Local News
November 30th, 2022Sussex Police target and safeguard victims of domestic abuse during the men's football World Cup
Police in Sussex are targeting domestic abuse perpetrators and safeguarding their victims in the build-up to, and during, the men’s football World Cup. Data suggests instances of domestic abuse increase during football tournaments and around the festive season. In response, 49 domestic abuse suspects were arrested in three days of activity on November 15, 16 and 17 – the week before the start of the men’s football World Cup in Qatar.Read More
November 28th, 2022
New electric charging points proposed for Adur and Worthing
Using an electric vehicle in Adur and Worthing will become far easier with the roll-out of public charging points - with the community helping to decide where they should go.Adur & Worthing Councils is working with West Sussex County Council and Connected Kerb on the installation of charging points in a £1.8 million project.
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November 28th, 2022
Community urged to have their say on plans for Union Place in Worthing
Residents and businesses have the chance to have their say on plans to transform Worthing’s derelict Union Place site with 200 new homes.Worthing Borough Council is working with developer Roffey Homes on a scheme to use the former police station site and the adjacent NCP car park and High Street short-stay car park for housing.
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November 22nd, 2022
Councils’ 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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