Issue 39 | March 2022
Please share the information in this eNewsletter widely within your communities.
Boosting business and supporting recovery
We have published an Economy Plan Summary, which gives a snapshot of some of the ways we are working to aid economic recovery, support businesses and play our part in boosting growth and prosperity.
In addition, below you’ll find some useful links to the latest information on the West Sussex economy and what we are doing:
- Our Business West Sussex website has recently been refreshed. The website provides information and signposting for local businesses.
- The Economy Snapshot is published regularly and shows the latest data and intelligence on the state of the West Sussex economy.
- The Economy Plan headline actions for 2022/23 shows in more detail what we will be doing over the coming year to support the local economy.
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West Sussex Bus User Forum - volunteers needed
We are calling for volunteers who use local buses to join a new Bus User Forum.
This follows on from the recently published West Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is part of the government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ initiative.
The priorities in the plan include introducing more weekend and evening services, improving bus stops and real-time information, and transitioning to zero-emission buses by 2035.
Residents who would like to join the Bus User Forum should email: transporthub@westsussex.gov.uk
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West Sussex response to the conflict in Ukraine
Following the launch of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, we would appreciate your help to urge those residents who have already been in touch with the County Council to offer support for families or individuals, or are able to do so, to now register via the online portal.
We are prepared to deliver wraparound support for those arriving under this scheme, as we are for recently evacuated Afghan families, and those who fled from other global conflicts under the current UK Resettlement programmes.
Your residents can find further information, links and the dedicated email address on our webpages which will be updated as new information becomes available.
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New consultations for your communities
Please encourage your communities to complete these consultations:
- We are developing a new three-year Education & Skills strategy outlining how we will support the learning of children and young people across West Sussex from early years to adulthood. To help inform and develop the draft strategy residents are encouraged to complete this short survey. Closing date: Sunday 3 April.
- Initial feedback is being sought on five new proposals as part of our aim to improve walking and cycling facilities in Chichester, Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham to Brighton. Information about each proposal and the survey where residents can provide their feedback can be found here. Closing date: Tuesday 12 April.
- We are consulting on the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement. It outlines the help that might be available through the County Council, schools, colleges and transport operators to help young people of sixth form age and young adult learners aged 19+ who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to get to school and college. Closing date: Sunday 10 April.
- The Environment Agency is consulting on updating the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for the protection and improvement of the water environment. Closing date: Friday 22 April.
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Latest local Covid-19 information
Covid-19 is still with us so please continue to promote our information webpages to your residents.
Please also spread the word that there are many easy and simple things everyone can do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases:
- Get vaccinated.
- Let fresh air in if meeting people indoors, or meet outside.
- Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet, when local Covid-19 rates are high.
- Stay at home if you are unwell.
- Take a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms and stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you test positive.
- Wash your hands and follow advice to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’.
Visit our data dashboard to find out the latest local information.
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Looking after your residents' wellbeing
Thousands of your residents are healthier and more active thanks to the Wellbeing service, which celebrates more than 10 years of supporting people across West Sussex.
It offers impartial and friendly advice and support on a one-to-one basis through groups and activities which help people make positive choices to tackle risk factors such as excess weight, sedentary behaviour, smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
Others have benefitted from West Sussex Wellbeing programmes on broader localised support for everything from improving their cooking skills, reducing the risk of falls and support to people in their own workplaces. These can have emotional and mental health benefits as well as physical ones and can also improve the finances of those on low incomes.
The programme has just been renewed for a further five years with plans to offer support through workplaces, including NHS Health Checks and sharing understanding of how they can respond to the challenges of long Covid that are faced by many in our communities.
Information about the different types of support available can be found on the West Sussex Wellbeing website, which also contains details of the six local Wellbeing Hubs in Adur & Worthing, Arun, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex.
As well as using this website, any adult who lives and or works in West Sussex can find out more about activities and programmes in their local area by talking to the Wellbeing Advisors over the phone or in person. They don’t need a referral from their GP or any other health professional to access support from West Sussex Wellbeing.
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More news
To help you keep your residents informed:
- A Littlehampton shop owner’s alcohol licence has been suspended after selling cider to an underage minor, following an investigation by West Sussex Trading Standards. The ban comes after a member of staff at Gondals Sussex Ltd, trading as Sussex News, 15b Surrey Street, sold two 500ml bottles of Kopparberg fruit cider to a 16-year-old in November.
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A major milestone has been reached in a proposed new school project in Burgess Hill now that an academy trust has been appointed to run it. The ‘all-through’ primary and secondary school is planned as part of the wider Burgess Hill Northern Arc development, providing a high-quality education for new and existing residents in the 3,500-home development and across the local area.
- We are pleased to announce a new Director of Adults and Health, Alan Sinclair. The work of the Director of Adults and Health brings together key services across the organisation which support the delivery of commitments in Our Council Plan.
- Littlehampton is set to get a further £1.25million boost for public realm improvements – this time to enhance approach to the town centre from the railway station. The Terminus Road project will aim to improve the environment around the station as a gateway to visitors, with upgrades to paving and clear crossing points to make it even more accessible.
- A new partnership is providing young carers and young adult carers in West Sussex with some much-needed fun and a break from caring. Our Young Carers (Family) Team and charity Carers Support West Sussex have teamed up with Sussex Clubs for Young People to offer young carers a host of new face-to-face groups and activities.
Keeping in touch
Please share the information in this eNewsletter widely within your communities.
We welcome any comments or suggestions about the eNewsletter - email townandparishcouncilnews@westsussex.gov.uk.
For daily updates, residents can follow us on social media @WSCCNews and @WestSussexCC.
We are also now on Nextdoor, the app designed with communities in mind. Your residents can follow the link and join the conversation.
Thank you for your support. Keep safe.
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