Issue date: 24 March 2026
West Sussex County Council has renewed its Adult Social Care Strategy: Living Well and Being Independent, setting a clear direction for continued support across the county for adults of all ages with care and support needs, as well as family and friend carers.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with people who experience care and support, carers, council staff, the NHS, district and borough councils, together with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners.
It describes a shared ambition for a more joined-up and sustainable approach to adult social care that puts people at the centre of everything we do.
Councillor Amanda Jupp, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services said: “This refreshed strategy outlines how we will support adults and carers in West Sussex—now and in the years ahead. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped shape it with us, including our many partners and those with lived experience, so that it reflects what matters most to people.”
Responding to rising need and a changing landscape
Like all councils across the country, we face continuing challenges in providing adult social care including increasing demand, progressively complex needs and financial pressures. Nonetheless, we are making significant progress, having achieved a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and we remain committed to further strengthening our services.
The refreshed strategy focuses on the things that make the biggest difference:
- Clear information advice and guidance
- Right help at the right time
- Help close to home
It sets out an honest approach to using public money wisely and maintaining long-term sustainability.
A vision centred on independence
Supporting Our Council Plan priority of keeping people safe from vulnerable situations, the strategy focuses on helping people in West Sussex to live well and independently, drawing on their strengths and support networks. When more help is required, the council will ensure residents understand their options and can access the right care.
The strategy is built around:
- Five guiding principles: safety, financial sustainability, collaboration, reducing inequalities, and promoting independence and involvement.
- Four priorities: empowerment, relationships and connections, getting the right help at the right time and supporting people to live at home for longer.
Working together
The strategy strengthens our commitment to working with communities and partners across health, local councils and VCSE organisations, as well as colleagues within the council including Children’s Services, Public Health, Communities and Libraries, to ensure people receive joined-up support.
Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the council said: “With rising demand and pressures across the system, we must continue to focus on early support, clear communication and strong partnerships.
“The principles and commitments within the refreshed strategy are designed to provide a stable foundation to meet these challenges and prepare for future changes to local government within West Sussex.
“Working together, we can turn this strategy into lasting improvements for adults and carers across the county."
The full refreshed strategy is published on the West Sussex County Council website
