March 6, 2026
Welcome to this week’s blog - as always, thanks for having a read.
On the run up to the West Sussex County Council elections in May we are reminding you that to vote you must be registered by midnight on Monday 20th April 2026 and the last day to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April 2026. We are sure you are aware by now that Donna, Selsey’s current County Councillor will be our candidate.
She may be the only female candidate, which is regrettable considering Sunday, March 8th 2026, is International Women's Day and women only make up 40% of MPs, 30% of the House of Lords, and roughly 41% of local council positions in England.
Before the campaign starts, we are seizing every opportunity to do things with family so last Saturday, we met our grandsons at Washbrook Farm in Hurstpierpoint which is very family friendly. On the way home we did a bit of shopping. Apparently, if you write a list down it might make you smarter: -
Last week Steve, Val, Donna and I had Chichester District Council’s budget setting meeting. As Leader of the Opposition, facing a large Liberal Democrat majority, I have always seen myself as a critical friend to Leader Adrian Moss. Whilst welcoming the budget I raised two considerations: -
Horsham District Council raised their precept by half a point less than was proposed which CDC could do by putting less away in the reserves. What would he say to residents keen to pay less tax?
The University of Sheffield recently found that one in seven food businesses on major delivery platforms, including Deliveroo and Just Eat, are dark kitchens. These are delivery-only food preparation facilities whose lack of visibility makes it easier for them to produce multi-brand meals and avoid regulation. Would he support further investigation into the situation here in case CDC need to do more out of this budget or next years?
Adrian Moss, the Leader, replied that they had considered a lower precept increase but were keen to future proof with the imminence of Local Government Reorganisation. He was receptive to the concern I raised about dark kitchens and remained committed to economic opportunity and was aware of the risk to the hospitality sector. Consequently, there was provision in the reserves for potential projects like this.
Donna also welcomed the budget and its commitment to partnership working, stability and environmental goals (particularly in light of the recent weather and surface water issues.) Later, in Questions to the Executive, Donna asked whether CDC’s Housing Department had had any conversations with Stonepillow about a pending planning application relating to temporary accommodation, which was taken offline.
The meeting confirmed the overall Council Tax increase from April which is made of West Sussex County Council’s 4.99% increase, the police increase of 5.62% CDC’s 2.99% and your parish’s precept. The average is 14.65% for parishes in our District but Selsey Town Council is increasing their precept by only 1.57%
On Wednesday morning Donna had the West Sussex County Council Health and Adult Social Care Committee where she made some pertinent comments about care at home and in a residential setting. Val had Chichester District Council’s Licensing Committee. Later, Ali, Ian, Andrew, Donna and I had a short STC’s Personnel Committee meeting before Ian and Andrew were joined by Mick and Val for STC's Planning Committee.
You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
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