West Sussex to review response to extreme heatwaves

West Sussex County Council’s public health team is to review the county’s response to extreme heat after ambulance services reported increased demand during recent heatwaves.

The review follows concerns raised by Worthing West councillor Martin McCabe, who asked the director of public health and cabinet member for public health and wellbeing to consider responses to the county’s Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan consultation. South East Coast Ambulance Service reported a 30 per cent rise in 999 calls during the May heatwave, while nearly 78,000 calls were handled between June 22 and July 12, 16 per cent more than during the equivalent period in 2025.

Suggested measures include increasing shade and tree cover, improving access to drinking water, mapping cool spaces and identifying communities vulnerable to extreme heat. Cllr McCabe said no funding decision had been made. West Sussex councils are currently consulting on countywide Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plans, with the consultation due to close on Sunday, September 27.