Young people could be driven away from Adur, Arun and Worthing by high housing costs and a lack of career opportunities, according to a new economic strategy.
The draft strategy covers the next five years and will be discussed by Worthing and Adur councils’ joint strategic committee on September 8.
The report states the area is expensive to live in, especially for those with lower incomes and young people may feel the need to leave to build their careers.
The strategy includes the views of young people who took part in a consultation. One said: “It’s too expensive to move out – I’d rather stay at home and save for a deposit.”
Another added: “I’d like to stay in the area, but there aren’t opportunities for all careers in Sussex… If you want something specific, heading to Brighton or London would be better”
Concerns were also raised about the cost and availability of public transport. One young person said: “When I have to get to college, the buses only come every hour, and they’re packed”
The strategy also identifies a shortage of commercial premises as a weakness, saying businesses want to expand but there is limited space for them to do so. Industrial vacancies stood at around 1 per cent of stock in 2023, according to the report.
The document sets out five main areas to focus on, including advanced manufacturing, growing the leisure, hospitality and cultural economy, building the green economy, encouraging enterprise and nurturing local places.
The councils also want to make Adur, Arun and Worthing more attractive to businesses and investors, with plans to better promote the area’s strengths.
Although Local Government Reorganisation will see the three councils replaced by new authorities during the lifetime of this five-year plan, the report emphasises that the towns and communities they serve will still need investment and economic support.
The committee is being asked to approve the draft strategy before any final amendments are made following consultation with council leaders and cabinet members.
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