February 27, 2026
Welcome to this week’s blog - as always, thanks for having a read.
We told you last week that as the West Sussex County Council elections in May are going ahead, Donna, who is Selsey's current County Councillor, will be our candidate. Donna has worked hard to build relationships cross party and is a highly respected councillor and advocate for Selsey. To vote you must be registered by midnight on Monday 20th April 2026. The last day to apply for, or make a change to a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April 2026.
If you read last week’s blog, you will be aware I mentioned our grandsons and I how I stopped Donna’s ‘Mystery Man’ sending her flowers on Valentine's Day by taking her away for the night. In response, Ali revealed to me how many mystery men she has (unfortunately I am not able to betray her confidence. ) She also recalled her mother sharing the old adage that “Grandchildren are better than your children because you love them JUST as much but you can give them back!”
Last week Donna had the West Sussex County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Committee which included scrutinising the Special Educational Strategy for 2028 - 2030 and the 2025 educational attainment in West Sussex.
Next Tuesday Steve, Val, Donna and I have Chichester District Council’s budget setting meeting. As Leader of the Opposition, I will be first to reply to it. This will also confirm the overall Council Tax increase from April which is made of West Sussex County Council’s 4.99% increase, the police increase and your parish - Selsey Town Council is increasing their precept by around 1.5%. Approximately 70 - 80% of our Council Tax goes to WSCC, about 5 - 8% to the police, 7% to CDC and about 5% to your parish council.
On Wednesday Donna has the West Sussex County Council Health and Adult Social Care Committee while Val has Chichester District Council’s Licensing Committee. I can’t join Val because Licensing is during the school day and held in person. Later, Ali, Ian, Andrew, Donna and I have a short Selsey town Council Personnel Committee meeting before Ian and Andrew are joined by Mick and Val for STC's Planning Committee.
You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.
You may be unaware that we live near to the remains of King Harold II’s palace: -
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25842181.bosham-sussex-home-king-harold-iis-lost-palace/
The Renters’ Rights Act has been in the news because it takes effect from May 1st, 2026 but might be repealed after the next general election depending on who wins it. Some aspects that may or may not be welcome are: -
Making new tenancies in England renew monthly, giving tenants who want long‑term stability leave to remain indefinitely or give two months notice.
Abolishing Section 21 “no fault” evictions and stopping Landlords selling or moving into the property during the first 12 months of a tenancy. Evictions are permitted if the property is being damaged, where antisocial behaviour occurs, or where rent arrears reach the equivalent of three months’ rent.
Stopping Landlords evicting tenants for raising concerns about issues such as damp, mould or disrepair.
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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