News and events

West Sussex County Council has secured £182.7m of Government funding to help deliver better outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It follows the Department for Education’s approval of the local SEND Reform Plan created jointly by the county council and NHS Surrey and Sussex. The SEND Reform Plan outlines how national government changes to the SEND system will be delivered in West Sussex.

The £182.7m High Needs Stability Grant will cover 90 per cent of a deficit created by the cost of delivering SEND support in West Sussex being greater than the ring-fenced funding the council receives from the government, which is called the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The DSG is used by the county council to pay for support for pupils with complex special educational needs, alternative provision and special schools, as well as mainstream school budgets, free childcare provision and early education.

However, there remains uncertainty around the remaining deficit which is created by the cost of increasing demand for SEND services outpacing available funding from the government.

Councillor Sam Raby, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Supporting children and young people with SEND continues to be one of our highest priorities. The government’s decision to approve our SEND Reform Plan and allocate us the full amount that we were able to request is an important step forward for West Sussex.

“It reflects the progress we've made by working together, promoting inclusion, and improving our process to so that we can deliver better outcomes for children and young people now and into the future.

“We have already increased in the percentage of Education, Health and Care Plans which we are delivering within the statutory 20-week timescale, and we continue to expand specialist provision across the county to meet growing demand.

“My thanks go to our dedicated staff who helped create such a comprehensive SEND Reform Plan, which was key to us securing this vital government funding and providing a level of short-term financial stability for the county council’s children’s services.

“But the fact remains that the money we receive from national government is not enough to cover the cost of delivering support for those with SEND in West Sussex. The increasing debt forecast for delivering those services both here in West Sussex, and elsewhere across the country, is simply not sustainable.

“I shall continue to lobby the Department for Education to highlight the challenges faced here in West Sussex, and push for the funding we need to ensure all of our children and young people can continue to thrive.”

The West Sussex SEND Reform Plan is available to view on the county council’s Local Offer website.

As part of Flood Action Week, West Sussex County Council is encouraging residents to take simple steps now to reduce the impact of flooding and ensure they are prepared should severe weather affect the county this winter. 

To support this, the council have produced an online flood guide which provides practical advice on how to prepare, what to do during a flood and where to find support afterwards. 

Cllr Natasha Davie, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said: “While flooding is often associated with rivers and the coast, it can also happen in urban areas following intense or prolonged rainfall, affecting roads, homes and communities. 

"Flooding can affect anyone and often happens more quickly than people expect. We want residents to feel informed and prepared before winter. By understanding their flood risk and taking action now, people can better protect their homes, families and communities from the impacts of flooding."  

Residents are encouraged to check whether they live in a flood-risk area and take simple steps to reduce the impact of flooding should it occur. This could include signing up for flood warnings, preparing an emergency kit, creating a household flood plan and considering measures such as flood barriers or airbrick covers to help protect their property. 

Alongside helping residents prepare, the county council continues to work with the Environment Agency, district and borough councils, water companies and emergency services to manage flood risk across West Sussex. This partnership approach is reflected in the council’s flood strategy, which looks at the entire journey of water through a catchment to identify and tackle risks early, using measures such as natural flood management to help protect communities. 

Communities across the county can also participate in the council's Operation Watershed programme when larger projects which can have a positive impact on the wider community have been identified. The programme provides funding for local projects designed to reduce flood risk and improve resilience. 

One recent example is in Ashurst, where more than £32,000 of Operation Watershed funding was approved to address long-standing flooding issues on Honeybridge Lane and Pepper's Lane. During prolonged periods of rainfall, both roads regularly flooded, affecting access to the village and creating difficulties for residents, motorists and families travelling to Ashurst Primary School. 

The project included a new culvert, improvements to roadside drainage ditches and highway resurfacing works to improve drainage. Together, these measures will help reduce the risk of flooding and make the community more resilient during wet weather. 

Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, said: "While no organisation can completely prevent flooding, we continue to invest in measures that improve resilience across West Sussex and reduce the risk of local flooding wherever possible. 

“Through our Operation Watershed programme, we are supporting communities to deliver practical schemes that help protect homes, roads and local infrastructure from the impacts of severe weather. Projects like the one in Ashurst show how this funding can make a real difference for residents." 

