Council Services in Selsey
Local government and public services
Selsey is served by three tiers of local government: Selsey Town Council, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council. Each tier has different responsibilities, and between them they provide the public services that support life in the town.
Selsey Town Council is the most local tier, run by elected town councillors who live in the area. The town council manages the town hall, allotments, some public open spaces and community events. It also acts as a consultee on planning applications affecting the town and provides a local voice on issues that matter to residents. Town council meetings are open to the public, and the council publishes agendas, minutes and financial information.
Chichester District Council is the principal local authority for the area, responsible for planning and development control, housing, waste collection, environmental health, council tax collection, leisure services and economic development. The district council offices are in Chichester, and most interactions with the council are handled online, by phone or through the Chichester office. Planning applications, building control, refuse collection, street cleaning and dog warden services are among the functions provided by the district council.
West Sussex County Council is responsible for education, highways, social services, libraries, fire and rescue, and public health. The county council manages the roads in and around Selsey, including the B2145, and is responsible for school admissions, special educational needs and adult social care. Selsey Library, in the Selsey Centre, is run by the county library service.
Council tax in Selsey combines the precepts of all three tiers plus the fire and police authorities. The rates are set annually and vary according to the council tax band of the property. Band D is the standard reference band, and the rates in the Chichester district are broadly in line with the West Sussex average.
Elections for the town council, district council and county council are held on separate cycles. Selsey falls within the Chichester parliamentary constituency for national elections.
Residents can contact the relevant council for specific services. The town council handles the most local matters, the district council manages planning and waste, and the county council covers education, roads and social services. The division of responsibilities can be confusing, but the council websites provide guidance on which authority to contact for which service.