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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 21h

Reforming #AdultSocialCare: Burnham was careful in his speech to thank care workers, recognising them as underpaid and undervalued. He apologised to them, saying politicians had let them down for too long. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

How will Burnham’s national care service work – and how will it be funded?

PM has revealed more details about a proposed shake-up of adult social care – including a broad timetable

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Prime Minister Burnham gives hope to everyone that he will implement proposals put forward by the Casey Commission, explaining that unless we fix broken #SocialCare, we cannot #SaveOurNHS. Caring for people on trolleys in hospital corridors is the most expensive and least effective way to care.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Yesterday I attended Chichester & District Cycle Forum. We wish to promote the use of the #BikeBus to encourage more children to use their bicycles to travel to school, instead of parents driving them. This will improve health, reduce traffic congestion, and alleviate parking problems at schools.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

All of us interested in #AdultSocialCare are eager for the Report, due next year. Meanwhile, Baroness Casey has indicated her approach in this recent interview: www.itv.com/news/2026-09...

itv.com

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Good support from @libdemcycling.org.uk for the motion at #LibDemConference this morning to Get The Nation Walking Wheeling and Cycling. If we make it safer, many more people will get out of their cars!

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Today’s keynote speech by @alpinkerton.bsky.social was the highlight. So optimistic, focused, confident about rejoining #EU to revive our ailing economy. 🔶🇪🇺🎯

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Chichester LibDems 🔶 @chichesterlibdems.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

#LiberalDemocratsConference: @jessbrownfullermp.bsky.social speaking against Domestic Abuse today, in favour of fixing family courts.

Jess Brown-Fuller speaking at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, 19 September

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Today at #LibDemConference @carolinepidgeon.bsky.social states that 65% of UK maternity services are rated Inadequate by the CQC. Every mother in the country should be able to give birth safely.

Baroness Caroline Pidgeon speaking at Liberal Democrats conference, Saturday 19 September in Brighton.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Thinking about your future care can feel overwhelming but ignoring it is like setting off on a long journey without a map. Planning early gives you a map, puts you in the driving seat, and helps you towards securing the care you want, using this free support. www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/new-sup...

westsussex.gov.uk

New support helps West Sussex families take control of future care - West Sussex County Council

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

#UnpaidCarers: Emily Holzhausen, at @carers-uk.bsky.social, said: “These figures represent real people who have had to make difficult decisions about their careers, their financial security and their futures due to the pressures of balancing work and care.” www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

About 1,500 Britons a day quitting their jobs to become unpaid carers

More than a million people have left work to look after loved ones in the past two years, Carers UK says

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This kind of racing also occurs at night on the A27 Chichester bypass. Horsham Cllr Alex Jeffrey is right about anti-social driving: it’s intimidating, noisy, and dangerous. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Antisocial driving in Horsham 'problematic and unsettling'

Councillor Alex Jeffery says Horsham residents "shouldn't have to deal with it".

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

What would happen to someone with a broken hip, left in a corridor on a trolley for more than 72 hours? Try to imagine the pain, even before the bed sores start to form. This is happening to people today.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

When you receive an email or letter from me, I enjoyed writing it myself.

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Reposted by Cllr Richard Bates 🔶

Ian Kremer @wolverinebear.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

US data centers face further backlash over wastewater pollution: From rare bacteria to ‘forever chemicals’, a series of cases of violations or alleged pollution has prompted alarm www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... #DataCenters #pollution #environment #climate #ForeverChemicals #Blues

theguardian.com

US datacenters face further backlash over wastewater pollution

From rare bacteria to ‘forever chemicals’, a series of cases of violations or alleged pollution has prompted alarm

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#ActiveTravel would ease traffic congestion around schools, and increase children’s health, wellbeing, independence, and self-confidence.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#AdultSocialCare: Many people prefer to live independently, even after being in care. By helping people do more for themselves and reducing the need for longer-term care, reablement improves individual outcomes while helping the council manage growing demand. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world/r...

sussexexpress.co.uk

Reablement support helps thousands regain independence in West Sussex

See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

The first European participants in the trial, which is recruiting about 1,600 people aged 55 to 80 from around the world, will be screened on Monday by the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS foundation trust. Participants from across the UK will be tested. #WorldAlzheimersMonth

