Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the special council meeting on 24 September 2025. The main topic for discussion is a report regarding local government reorganisation. The meeting will also include Mayor's communications, and any petitions relating to items of business on the agenda.

Local Government Reorganisation

A report regarding local government reorganisation will be presented. The report pack includes a cover report, the main report on Local Government Reorganisation, and two appendices: Representative Councils for a Devolved Sussex which is described as a five unitary proposal , and LGR Engagement Document - July to August 2025 . The contact officer for this item is Elizabeth Culbert.

Petitions

The council is scheduled to receive any petitions relating to items of business on the agenda. These petitions are to be presented to the Mayor by members of the public. The deadline for notification of petitions was 12 Noon on 22 September 2025, and they will be circulated separately as part of an addendum to the agenda.

Mayor's Communications

The meeting will receive communications from Councillor Jackie O'Quinn (Mayor).

Declarations of Interest

At the beginning of the meeting, councillors are asked to declare any interests. This includes:

• Disclosable pecuniary interests
• Any other interests required to be registered under the local code
• Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting them or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.

Councillors are advised to seek advice from the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services Officer if they are unsure whether to declare an interest.

Closure of Meeting

Councillor Jackie O'Quinn ( Mayor) will move a closure motion under Procedure Rule 17 to terminate the meeting 4 hours after the beginning of the meeting, excluding any breaks or adjournments. If this motion is carried, the Mayor will call on the member who had moved the item under discussion to give their right of reply, before putting the matter to the vote. Each remaining item on the agenda that has not been dealt with will then be taken in order and put to the vote without debate. The member responsible for moving each item will be given the opportunity by the Mayor to withdraw the item or to have it voted on. If there are any amendments that have been submitted, these will be taken and voted on first in the order that they were received. Following completion of the outstanding items, the Mayor will then close the meeting. If the motion moved by the Mayor is not carried, the meeting will continue in the normal way, with each item being moved and debated and voted on. Any member will still have the opportunity to move a closure motion should they so wish. If such a motion is moved and seconded, then the same procedure as outlined above will be followed. Once all the remaining items have been dealt with the Mayor will close the meeting.