WATCH Sussex Investigation Briefing: What we’re investigating
The latest WATCH Sussex investigations: public spending, council projects and the information requests we're pursuing across Adur and West Sussex.
# WATCH Sussex Investigation Briefing
Welcome to the first WATCH Sussex Network investigation briefing.
We have been building a programme of local accountability work across Adur, West Sussex and the wider Sussex area — following public money, major projects and decisions made by the people and organisations responsible for local services.
A significant number of information requests are now with public authorities.
Here are some of the investigations we're currently pursuing.
## SOUTHWICK: 44 EMPTY COUNCIL HOMES
Adur District Council has identified 44 empty council homes in Southwick, alongside a refurbishment programme potentially costing up to £2 million.
We've asked for records covering:
• how long the properties have been empty
• refurbishment costs
• contractors
• lost rental income
• reasons for the backlog
• the timetable for bringing homes back into use
Status: INFORMATION REQUEST SENT — AWAITING RECORDS
## ALBION STREET: 49 HOMES AND MORE THAN £3M OF RECTIFICATION WORK
We're examining what happened after the contractor involved in the Albion Street development entered administration.
The investigation includes the original contract value, payments made before administration, variations, identified defects, professional advisers, the cost and funding of remedial work and whether money can be recovered.
Status: INFORMATION REQUEST SENT — AWAITING RECORDS
## SOUTHWICK ESTATE: £150M+ REGENERATION
Plans for the Southwick Estate could involve one of the largest regeneration projects in the area.
We've requested records covering expenditure since 2021, consultants and professional advisers, masterplanning and options work, the basis for the £150m+ estimate, proposed housing numbers, property acquisitions and the project's financial and delivery arrangements.
Status: INFORMATION REQUEST SENT — AWAITING RECORDS
## SOUTHWICK FC COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB
Public funding is supporting plans for a new community sports hub at Old Barn Way.
We're examining the lease arrangements, funding contributions, procurement, ownership of the facilities, community-access requirements, project timetable and protections for public money.
Status: INFORMATION REQUEST SENT — AWAITING RECORDS
## PRIVATE LITTER ENFORCEMENT
We're continuing to examine Adur's private environmental-enforcement trial.
Earlier council information said 676 fixed penalty notices had been issued, all for littering, while none had been issued for dog fouling at that stage.
We've requested further records so the scheme can be assessed on enforcement activity, finances and outcomes.
Status: INFORMATION REQUEST SENT — AWAITING RECORDS
## WEST SUSSEX: GROWTH, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC MONEY
Our county-level work is also expanding.
We're examining the Growth Deals 2030 programme and the Growing Sussex 5G project, including project expenditure, funding sources, commercial contributions, ownership of publicly funded infrastructure, delivery arrangements and risks.
Both investigations are now awaiting records from West Sussex County Council.
## WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Sending an information request isn't the conclusion of an investigation.
When responses arrive, we'll examine the documents, compare them with previous public statements and identify anything that requires further questioning.
Some investigations may establish that public money and decisions have been properly managed. Others may raise questions requiring further scrutiny.
Either result matters.
WATCH Sussex Network is evidence-led and non-partisan. We follow the records and publish what they show.
## HAVE INFORMATION?
Local residents often know about problems long before they appear in official reports.
If you have documents, photographs, correspondence or information concerning something we should examine, you can contact us.
WATCH Sussex Network