New Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing is announced at Chichester District Council
Chichester District Council has announced that Councillor Rhys Chant has been appointed as its new Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing.
Cllr Chant, who was first elected to the district council in 2023 as ward member for Chichester East, takes up the role after Cllr Tracie Bangert stood down from the councils Cabinet. Cllr Bangert, who represents Southbourne, stepped down from the position following her recent appointment as West Sussex County Councils Cabinet Member for Community Support and Fire and Rescue, but will remain a district councillor.
Bringing a wealth of experience from the local arts and culture sector, Cllr Chant previously led the Chichester Arts Forum and currently serves as a Trustee of Chichester Festival Theatre. Their appointment reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting community wellbeing, cultural engagement and local organisations across the district.
Speaking about the appointment, Cllr Chant says: Its' a great privilege to be invited to join the Cabinet at the district council, and particularly to take on this portfolio. Our district is a wonderful place to live, but it wouldnt be what it is without the many brilliant local organisations that work tirelessly to support others, strengthen communities and create opportunities for people to thrive.
I'm also proud to be building on the excellent work that Tracie has delivered in this role. It is important that we continue to ensure the council provides support to those who need an extra helping hand and delivers services that help people improve their quality of life.
From youth organisations such as the Jam Café and The Young Peoples Shop, to wellbeing groups like Brothers, Bikes, Bangers and Brews, the many organisations, stakeholders and community groups at the heart of our villages and towns make an enormous difference every day. I look forward to working alongside them and helping to ensure that our communities continue to grow.
Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, says: Rhys brings a wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to this important role. His background in the arts and community sector, combined with a strong understanding of the issues facing residents across the district, will be invaluable as we continue our work to support wellbeing, strengthen communities, and improve opportunities for all.
Cllr Chant will lead on a broad range of issues within the wellbeing and communities portfolio, working closely with local organisations, partners and residents to help create healthy, resilient and connected communities across the Chichester District.
This portfolio focuses on improving residents quality of life by supporting strong, safe and connected communities and ensuring a positive customer experience. It brings together services such as community development, health and wellbeing programmes, social prescribing, community safety, and support for vulnerable groups, alongside close partnership working with local organisations, the NHS, and the voluntary sector. This work plays a key role in prevention and early intervention, helping people to stay healthy, independent, and engaged, while ensuring services are accessible and centred around residents needs, ensuring that communities remain resilient, inclusive, and able to thrive.
Details of all elected councillors at Chichester District Council can be found at: https://chichester.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1%C2%A0