If flooding does occur, residents should contact the relevant organisation depending on the source of the flooding: 

• West Sussex County Council Highways for highway flooding, blocked drains and surface water
• The Environment Agency for river and coastal flooding.
• Water companies for sewer flooding.
• District and borough councils for local support and environmental health issues.
• Emergency services via 999 where there is a danger to life. 

For more information about flooding and how to prepare your home, visit Flooding - West Sussex County Council. 

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

A new cinema-led cultural venue, year-round entertainment and 39 homes are among plans for a £23 million investment in Haywards Heath, alongside new jobs, skills opportunities and improved links to Clair Park. 

Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site, moving forward plans to bring this important town-centre site back into full use. The preferred developer and emerging plans will be announced shortly.

The proposals would complete the final major development site in the Station Quarter, building on investment in the railway station, Waitrose, new homes, the hotel, and Aldi. Together, these improvements would strengthen this key gateway to Haywards Heath and create a more welcoming, lively, and connected destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

At its heart would be a new Council-owned cultural venue operated by the Digital Picture House, a family-owned business with a strong community focus and successful venues in Uckfield and East Grinstead. The four-screen venue would include a 133-seat auditorium with an integrated stage, three smaller screens, a green room, and an all-day café and restaurant with outdoor seating. A flexible community studio would provide a welcoming space for talks, birthday parties, yoga classes, and other local activities.

For local people, that would mean more choice close to home: film, theatre, pantomime, live performance, events, community classes. Digital Picture House has committed to more than 150 hours of live, in-person cultural activity each year, helping to make culture more accessible to people of all ages.

The wider scheme would create a landscape-led link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park, with improved surfacing, lighting and pedestrian access from the station. New planting, and public spaces would help create a greener and more inviting route through the site, while the new cultural venue would bring activity to Perrymount Road throughout the day and evening.

The investment is also expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Around 115,000 cinema admissions are forecast in the first year, rising to 139,000 by year three, bringing more people into the town centre and supporting nearby shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses. The cultural venue could create up to 60 jobs, including five full-time posts, alongside the equivalent of 19 full-time equivalent construction jobs, nine apprenticeships and 20 work placements during development.

The developer has proposed more than £1.1 million of social value for the community, including employment and skills support, careers activity, local supply-chain opportunities, wellbeing programmes and the planting of 200 native trees. The scheme is also proposed to deliver 39 low-rise, centrally located homes and high-quality public spaces designed to complement Clair Park, improve access and open up stronger connections between the park, station and wider town centre.

Leader of the Council Robert Eggleston said: “This is about creating a place where existing and future generations can watch a film, celebrate a birthday, see a show, or simply meet friends. We want it to become part of people’s everyday lives and special occasions - a welcoming destination with something for all ages throughout the day and into the evening.

“Clair Hall has played an important part in local life for many years. This proposal can build on that legacy, bringing together film, live performance, food and community activity in one place while unlocking more than £23 million of investment in the wider site.
 
“That investment would bring this important site back into full use, secure a viable and sustainable future for Clair Hall and improve its integration with Clair Park, creating stronger connections between the park, station and amenities along Perrymount Road. Coupled with Digital Picture House’s experience and community focus, this is an exciting opportunity for Haywards Heath.
 
“There is still more work to do, and the community will have opportunities to help shape the detail as the plans develop.”

Conservative Councillor Rod Clarke said: “We have always been determined to deliver an outstanding entertainment venue for Haywards Heath that is fit for the future. We recognise that the journey has taken time and caused frustration for some current and former users, but the focus has remained on securing the right long-term outcome for the town.

“We have always believed that the right building would help secure an excellent operator, high-quality performers and a varied programme of events. This new cultural venue will create jobs, skills and opportunities, while providing activities that appeal to people of all ages and interests across the community.

“Alongside the Digital Picture House, the wider regeneration will bring more visitors into Haywards Heath and support a lively, renewed area close to the railway station. We are ambitious for this important part of the town and want residents to have a strong choice of entertainment, arts and culture on their doorstep. This is an exciting opportunity to give Clair Hall a viable, sustainable future.”

Cabinet has also approved provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million from reserves towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This provision unlocks the £23 million redevelopment of the final major development site in the Station Quarter and is required because development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. Any Council funding will be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement are met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will retain freehold ownership of the completed cultural venue, which will be operated by Digital Picture House under a commercial lease, with the rent helping to offset any contribution made from reserves. The Council will continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.