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

#WorldAlzheimersMonth. 💜 Over 55 million people are living with some form of #dementia worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. It affects families, friends, and loved ones. 👉Learn the early signs 👉Check on a friend who is a caregiver 👉Share reliable resources and facts to combat stigma.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month.
Awareness leads to action. Action leads to change.
Right now, over 55 million people are living with some form of dementia worldwide. The most commonly diagnosed is Alzheimer’s disease.
Behind that number are families, friends, and loved ones. This month, and always, we’re raising our voices for them.
Silence can be isolating. A conversation can be a lifeline. Let’s break the stigma, offer support, and educate ourselves. Awareness is the first step toward action.
How you can help:
• Learn the early signs.
• Check on a friend who is a caregiver.
• Share reliable resources and facts to combat stigma.
Together, we can make a difference. #WorldAlzheimersMonth

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We have challenges with e-bikes in Chichester, yes. We have much greater challenges accommodating motor vehicles.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Today in West Sussex County Council, cross-party cabinet members rainbow alliance of LibDems, Greens and Labour watched The People’s Emergency Briefing and afterwards debated what action the Council can take to prevent the climate from deteriorating. www.nebriefing.org/the-film

nebriefing.org

National Emergency Briefing

A 50-min film centred around the National Emergency Briefing. The frank facts, but also the huge opportunity if Government steps up and leads a WW2-scale response. Designed to be watched by communitie...

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We were also pleased that the PM began cross-party talks about #SocialCare, on which 9,000+ vulnerable and disabled constituents in West Sussex depend. Thank you, @andyburnham.bsky.social

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 23/06/2026

10 years on, the very same politicians who caused the Brexit mess say nobody can dare try to fix it. We say enough. It's time for a bold new deal with Europe to make Britain safer, richer and stronger. Watch our new film here ⬇️ youtu.be/ihdhBLT6YYM

youtu.be

It's time for a bold new deal with Europe.

10 years on, the very same politicians who caused the Brexit mess say nobody can dare try to fix it. We say enough. It's time for a bold new deal with Europe to make Britain safer, richer and…

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

This bank holiday weekend, why not explore the natural beauty of West Sussex?

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

“We need politicians to explain – and to keep explaining – why the unrestricted use of cars in urban centres is damaging to the local economy as well as to the environment, to people’s health and to the overall feel of a place,” says @christianwolmar.bsky.social Putting my hand up 👋

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We’re giving people real choice in how they travel by making buses, trains and active travel cheaper..and investing £4.5bn in #cycling and walking.” I’ll be asking for some of this to fund the LCWIP called ChEmRoute. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

theguardian.com

Heatwaves show UK must do more to promote cycling and walking, campaigners say

Civil society groups argue climate crisis means transport sector needs to urgently reduce its carbon emissions

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Members of WSCC welcomed our opportunity to speak with firefighters and staff when we visited Platinum House, asking questions and learning more about the challenges and achievements of the Fire & Rescue Service during this summer’s heatwave and drought. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

sussexexpress.co.uk

West Sussex County Council Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee members get tour of ‘exceptional’ fire service training facilities

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Members and members of the Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee were given a tour of Platinum House to learn about the service's preparedness during an exceptionally b...

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

#AdultSocialCare Helping people remain independent in their own homes is an essential part of supporting healthier, more fulfilling lives. It’s encouraging to see so many of our residents benefiting from personalised support following illness, injury or surgery. www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/reablem...

westsussex.gov.uk

Reablement support helps thousands regain independence and strengthens adult social care in West Sussex - West Sussex County Council

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Whether you're looking to move forward in your working life – or know someone who is – West Sussex County Council’s Connect to Work is here to help you find and stay in paid work. More information here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/connecttowork

westsussex.gov.uk

Connect to Work - West Sussex County Council

Support to find and stay in work. Breaking barriers. Building careers.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Do you know about the Council’s Shared Lives scheme? It’s for vulnerable people, available to adults with all different kinds of needs, such as people with learning or physical disabilities, mental health issues, dementia or vulnerable older people. www.westsussex.gov.uk/social-care-...

westsussex.gov.uk

Shared Lives scheme - West Sussex County Council

Family-based accommodation or support for vulnerable people.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

“The Probation Service can’t cope on a day-to-day basis. They certainly can’t cope with 5,000 prisoners being released. It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” said the parent of a #DomesticAbuse victim. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

More women will die if domestic abusers leave prison early, victim’s parents warn

Parents of Michaela Hall, whose partner killed her after he left prison in 2021, say Probation Service cannot cope with mass release

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Chichester’s MP @jessbrownfullermp.bsky.social has an opinion about West Sussex County Council's Chichester Public Realm Improvement Scheme, and how it will affect #telecoms in “Chichester’s digital desert” that blights local businesses. www.pressreader.com/uk/chicheste...

pressreader.com

PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions

Digital newsstand featuring 7000+ of the world’s most popular newspapers & magazines. Enjoy unlimited reading on up to 5 devices with 7-day free trial.

