The meeting on 17 December 2024 is scheduled to include two motions submitted by Councillors for debate. The meeting is also scheduled to include, among other things, the potential approval of a number of recommendations from previous committee meetings. These include a recommendation to adopt an updated Gambling Act 2005 policy, a proposal to continue the Council Tax Support Scheme, and an update on the state of Worthing Pier.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Councillor Ian Davey has submitted a motion “The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty” for debate by the council.

The motion notes the council’s 2019 declaration of a Climate Emergency, and states the scientific consensus that fossil fuels are to blame for climate change. It argues that “Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe” and that “Sussex is already seeing the impact of the climate crisis, including an increase in flooding, rising temperatures, drought, and rising sea levels”.

The motion welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to reducing emissions, but criticises the Conservative Government’s record on climate change, saying “that the recent COP 29 climate negotiations which were dominated by the presence of fossil fuel giants and lobbyists failed to agree to the urgent steps needed now to mitigate the Climate Crisis and adapt to the consequences” and noting that “according to the UK's Climate Change Committee the government is “off-track” on reaching its own 2030 targets of a cut of 68% and that more “will need to be done as a matter of urgency to make up for lost time””.

The motion calls for Worthing Council to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister, local MPs, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) in support of the treaty.

Standing Against Abuse and Intimidation – Championing Respect, Inclusion, and Resilience

Councillor Rosey Whorlow has submitted a motion entitled “Standing Against Abuse and Intimidation – Championing Respect, Inclusion, and Resilience” for debate by the council.

This motion argues that “Abuse and intimidation of councillors, officers, staff, and contractors, whether in person or online, undermine our democracy and the principles of inclusion and cohesion that Worthing Borough Council upholds”.

It goes on to state the council’s belief “in fostering an environment where everyone—regardless of role, background, or political affiliation—feels safe, respected, and valued”, and argues that “A toxic environment has no place in a democratic organisation or a thriving community, as it undermines wellbeing and the capacity to serve effectively”.

The motion resolves to sign up to the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign, and “Work collaboratively with partners, residents, and organisations to challenge the normalisation of abuse in public life and promote positive, inclusive engagement”.

Gambling Act 2005

A report from the Licensing & Control Committee meeting on 25 November 2024 regarding the council’s Gambling Act 2005 policy is scheduled to be presented to the council.

Council Tax Support Scheme

A report from the Joint Strategic Committee of Adur and Worthing Councils regarding the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26 is due to be given to the council.

The report notes that “Council Tax Support is a scheme to help some people pay their Council Tax. This depended on their income and personal circumstances and only available to some people in the UK who were living on a low income.”

The report describes the scheme as “an important part of the Councils’ ambition to become the fairest coastal towns by supporting people who are living on the lowest incomes”.

The report recommends that the council maintain the 2024/25 scheme for 2025/26 without changes.

Worthing Pier Update

The Leader of the Council is scheduled to report on a number of decisions taken since the previous meeting of the council.

The report details the outcome of discussions at the Joint Strategic Committee meeting on 12 November 2024, including the matter of “Items Raised Under Urgency Provisions - Worthing Pier Update”.

The report describes Worthing Pier as a “well-loved heritage asset which had suffered weather-related damage, causing the first significant closure in 25 years on October 9th 2024”.

The report goes on to say that “A damaged pile had to be removed and an independent structural engineering assessment clearly advised closure was necessary for public safety reasons” and “The administration had given a clear direction that the works to the pier be prioritised because of the pier’s importance to the town”.

According to the report “Officers had been working hard on a temporary fix, enroute to a more permanent repair” and “the council's engineering and health and safety teams were working with specialist contractors on a temporary support structure to be installed in the November tidal window with the aim re-opening of the pier in time for Christmas, in support of the key local businesses based there”.

The report notes that “Owing to the nature of the damage it was necessary to install a supporting gantry in advance of a permanent fix” and that “Once this was successfully installed the next step would be to develop the programme of works needed to deliver the permanent fix as well as consider the funding approach needed to support that work.”

Amendments to the Constitution

A report from the Joint Audit & Governance Committee meeting on 26 September 2024 regarding proposed amendments to the council constitution is scheduled to be heard by the council.

The report recommends that the council adopt an amendment to the constitution relating to disagreements between the two councils, clarifying that “usually” disagreements about whether an issue is “substantial” would be “decided by which council’s budget it came from and that the adjudicator would be the proper officer”.