Future Care

Information on our review of adult social care services that the council provides.

Latest updates

25 November 2025: West Sussex County Council Confirms Decision to Cease Services at New Tyne

10 November 2025: Decision to cease services at New Tyne care home in Worthing "called-in" by councillors

Browse meetings - Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee 

29 October 2025: Decision confirmed to cease services at New Tyne residential care home in Worthing

11 September 2025: Proposals for the future of a council-run residential care home in Worthing to be scrutinised

Future Care

West Sussex County Council’s Future Care programme aims to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality, sustainable adult social care services now and in the future.  

The programme supports the priorities in Our Council Plan and the Adult Social Care Strategy, and how we respond to the challenges of:  

  • A growing and ageing population.
  • Increasingly complex care needs.
  • Rising costs of delivering care.
  • The need to modernise services.

What’s in scope?

The programme is reviewing all residential care services for adults that are provided by the county council.  

The council runs six residential homes. New Tyne in Worthing cares for older people with dementia, while five others across the county support people with learning disabilities.  

In total, the homes currently support around 130 people with social care needs, who are looked after by a workforce of around 227 people.  

The review is looking at:

  • The condition and suitability of our buildings.
  • The cost of running services compared to alternatives.
  • The availability of good quality care in the independent sector.
  • The needs and preferences of current and future residents.

Decision and Governance

On 29 October 2025, the Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, Councillor Amanda Jupp, confirmed the decision to cease services at New Tyne in Worthing, following scrutiny by the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee and engagement with staff, UNISON and residents’ families.

A subsequent call-in request led to the decision being reviewed again by HASC on 21 November 2025. The Committee considered the published decision report, the reasons for the call-in, and the petition submitted by UNISON. After reviewing all evidence, the Committee supported the original decision.
The decision has now come into effect and implementation has begun.

The meeting is available to watch via webcast.

Why was the decision made?

There are three main reasons for this decision: 

  1. How care is provided: New Tyne care home is the only care home for older people providing a dementia care service directly operated by the Council. All other homes are run by independent providers commissioned by the Council to deliver care.
  2. Capacity in alternative homes: There are sufficient beds available in the wider commissioned market to meet both current and future needs.
  3. Cost and sustainability: Operating a single care home for older people living with dementia is significantly more expensive than commissioning care from the wider market. The building also requires investment over the next decade.

How did the county council seek views on the proposal?

We did not run a public consultation because the review identified no viable alternative option that would deliver sustainable, high-quality care within available resources. Instead, we provided a period for representations from residents, families, staff, UNISON and councillors before the decision was taken.

Can I have a say?

The pre decision representation period for residents, families, UNISON and staff has now closed. Members of the public who wish to raise concerns can contact their local councillor.

Future Care next steps

Subject to a further meeting of HASC we will publish the next steps and timeline for supporting residents and staff, and we will continue to update this page as the programme progresses.

How is the council supporting residents?

Supporting residents is our priority. Every resident affected by the decision at New Tyne will be supported by a dedicated social worker to understand their needs, preferences and best interests. We will work closely with each resident and their family to help identify a suitable alternative home and ensure any moves are handled with care, dignity, and compassion.

How is the council supporting staff?

We recognise the impact this decision has on staff. Managers and HR colleagues are working closely with the team at New Tyne to provide:

  • information and advice.
  • redeployment discussions.
  • support with identifying alternative roles within the council.
  • access to wellbeing support.

We remain committed to supporting staff throughout this period.

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