Goring
November 22nd, 2022Councils’ new approach to help the vulnerable avoid spiraling debts
Residents at risk of debt could be spotted and given help early through new, specialised text messaging and a pioneering online tool designed locally.Adur & Worthing Councils want to help prevent struggling people from falling into lasting debt and are working hard to make residents aware of support available to them during the cost-of-living crisis.
With the ability to quickly identify those who are struggling, the Councils can take a proactive and preventative approach to debt by directing people to effective independent support and guidance before financial problems spiral.
From next month, text message reminders will be sent to those who are late with their council tax payments, encouraging them to get in touch with Adur & Worthing rather than allowing them to mount up.
Residents will instead be urged to use the TellJO service - designed by a Shoreham-based company - to complete a simple online questionnaire which will show them how to request a fair repayment plan with the Councils, get discounts on their utility bills and receive debt advice.
The tool also provides signposting to third sector organisations offering support for those dealing with issues including mental health conditions, drug or alcohol problems, or domestic abuse.
The new approach follows the successful launch in July 2021 of the Councils’ Proactive initiative, which uses pioneering database technology to help the Councils identify at an early stage people who may not be coping financially, so that appropriate help can be offered quickly and efficiently.
Cllr Emma Taylor, Worthing’s Cabinet Member for Citizen Services, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone in the borough, but there is a range of support available to people. We must work quickly and collaboratively to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens know where to go to access that support during these tough times.
“The Proactive model allows us to seek out those who are struggling really effectively, to extend that helping hand at a much earlier stage.”
Cllr Angus Dunn, Adur’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “We are determined to do what we can to help those in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Not knowing how you are going to pay the bills each month is an extraordinarily difficult and stressful experience.
“Finding out who is in difficulty as early as possible means we can quickly get our residents the help and support they need.”
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September 23rd, 2022
Adur & Worthing Councils to showcase sustainability work at Green Dreams Festival
Do you want to find out about Adur & Worthing Councils’ climate and nature work? The Green Dreams Festival will be returning to Worthing this September and Adur & Worthing Councils will be coming along to talk all things sustainability as well as host some fun activities.
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September 23rd, 2022
Superstar Worthing charity feeling the love after flood
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September 20th, 2022
A minute of your time could shape the future of Worthing
Residents and visitors to Worthing are being urged to have their say online about how they want the borough to be improved - by giving just one minute of their time.Worthing Borough Council launched The Big Listen as part of a new approach to strengthen relationships with the community and listen to and work with residents on the issues they care most about.
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