help represent residents with low digital confidence

Our Digital Strategy sets out a clear vision for the use of technology to create a more connected and inclusive future for West Sussex residents and communities.

As part of this, the Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety Partnership is working to make the digital world more accessible for residents.

We're creating a testing panel to review our digital products and ensure they work well for everyone - especially those who may lack digital skills or the confidence to use technology.

If you’d like to join the panel please email communitysafety.wellbeing@westsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01243 777100.

Take a look at the latest news about the environment and climate change, including advice on how to reduce carbon emissions associated with food waste, and how our active travel efforts have been recognised.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• We've produced a new Economic Strategy for West Sussex in conjunction with our partners, business representatives and the newly formed West Sussex Economic Growth Board (WSEGB).

• We're working with community and voluntary groups to help transform a small number of otherwise redundant public buildings into vibrant and thriving hubsfor local residents to enjoy.

• A rogue builder from Worthing has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court for defrauding an elderly victim in Storrington, following an investigation by our Trading Standards service.  

• Increase your skills and awareness on the road as a biker, pillion rider and/or general road user by attending a free Biker Down course on 24 April at Shoreham Fire Station.

• Visiting farms can be great fun for the whole family but contact with farm animals carries a risk of catching infections from some bugs they carry naturally. Find out how to stay safe during and after farm visits.

• Visit Smokefree West Sussex or call 0330 222 7980 to get free, non-judgemental support and the right quit aids from specialist advisors to help you quit smoking for good. Support is available face-to-face, over the phone or by downloading the new Smokefree app.
  
  
• Our Trading Standards are reminding West Sussex bird keepers that they must register their birds on the Kept Bird Register. This applies regardless of how many are kept, even if they are pets. Click here for more details and to register online.

There is help and support available with your home finances or budgeting. 

For advice and guidance on paying your council tax, contact your local district or borough council to see if you are eligible for a discount or exemption.

Further advice about local and national support can be found on our cost of living pages.

               Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.