Drinking it in
Please tell others, if you feel able, that you now need Photo ID to vote in person at the polling stations.
Last week we shared a Guardian news story about the scale of forever plastic pollution in the UK. This has gained interest from more than one MP. There are two sites on the Peninsula with levels over a tenth of the amount at which water companies should take action: read this subsequent story & zoom in on the map.
Staying with drinking, apparently putting the kettle on could extend your life.
I am still participating in the Zoe intermittent fasting study, which entails my eating each day within a 10-hour window and reporting daily things like symptoms, how hungry I feel, and energy & mood levels. I still feel much better for taking part, something I never expected.
West Sussex has a higher than average percentage of people aged over 50, with this figure set to increase further in the coming years. As we get older, many of us will need additional support to continue to live fulfilling, independent lives in our own homes for as long as possible. WSCC is signposting to:
West Sussex Connect To Support is for anyone looking for support to maintain their independence, manage day-to-day tasks and improve their health and wellbeing.
The West Sussex Care Guide which provides advice on improving health and wellbeing and information to support people to live as independently as possible. It includes information about the different care options available and the organisations which provide support.
Carers Support West Sussex offers a range of support services and free information, advice and guidance to unpaid carers aged 18 or older.
The Carewise care funding scheme helps you and your family make informed decisions on paying for long-term care. Book a free consultation and receive specialist independent financial advice from trusted advisors.
Working on the basis that 'every little helps,' Donna posted earlier asking people if they have checked to see if they are eligible for the Helping Hands social tariff rom Portsmouth Water.
Vulnerable people across our District are receiving better protection from scams thanks to the work of the Community Wardens who have been leading awareness sessions to help people spot the signs of scams. Community Warden Rich Moorey who was a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the area for 14 years. During this time, he regularly came across cases of people who had fallen victim to scams which prompted him to put together and start giving presentations on the issue. Since joining CDC last summer, Rich has been eager to continue this work and has teamed up with a number of groups including: Selsey Town Council; The Care Shop, and University of the Third Age. Although Rich works predominantly with older residents who often live alone and are more vulnerable to being targeted by scams, he is happy to help anyone who needs more information. Scams come in a variety of forms including courier scams (fraudulent communications that look like they are from delivery companies), financial and investment scams, and romance fraud on dating apps and websites.
CDC will soon issue their annual council tax bills to residents. They are aware that for people on low incomes, paying council tax on top of the cost of living can be a struggle so has a local tax reduction scheme to support those on low incomes with up to 100% of the total cost of council tax. There is also a discretionary scheme to assist those disadvantaged by the banded scheme for those in receipt of universal credit or those who are care leavers. This year, the Government has also provided some additional funding to councils to support those in receipt of council tax reduction, which will automatically be applied to accounts for those who are eligible as part of the billing process, and credited to council tax bills for 2023-24.
CDC’s discretionary scheme will open on 1 April 2023 and their newly created Supporting You team will administer it. WSCC is also awarding up to £25 to those who are working age and are in receipt of council tax reduction. This will also be automatically applied to council tax accounts for those who are eligible.
Click here to learn more about Supporting You.
Some surprising and welcome news is Selsey being likened to the South of France.
Keep Britain Tidy’s 2023 Great British Spring Clean is nearly here.
CDC is also running a free event for district homeowners looking to save money by making their homes more energy efficient at Chichester College on 30 March 2023 from 6pm to 8.30pm. The event, which has been organised in direct response to residents’ feedback, will show people how they can reduce their carbon footprint and save money by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in their homes. A range of home energy experts will share advice including top tips on some of the basic things people can do to make their homes more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills, as well as advising on the best approach to insulating a property and installing PV Solar Panels. There will also be a session on property surveys that homeowners can organise to provide advice that is tailored to their specific property, as well as various grants and schemes that can help make installing energy efficiency measures more affordable. After a series of short talks, there will be the opportunity to speak with experts and ask questions.
March is a busy month for meetings, but not as busy as originally planned because our Police and Crime Commissioner has declined an invitation to appear before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, meaning our meeting on the 14th has been cancelled. Donna and I have the Budget Full CDC this coming Tuesday, with the ordinary Full CDC on the 21st. STC has an Extraordinary Assets & Amenities Committee meeting this Wednesday, so please check your parish website to see what, if anything, they are adding as the elections in May will soon necessitate all our Councils entering purdah.
We have been approached by residents in regards to policing. Donna, as a County Councillor, wrote to our Police Commissioner and has been subsequently phoned by a resident interested in trying for a Community Highways Scheme in Manor Road, Selsey. WSCC will look at schemes which will address local concerns. There are no guarantees, but there is a need to evidence community support and the local WSCC member also needs to support it. We believe there is widespread agreement that cars need to slow down on that road, but there have been insufficient actual accidents to 'require' measures being put in place. If you would be up for a petition which will help evidence community support, please get in touch.
Following the success of last year’s Cross Market and More, CDC has announced that the market will return to Chichester city centre this year, with the first event taking place on Sunday 12 March. The markets will take place in North Street and East Street, Chichester, between 10am to 4pm on:
Sunday 12 March;
Sunday 9 July;
Sunday 15 October; and
Sunday 19 November.
The market on 9 July will coincide with the popular Summer Street Party event.
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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