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Reposted by Cllr Richard Bates 🔶

LGA Liberal Democrat Group @libdemlocalgov.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Liberal Democrats are leading the fight to protect patients Andy Burnham must urgently fix the Health Bill - which will take an axe to safeguards that keep people safe. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

“Speaking at the LGA’s annual conference in Bournemouth, the Chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care said England does not have a functioning system of adult social care.” #CaseyCommission www.lgafirst.co.uk/features/cas...

lgafirst.co.uk

Casey’s big conversation - first magazine for councillors

Social care reform ‘will fail without public consent’.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

For too many years, adult #SocialCare has been discussed primarily through the language of crisis, pressure and failure. But framing the issues in only those terms is a disservice to people who draw on care and support, their unpaid carers and the dedicated workforce www.local.gov.uk/publications...

local.gov.uk

Care Where We Live: Local government's role in adult social care reform

The role of local government in a future, reformed system of adult social care. Findings from the LGA’s national engagement programme and recommendations for a way forward.

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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 04/08/2026

From pensioners left bedbound to life savings being spent on dementia care, our system better resembles the 1920s than the 2020s. Andy Burnham must work with local government and the NHS to finally end the social care crisis.

an older woman in a wheelchair looks away while bold text states More than 275,000 denied social care in England.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It’s so important when we are children to get the best #education, whatever our aptitudes and abilities. Otherwise life can be marked by frustration and disappointment, which only multiplies in adulthood. Potential for happy lives and understanding starts early. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

Primary schools to be told to identify children at risk of future unemployment

Exclusive: Neet crisis review to call for teachers to be asked to spot those at risk of leaving education jobless at 16

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The number of people living with #dementia globally is forecast to nearly triple to 153 million by 2050. “These findings emphasise why it’s so important to look after your heart health as well as your brain health,” notes @alzheimersresearchuk.org

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Letter from Dr Louise Lawson in @theguardian.com: “Social care is relied on by people of all ages. Public debate not only misunderstands who uses social care, it often overlooks what social care makes possible.” www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

Social care is for us all, and we all must fund it | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to Polly Toynbee’s article on the new prime minister’s commitment to a fair system

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

‘A study examining preferences in countries in the OECD found that “older adults in countries with greater national expenditure on old age support … showed a stronger preference for formal care”. Nobody wants to deal with bad service, and #SocialCare is no different,’ notes @emilykenway.bsky.social

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#UnpaidCarers play a vital role in supporting people of all ages. From my own lived experience as a carer, I understand some of the challenges carers face. We are sincerely grateful for all you do and will do all we can to support you across West Sussex.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

West Sussex County Council greatly values #carers for the work they do, which supports the care system and helps us manage increasing need and increasing complexity of need. This strategy is for everyone, because care touches all of our lives. www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/recogni...

westsussex.gov.uk

Recognised, seen and involved: a new strategy for West Sussex’s unpaid carers - West Sussex County Council

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Chichester LibDems 🔶 @chichesterlibdems.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

“Fewer officers on our streets means less time to investigate crimes like car theft, and less deterrent for the criminals carrying them out,” said @jessbrownfullermp.bsky.social "I'll keep pushing ministers to properly fund neighbourhood policing in Sussex.” www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/crime/c...

sussexexpress.co.uk

Chichester MP renews call for neighbourhood policing after car theft figures revealed

Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has renewed her call for a fully resourced return to neighbourhood policing, after new figures revealed the pressures facing Sussex Police in tackling vehicle theft.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Some abandoned boarded-up buildings owned by West Sussex County Council have become a crime scene and a source of anxiety for local residents. With the Chair of Chichester District Council, we visited it today with a council officer who can help redevelop the site for much-needed housing.

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Cllr Richard Bates 🔶 @cllrbates.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

“Most of us don’t think much about adult #SocialCare until the day that we need it, either for ourselves, or for our families and loved ones.”Baroness Casey has today launched the Big Conversation on Care to ensure people can feed in their views. caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversat...

caseycommission.co.uk

The Big Conversation on Care | The Casey Commission

Help shape a fairer future

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