Local News
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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November 18th, 2022
Local businesses surveyed over cost of living
Businesses across Adur and Worthing are being asked to share details of how the cost of living is affecting their trade and their staff.Adur & Worthing Councils have launched a new survey with Adur & Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP) and Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce to find out how local traders of all sizes are coping with the cost of living crisis - and if there are ways they can be helped.
The survey includes questions on how rising costs, interest rates and ongoing financial uncertainty are affecting companies in the area, especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns that hugely impacted independent businesses.
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November 8th, 2022
Support the Mental Elf 5k festive run/walk
West Sussex Mind are hosting our first ever community 5k running/walking event on Worthing Seafront on Sunday 27 November 2022. The event will be opened by Worthing Mayor Councillor Henna Chowdhury.The festive-themed Mental Elf event is open to people of all ages and abilities - runners, walkers, families, teams of colleagues and friends, as well as wheelchair and pushchair users. Dogs are also welcome.
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November 7th, 2022
Green bike share scheme could be expanded
A bike share scheme which encourages active travel could be greatly expanded across Adur and Worthing.Since being introduced in 2017, the Donkeybike system in Worthing has provided residents and visitors with an easily accessible and sustainable bicycle rental service to get around town.
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