The proposals are still at an early stage and will require planning permission before they can go ahead. As part of any future planning application, the local community will have the opportunity to view and comment on the detailed plans, and those comments will be considered through the planning process.  

Subject to planning permission and completion of the necessary agreements, work could start in 2028 and be completed by autumn 2029, with residents and existing users kept informed as the plans develop.

Further information, together with opportunities for the community to get involved, will be published on the Council’s Engagement Hub as this work progresses.

Residents across West Sussex are benefiting from a series of upgrades making walking, wheeling and cycling safer, more accessible and more attractive for everyday journeys, thanks to close to £1.8 million of funding from Active Travel England.

West Sussex County Council secured £1,797,149 through Active Travel England’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund 2025, which recently helped deliver four active travel projects in Horsham, Arundel, Shoreham and Worthing.

The schemes have introduced new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, safer routes to schools, enhanced accessibility for disabled and visually impaired people, lower traffic speeds and better facilities for cyclists. The improvements are designed to give residents safe, convenient and affordable alternatives to car travel, while supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing emissions.

In Horsham, the scheme focused on North Parade and West Parade, delivering two new pedestrian crossings, upgraded traffic signals and a new route allowing cyclists to travel safely in both directions on West Parade, as well as a 20mph speed limit and weight restrictions for larger vehicles.

Local feedback helped shape the scheme, with a new traffic-light-controlled crossing installed outside Aurora Vincent House School on North Parade following a request from the Trafalgar Neighbourhood Council. The crossing features the latest pedestrian detection technology to help people cross more safely, as well as audible crossing signals and tactile features for visually impaired users.

Elsewhere, schemes at Arundel CofE Primary School, Swiss Gardens Primary School in Shoreham and Thomas A Becket Junior School in Worthing have made it easier and more convenient for pupils and families to walk, wheel and cycle to school.

The work included new pedestrian crossing points, wider footways, raised crossing areas that make pedestrians more visible and encourage lower traffic speeds, tactile paving, and resurfaced roads and pavements to improve safety and accessibility around school sites.

Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "These improvements will make everyday journeys easier for residents, particularly around schools and busy community locations.

"The projects demonstrate how targeted investment can respond to local needs while encouraging more people to choose active forms of travel.

"Making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle instead of relying on the car is an important focus for the council. By improving crossings, reducing traffic speeds and creating safer routes, we're making it easier for residents to choose active travel for everyday journeys.

"The improvements around schools will also help more families feel confident about walking, wheeling and cycling to school. Encouraging active travel supports healthier lifestyles, helps reduce congestion and contributes to safer, more pleasant communities for everyone."

Active travel includes walking, wheeling, cycling and other physically active forms of transport. The schemes support the objectives of the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 and the West Sussex Active Travel Strategy 2024-2036, helping to create a safer, healthier and more sustainable transport network across the county.

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

West Sussex County Council’s customer service centre dealt with an impressive 137,231 calls from residents, an average of around 5,278 every week in the first half of 2026.

The team handled questions on a range of issues from adult and children's social care to highways and applications for Blue Badges, helping residents to access essential services.

Our 41 customer service officers are maintaining high level of customer satisfaction, with 85% of people happy with how their enquiry was handled.

Meanwhile, teams at our reception desks at council buildings open to the public welcomed 17,191 people and provided face-to-face support and guidance.

The figures have been released during National Customer Service Week and show the county council’s commitment to listening to its communities.

Councillor Nicholas Russell, Cabinet Member for Support Services and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “National Customer Service Week is a great opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of our Customer Service Centre team and all staff across the council who support residents every day.

“Our Customer Service Centre is the front door for many people needing to access information, advice and support from the council. We know that when residents contact us, they are often looking for help with important issues, and our priority is to make those interactions as straightforward and supportive as possible.”

The council's customer-centred approach is underpinned by its Customer Promise, which commits to providing services that are welcoming, helpful and easy to access. 

Listening to customers is a key part of how the council continues to improve. Residents are regularly invited to share feedback through satisfaction surveys, helping services understand what is working well and where improvements can be made.

The Customer Service Centre delivers training to colleagues across the council, helping to ensure a consistently high standard of service throughout the organisation.

