Chichester District Council has set out key achievements and ongoing priorities in its Annual Report for 2025–26, presented to councillors at a Full Council meeting on 14 July. The document emphasises practical steps on homelessness, support for households affected by the cost-of-living squeeze, and efforts to attract investment to the district.
Temporary accommodation and homelessness support
One of the headline projects under the council’s Decent Homes For All priority is the conversion of a former student accommodation block in Chichester into short-stay housing for people who are experiencing homelessness. The scheme will deliver 50 units of temporary accommodation, with officials saying they expect the building to be available sometime during the autumn.
Helping renters and landlords navigate new law
Another significant strand of work described in the report is a communications campaign aimed at raising awareness of the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. The council says this activity was intended to ensure both tenants and landlords understood how the statutory reforms will affect them ahead of the law coming into force.
Wider council activity and priorities
In presenting the report, the council leader set out a broad vision for local government in the district. The administration says it provides more than 80 services every day and works with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors to support economic growth, community wellbeing and environmental goals.
“Our aim is to be a proactive, forward-thinking council that creates opportunities by supporting the economic growth, wellbeing, and cultural life of the communities of Chichester District, while leading on carbon reduction and the restoration of nature.”
The statement, attributed to Councillor Adrian Moss, framed a range of activity the council lists in the annual review — from housing access and inward investment to regeneration projects and environmental initiatives.
- Decent Homes For All – creation of 50 short-stay units in Chichester (expected autumn).
- Renters’ Rights Act campaign – public information work for tenants and landlords.
- Support for cost-of-living pressures – continued assistance for residents facing financial hardship.
| Area | Highlight | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Homelessness | 50 temporary accommodation units | Conversion under way; due autumn |
| Housing law | Renters’ Rights Act communications | Campaign delivered |
| Services | Over 80 daily services provided | Ongoing |
For local residents, the immediate consequences are practical: more temporary housing should ease pressures on households living without settled accommodation, while clearer information about renters’ rights may reduce confusion for both landlords and tenants as new legal duties take effect. The report also signals the council’s ambition to continue promoting regeneration and environmental work across the district.
Details of the wider report and the full list of projects were received by councillors at the meeting; the council thanked partner organisations and local volunteers for their contributions to services and community initiatives over the past year.
