Significant reductions in funding from central government, combined with challenges from inflation and cost of living pressures, mean the old ways of funding the councils' vital services are no longer fit for purpose.

At the same time, the challenges brought by the changing climate and changes in society mean new ways of working are needed, to ensure that the councils’ services are more accessible for residents and do not impact on the environment.

The result is a new approach in which the councils will work hand in hand with partners and the communities to help residents, businesses and the local environment to thrive.

The councils will simplify their online processes, making it quicker and easier for residents to get in touch and access services while allowing resources to be focused where they are needed most. The programme is expected to reduce the councils’ costs by £4m over the next two years.

Initially this will involve discussions over the summer with residents, local groups and partners to set out clearly which services the councils will provide and what they will look like. At the same time, new council teams will be formed to work with members of the community in neighbourhoods to improve Adur and Worthing for everyone.