'Excellent' council performance welcomed by Cabinet

The council has accelerated its climate and sustainability work, with major steps taken to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The social housing decarbonisation programme continues to upgrade council homes with government grant support, cutting running costs for tenants and improving living standards. A complete transformation of the waste and cleansing fleet has also been delivered, with six fully electric street cleansing vehicles, including the UK's first zero‑emissions EV street sweeper, reducing fleet emissions by more than 98% and ending diesel use entirely.

Biodiversity work has progressed at pace. Pollinator‑friendly planting has replaced most annual bedding, creating year‑round habitats and extending wildlife corridors across the district. Partnerships with organisations such as the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and local Friends groups continue to support nature recovery and climate resilience. Feasibility work at Landport Brooks is advancing, with modelling now informing the next phase of this significant environmental project.

Councillor Chris Collier, Cabinet Member for Innovation, Delivery and People, said:

"Over the past year we have focused on delivering meaningful improvements that strengthen our communities, protect our environment and support residents who need us most.

"This excellent update shows a council that is ambitious, responsible and committed to improving the lives of every resident."

The council's housing service was recently awarded a C2 rating by the Regulator of Social Housing, putting the team amongst a small number nationally achieving this standard. New homes have been secured on larger development sites, grant‑funded acquisitions have increased, and garage infill schemes are moving towards delivery following planning approval. Feasibility on council‑owned land has identified the potential for more than 70 additional homes, forming part of a wider pipeline of 38 sites capable of delivering over 200 properties. The Homes First team was recognised nationally with Homeless Link's Excellence Award for its holistic approach to preventing homelessness.

Core services have seen notable improvements. Contact centre response times have reduced by an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds compared with last year. The 100% Council Tax Support Scheme continues to protect financially vulnerable residents. Local economic growth has been supported through the LDC start‑up programme, which assisted 27 new and emerging businesses. Community wealth building has also advanced, with council spend with local suppliers rising to 23% and the authority itself now has Living Wage accreditation.

Investment in community wellbeing has delivered upgraded playgrounds, improved pathways, new leisure facilities, expanded car club provision and support for active travel schemes. A total of £483,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding has been awarded to local organisations and facilities. The council's partnership with Charleston continues to provide targeted creative skills training, delivering over 1,000 student placements and 15,000 hours of work experience.

Councillor Collier added:

"I am grateful to our staff, community groups and partner organisations for the energy and dedication they bring throughout the year, making a report like this possible.  Above all, it's all good news for our residents."

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