Cllr Russell added: “We are a listening organisation and customer service is at the heart of what we do. I'm delighted that customer satisfaction remains consistently high, particularly at a time when demand continues to grow and enquiries are becoming more complex. These results reflect our commitment to putting residents first and continually improving the services we provide.”

Contact us

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

West Sussex County Council is trialling new artificial intelligence (AI) technology that could help make highway inspections safer and more efficient. 

The multi-year trial will see dashboard-mounted cameras installed in eight highway inspection vehicles across the county. The cameras automatically capture road conditions and use AI to identify defects such as potholes, cracking, surface deterioration and faded road markings. 

Currently, highway inspectors identify defects while driving inspection routes, before stopping to photograph issues and manually record information. 

This can be time-consuming and, in some cases, requires inspectors to leave their vehicles on busy roads. 

The new technology aims to reduce the need for inspectors to stop and manually record defects. Instead, footage is automatically captured and defect information will be uploaded directly into the council's highway asset management system, Confirm, where inspectors can review and validate the findings. 

By streamlining the inspection process, the council hopes the technology will allow inspectors to spend more time surveying the road network and supporting other operational activities while reducing administrative tasks. 

Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, said: "Improving our roads remains a key priority and this trial forms part of our wider Better Roads commitment. 

"Alongside investment in repairs and resurfacing, we're exploring how new technology could help us work smarter, improve the information we collect and encourage more consistent and informed decision-making across our highways network. 

"We're looking forward to seeing the results and understanding how this innovation could help us continue delivering better roads for residents." 

As part of the trial, the council will assess a range of measures, including whether the technology can increase the number of miles inspected during each shift reduce repeat visits, improve the speed of reporting and enhance inspector safety. 

The trial, which will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it is delivering on its aims, will also explore potential environmental benefits, including reducing unnecessary journeys and lowering fuel use through more efficient inspection processes. 

If successful, the technology could play an important role in helping the council maintain West Sussex's highways network by improving inspection coverage and consistency, and supporting our programmes of proactive maintenance.

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

Applications are now open for children who are due to start in reception at primary and infant schools across West Sussex in September 2027. The quickest and easiest way to apply is on the county council website and the deadline for on-time applications is 15 January 2027. Children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 are eligible to start school next September. 

Children who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school will also need to apply for a place to start a junior school in September next year. 

Parents and carers are strongly advised to apply on time, before 15 January 2027, which will give them the best chance of being offered one of their three preferences. Those who apply late are far less likely to get a place at one of their three preferred schools and will still need to apply, as they will not automatically be given a place. 

Councillor Sam Raby, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: "Getting a good start to their education is so important for children and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to make informed decisions about school applications. 

"I strongly encourage families to explore all available information when considering their options. Visit school websites, reach out to schools directly, and take advantage of open days. We are here to help too, so please get in touch with our admissions team if you have any questions about the process." 

All of the information about applying can be found on the county council website here: School places - West Sussex County Council. 

Free use of computers with internet access is available in all West Sussex libraries, where there is no need to book. Those unable to apply online can request a form by calling 033 301 42903. 

Parents/carers are advised:

• To include three preference schools on your application, listing them in order of preference.
• Parents/carers who want their child to go to their catchment school (where applicable) will need to include that school as a preference for it to be considered.
• If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools. 

West Sussex County Council admissions staff can offer support to anyone who needs help with their application. Contact the admissions team by phoning 033 301 42903 or email the Admissions Team North: [email protected] or the Admissions Team South: [email protected]. 

Secondary school applications are currently open for pupils due to start in September 2027. The application window for on-time applications closes on Saturday 31 October 2026 and the application form is available online via: Secondary school places - West Sussex County Council. 

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

Energy-saving projects across West Sussex schools and county council buildings are expected to cut bills by £63,463 a year and save 74 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

West Sussex County Council’s Energy Reinvestment Fund is off to a flying start just over a year after its launch, with lighting and heating upgrades already delivering savings.

Councillor Natasha Davie, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “The Energy Reinvestment Fund is a great example of a home-grown West Sussex initiative delivering practical improvements while reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions.

“By reinvesting the savings we make, we can continue supporting more projects across our schools and council buildings. It shows how relatively small improvements at individual sites can add up to a significant environmental and financial impact across the county.”

