The Councils

Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council have worked in partnership since 2007.

This partnership was the first of its kind nationally and has since become a blueprint for an approach that has become common in Councils of our sizes. The maturity of our relationships means that the culture and systems that support effective joint working are firmly embedded

A potent combination of organisational ambition, political support and a talented group of staff have enabled the Councils to pioneer new ways of working. We consider ourselves “civic social entrepreneurs”, determined to provoke collaborative approaches to the things that matter most to our residents: access to jobs, good education and healthcare, decent housing, safe communities, beautiful open spaces, good natural environment and an opportunity to participate in the communities in which they live. We are unapologetic about setting our ambitions high, and honest about where we have made an impact, and where we need to do more.

Our Platforms for Our Places : Going Further 2020-2022 direction of travel outlines how we will work with others to create the foundations that will support our communities to become more independent and self-sustaining, ensuring that the right support mechanisms are in place where they are needed. This strategy has underpinned our approach over the last three years, and has helped to create a local environment of shared accountability and opportunity.

We are now challenging ourselves to ‘go further’ in developing the five key platforms that will underpin a successful place and community:

• Prosperous Places
• Thriving People and Communities
• Tackling Climate Change and Supporting our Natural Environment
• Good Services
• Solutions Leadership of Place

Political structure:

Adur District Council has 28 councillors:

• 16 Conservative
• 1 UKIP
• 4 Independent
• 7 Labour

Worthing Borough Council has 37 councillors:

• 23 Conservative
• 3 Liberal Democrat
• 1 UKIP
• 10 Labour