The meeting on 17 December 2024 included two motions submitted by councillors: one concerning fossil fuels and climate change, and another concerning abuse and intimidation of councillors. The meeting also included the potential approval of several recommendations made by the council's committees at earlier meetings.

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Councillor Ian Davey submitted a motion to [endorse] the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ¹. The motion characterized the climate crisis as the preeminent threat to global lives and livelihoods, arguing that fossil fuels are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe. The scientific consensus is clear: fossil fuels are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents the preeminent threat to global lives and livelihoods.

- Councillor Ian Davey's Motion on Notice to Worthing Council, 17 December 2024

The motion called on the council to contact the Prime Minister, local MPs, and the Local Government Association to encourage them to reduce carbon emissions. It claimed that the council's existing efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be undermined if carbon emissions are not reduced urgently nationally and globally. The motion also stated that similar motions have already been passed by fifteen other UK councils including Birmingham City Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, and Edinburgh City Council.

Standing Against Abuse and Intimidation

Councillor Rosey Whorlow submitted a motion concerning the abuse and intimidation of councillors, officers, staff and contractors. It asserted that such behaviours discourage individuals from participating in public life, prevent elected members from fully representing their communities, and erode trust in democratic processes.

The motion proposed that the council sign up to the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign to raise awareness of the role of councillors and council staff.

Council Tax Support Scheme

A report from the Joint Strategic Committee included a proposal to continue the Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2025/2026 financial year. The report described 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.

Worthing Pier

The Leader's report included details of a decision taken by the Joint Strategic Committee concerning repairs to Worthing Pier. The pier was closed on 9 October 2024 after a structural engineering assessment found that it had suffered weather-related damage. The report stated that 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.

Grafton Multi-Storey Car Park

The Leader's report stated that the Cabinet Member for Resources had made decisions concerning structural repairs to the Grafton Multi-Storey Car Park.

Gambling Act 2005

A report from the Licensing & Control Committee included a recommendation to adopt an updated Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy.

Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

A report from the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee included a recommendation for both Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council to note proposed changes to the committee's work programme.

Amendments to the Constitution

A report from the Joint Audit and Governance Committee recommended that proposed amendments to the Adur & Worthing Councils' constitutions be approved.