I can’t believe that the end is near for 2025. Where do the months go?!. It must be that we all get older and the time seems on the whole to go quicker. I’ve often wondered if it slows down if you actually retire. If someone knows perhaps they can tell me.
Whilst talking retire I thought a quick update on the devolution may be in order.
I won’t bore you with comments I’ve made before but you will know the Mayor election for the whole of Sussex will be in May 2026 with the Unitary Authority elections coming in 2027. in 2028 the District, Boroughs and the County Council disappear.
I mention this because as yet we do not know if the Government will cancel Sussex elections or not. Some of you will have seen that a Government minister said elections would go ahead but there is a proviso which we are trying to get an answer on and that is that Council like West Sussex going into this new era of local Government and having sent in our preferred choice and asking them to look at the election situation for 2026, we could well have our Sussex election for County/Borough and Districts cancelled again although as ever Boroughs who elect in thirds with one year no election may well have to have their election.
There is good reason for our request and that is that whoever stood and became a Councillor in 2026 would only have one year. The second year when the new Unitary Councils take over those that had been elected in 2026 would only be a shadow Council for 2027/8 and disappear altogether in 2028. All a bit complicated I know but hopefully you can see the difficulties.
Now for better things. I have said this before but it’s worth repeating. Our Children’s Services have gone from strength to strength over the last 5 years from what was admittedly a low point. Our children’s homes have been judged as either Good or Outstanding and this is no mean achievement. In fact it’s absolutely amazing and some of our Social workers have been put in to national awards and done very well nationally one coming in second place.
Trading standards are continuing to do their very best to keep us safe from unlawful trading. It’s getting a very difficult thing to find all those retailers that are selling illegal Vapes and Cigarettes but they are finding them and winning cases against them. In the meantime of course illicit items are still being bought by the public. Never forget the ever present Scams. They also do their best to educate on how to avoid this growing problem.
The rights of way teams have been doing a lot in the area recently and we would ask members of the public to report any path problems whether through me as County Councillor or direct on line to the rights of way team. I have noticed recently large numbers of people using open air facilities like Petworth Park when the weather has been good and footpaths and bridleways are an excellent way of walking and riding that is so good for you. It also doesn’t cost you more than perhaps the Car ride to get to your preferred walk route. There’s some great places to see around here and even further afield.
Fire and Rescue. It wouldn’t be my notes if I didn’t put in a plea for anyone that could be looking for a good career or indeed the retained Fire and Rescue Service that we have. We desperately need more retained Fire and Rescue officers and you may start retained and decided that you would like to be considered for a full time position. This Service is much appreciated and not least nowadays for the wonderful service they provide making sure people are safer in their own homes. This has helped many to stay in their own homes for much longer and must be a good thing.
May I wish you all you wish yourselves for 2026 and have a lovely and happy Christmas .
As ever if you need to contact me it’s janet.duncton@westsussex.gov.uk and mobile 07979152898.
Janet Duncton,
County Councillor Petworth division,
WSCC representative on South Downs National Park