Energy-efficient lighting upgrades have already been completed at:

• Arunside Primary School
• Crawley Fire Station and Crawley Library
• Felpham Community College
• Haywards Heath Fire Station
• Northleigh in Chichester
• Hurstpierpoint, Steyning and Bognor libraries
• East Preston Fire Station
• Chidham Primary School
• Ferring Library
• Sackville School.

A heating controls project has also been completed at Angmering School.

The completed projects are expected to save around 1,608 tonnes of carbon emissions over the lifetime of the technology installed.

And there is more to come. Six further projects are in delivery, taking the expected savings from completed and approved projects to £76,305 a year, 87 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and around 1,925 tonnes over the lifetime of the technology.

The fund was set up with an initial allocation from the council’s capital budget. Repayments from completed projects feed back into the fund, allowing the money to be reinvested in further energy-saving improvements.

Projects are assessed internally against criteria agreed when the fund was established. To qualify, they must pay back their costs within ten years and meet requirements for lifetime carbon savings.

The fund supports the council’s commitment to protect the environment through its Energy Strategy and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

It was launched following the closure of the national Salix Recycling Fund, previously used by the council to support similar energy-saving projects.

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

Please be advised that Cuckfield High Street and Cuckfield Road will be closed on Sunday 1st November, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, to facilitate the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Please plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

For more information about the event and road closures, please see the comments below for useful links.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while this historic event passes through our village.

www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk 

https://one.network/?tm=GB152750104

Please be advised that the road will be closed from the junction with Burgess Hill Road to outside West Riddens on Monday 2 November, between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

Please allow extra time for your journey and seek alternative routes where necessary.

For further information, please visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB151290564

events coming soon..

To stay updated on the latest news and events in Cuckfield, you can read our monthly newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/6b3c48b99a3...

Please be advised that Cuckfield High Street and Cuckfield Road will be closed on Sunday 1st November, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, to facilitate the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Please plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

For more information about the event and road closures, please see the comments below for useful links.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while this historic event passes through our village.

For more information please visit the links below 

www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk https://one.network/?tm=GB152750104

West Sussex County Council is inviting people to help shape the future of leisure and recreational services, activities and opportunities for young people in the county.

Responses will play an important role in developing a new five-year Young People’s Strategy, that aims to improve opportunities locally that support young people’s health, wellbeing and development.

HAVE YOUR SAY: West Sussex Young People’s Strategy 2027-2032

The strategy will focus on 11 to 19-year-olds, and up to age 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It will cover a broad range of activities outside the classroom, school, college or work. These will include sports, arts and culture, youth clubs, outdoor activities, volunteering and community-based opportunities.

Councillor Sam Raby, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible, especially young people themselves, as we develop our new Young People's Strategy for West Sussex.

“This survey is a great opportunity for young people, families and those who work with them to tell us what is important to them, what opportunities they value most, and what they would like to see in the future.

“Their views will play a vital role in helping us shape a strategy that supports young people to thrive, fulfil their potential and enjoy high-quality opportunities in their communities.”

The council has created two surveys, through which people can share their views. One survey is for young people, and the other is for anyone who wants to share their views, such as parents and carers, schools, community organisations, health and social care services and activity providers.

People are asked to provide feedback on six proposed priorities:

• Access, availability and awareness
• Equity, inclusion and belonging
• Safe, trusted and youth-friendly environments
• Quality opportunities and positive futures
• Youth voice and empowerment
• Connected communities, partnerships and sustainability

The West Sussex Young People’s Strategy 2027-2032 will focus on how young people, communities, leisure providers, schools, voluntary and community organisations, health partners, local authorities and other partners can work together to improve access to activities and opportunities that support positive health and wellbeing, help young people develop skills and confidence, build relationships, feel connected to their communities, achieve their potential and thrive.

Take part by visiting the West Sussex Young People's Strategy 2027-2032: Have Your Say page on Your Voice West Sussex.

The survey will close at 11.55pm on 26 October.

The draft Young People's Strategy 2027-2032 is expected to be published later this year for wider public consultation.

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

Please be advised that the road will be closed from the junction with Burgess Hill Road to outside West Riddens on Monday 2 November, between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

Please allow extra time for your journey and seek alternative routes where necessary.

For further information, please visit: 

https://one.network/?tm=GB151290564