District Dispatch

As we head towards Christmas, we know that this time of year can be especially challenging for some people. This is why I wanted to remind everyone about the work that we are doing to support those who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

You may remember that I have previously talked about our ‘Supporting You’ team, who have been working hard to make a difference to the lives of many people living across our district. The team works with services across the council to help people access a range of assistance, including financial help to pay bills; help with housing; and health and wellbeing support.

The team has dealt with many cases where they have been able to help people start afresh. In one case, they assisted someone who was experiencing financial hardship, debt, and who did not have access to enough food. The person also had mobility problems and was unable to get to a supermarket, or access online food shops. They also didn’t have a decent cooker and couldn’t afford to replace it. Due to this one of the first things the team did was to contact Southern Water to apply for a white goods grant so that the cooker could be replaced. As a result of this, the company also placed them on the social tariff, which has significantly reduced the person’s water bills. Crucially, the team also arranged for a food bank delivery so that they had enough food in the cupboard. The client is now receiving ongoing support to help with their debt issues. This is one of many people that they have helped.

We have also been working with a third-party organisation called TellJo. They use technology compassionately to help organisations identify customers who may be vulnerable and need extra help. We use this scheme as an early intervention tool with customers who have missed a council tax payment. The Supporting You team then get in touch to help find a solution to the issues causing their financial difficulties. As part of this we also offer a benefits and budgeting calculator, which helps you estimate your entitlement to a range of different benefits and offers budgeting support at:www.chichester.gov.uk/benefitsandbudgetingcalculator

The team also attend the UK Harvest Fed and Nourished Community Food Hubs. These offer people the chance to access low cost, affordable food, while helping to fight food waste. All you have to do is bring a bag along and make a suggested donation of £5 if you can. UK Harvest attend various locations across the district on each day of the month. You can find out where they are going to be by visiting:www.ukharvest.org.uk/education/community-food-hub

Alongside this, UK Harvest have also developed monthly community food hubs across West Sussex, with West Sussex County Council and Biffa. Staff from our waste and recycling team also volunteer at the events. These are designed to reduce food waste. Simply bring a shopping bag and fill it from a selection of mixed groceries for a suggested donation of £3.50. This is held at the Sylvia Beaufoy Centre in Midhurst Road, Petworth, GU28 0ET on the first Thursday of every month, so please do pop along.

I also want to remind those who are state pension age to check if they are eligible for pension credit by visiting:www.gov.uk/pension-credit. There is no deadline to sign up for pension credit. However, pensioners must apply by 21 December to qualify for winter fuel payments for the winter of 2024/25, so please make sure you check before this date. You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.

Finally, if you are struggling, please don’t stay silent, we are here to help. You can find out more by visiting:www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou.

Best Wishes

Cllr Tracie Bangert

Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council

Please see file attached.