Message from the leader of CDC

District Dispatch

As we all agree, the Chichester District is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and we are fortunate that our air quality is generally very good. There are many factors that contribute to the quality of air we breathe, and as a council we are committed to doing all that we reasonably can to make our area cleaner, safer and healthier. We have identified a small number of places that are adversely affected by air pollution and we are working to help tackle this issue through a number of schemes and projects associated with our Air Quality Action Plan.

When an area is identified as having poor air quality, it is declared as an ‘Air Quality Management Area.’ For each of these areas, a plan is put in place setting out a number of different actions that can be taken to improve air quality in this area. Since its introduction in 2008, our plan has been successful in introducing schemes that have had a positive impact on air quality in the district.

It’s now time for the plan to be reviewed and updated and so we’re really keen to hear people’s views on our suggestions. The proposal includes recommendations to continue some of the successful projects from the previous plan, and also identifies new actions that could be taken if additional funding can be secured.

Because air quality has been steadily improving, it also means that we're in the fortunate position of being able to recommend that Chichester's Orchard Street and Stockbridge A27 roundabout no longer need to be considered Air Quality Management Areas. The consultation went live on Monday 17 May and it will run until 28 June 2021. To take part and have your say, please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkairquality

In last week’s column, I talked about the EU Settlement Scheme and the importance of encouraging any EU Citizen living in the district to apply by 30 June 2021. We have joined forces with Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice bureau to make as many people aware of this as possible – including local employers and landlords. This is about protecting people’s rights to healthcare, benefits and pensions – and so it is vitally important that anyone affected applies before 30 June 2021 deadline by applying at: www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme. Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice are also able to help with applications and they can be contacted free on 0808 2787969 (Mon to Fri 9am until 4.30pm). Access to interpreters is also available. We would really appreciate it if you could pass this message onto anyone who you believe may be affected by this.

 

Our work on the Chichester Local Plan is progressing well and we have launched a regular email newsletter to keep you well informed, which you can sign up to at: www.chichester.gov.uk/localplannewsletter. Planning affects where we live, work and relax; where new shops and community facilities are built; and it protects our historic buildings and the natural environment. The Local Plan addresses all of these issues and more, helping to make Chichester more resilient and create a fairer, healthier, safer and greener area. This is more important than ever in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and gives us the opportunity to create a better future for our residents and businesses.

Because the Local Plan covers such a wide variety of topics, we are using themes to help people better understand the work that the plan covers. These include: Health & Wellbeing; Local Community; Climate Change & Environment; Services & Facilities; Arts, Culture & Heritage; Getting around & Transport; Housing & Economy; and Education & Learning. The latest newsletter, due out this week, explores these themes and explains what each one means and why they are important. We have also placed all of the newsletters that have already been issued on our website at www.chichester.gov.uk/localplannewsletter which are well worth a read. My colleague Cllr Susan Taylor will be regularly taking over district dispatch to talk to you about some of these issues in more detail. We’re also planning a series of videos to help explain some of the key areas, so please keep an eye out for these on both our social media channels and website.

Finally, I just want to thank you for supporting our local businesses across the district. It’s so nice to see people out shopping and socialising again. Although further restrictions have eased, we still need to all play our part in keeping Chichester District safe. So please remember — hands, face and space.

Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council

EU Citizens urged to apply to the EU settlement scheme to protect their rights 

Chichester District Council and Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice have joined forces to remind people that if they are an EU citizen living in the UK they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to protect their rights.   

  

“We really would urge any EU citizens living in the Chichester District to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as soon as they possible can. This is about protecting their rights to healthcare, benefits and pensions – and so it is vitally important that they do this before the 30 June deadline,” says Cllr Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council. 

  

“It’s really simple to do. Anyone who wants to apply just needs to visit www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme or they can contact our colleagues at Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice who are also available to offer help. We also would urge employers and landlords to also share this information with anyone who this may affect.” 

 

Following the UK's departure from the European Union (BREXIT) all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, including children, who were living in the UK on 31 December must apply for secure immigration status through the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme, by the 30 June 2021. Anyone that fails to register will lose their right to live, work, study in the UK, as well as access NHS services, and benefit entitlements in the UK. 

 

Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice are concerned that some of the most vulnerable, including children, disabled, vulnerable adults and older people are at risk of slipping through the net.  Groups most at risk include;   

• those who cannot prove their residence - e.g. victims of domestic abuse, homeless, unemployed.  
• those who have limited digital skills or no digital access.  
• people with language and literacy barriers.   
• those who do not realise they need to apply – e.g children of EU nationals, migrants and refugees who gained EU citizenship.  
• those who lack capacity.    
• European spouses of British nationals. 

 

Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice and Chichester District Council are urging all landlords and employers, including employment and letting agencies, to make sure that they inform their employees and tenants of the need to apply. 

 

“If you are a landlord or employer and you rent your premises to, or employ, an EU, EEA or Swiss national, and they were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, it is vital that you inform them that they - and their children - must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to protect their existing rights in the UK,” says Luca Badioli, CEO of Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice. 

 

Anyone who requires help and assistance with their application to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021 can call Arun Chichester Citizens Advice, FREE on 0808 2787969 (Mon to Fri 9am - 4:30pm). Access to interpreters is also available. 

 

ADDITION OF OWL BOX TO TRIANGLE COPSE

The Manhood Wildlife Heritage group is hoping to position an owl box high up in a tree in Triangle copse.  They are waiting for permission but don't be surprised if you see some tree works going on in there!  The tree is not being cut down but just made into a suitable habitat for owls.

Useful local travel information for tourists

Working with our partners, CDC has produced some travel and safety guidance for both residents and visitors to the district, which you can find here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/travelguidance

This highlights information about public facilities such as toilets and car parks; roads and cycle lanes; coastal locations; safety measures in our High Streets and in the community; and Litter. For each topic, we have provided key information and explained which authority or organisation is responsible.

Chichester District mourns the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Chichester District Council joins the nation in mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Councillor Elizabeth Hamilton, Chairman of Chichester District Council, says: “On behalf of everyone in our district and at Chichester District Council, we wish to express our great sadness and sincerest condolences to her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family following the incredibly sad news of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke of Edinburgh has shown great devotion and dedication to his role in public office over more than 70 years of service alongside the Queen. His Royal Highness will also be remembered for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which inspired so many people young people, including myself, to gain skills and confidence, and to achieve their ambitions.

“As a mark of respect, the union flag will be flown at half-mast at Chichester District Council’s East Pallant House offices in Chichester. The council has also prepared an online book of condolence for residents who wish to pay their respects.

“We are all deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time.”

Messages of condolence can be sent to the Royal Family by visiting https://www.royal.uk/condolence The council has also set up an online book of condolence, which can be found here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/condolencebook 

 

Residents who do not have online access can send a message of condolence to the Chairman’s Office, Room 102, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1RQ.

Because of the current COVID-19 guidance and restrictions, people are urged to please avoid gathering in public places: for example, rather than laying flowers in a public area, they may wish to display a floral tribute at home. The Royal Family has also asked that members of the public consider making a donation to charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.

Message from Leader of CDC 15th March 2021

District Dispatch

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged all of us, and it is has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of many people. Due to this, I wanted to remind you of the one-to-one advice and support that is available from our Chichester Wellbeing Team. This free service is available to you if you live in the district and are aged over 18.

They cover advice on: mental wellbeing; work-life balance (including working from home); weight management and healthy eating; exercise; menopause; smoking cessation; alcohol awareness; pre-diabetes; and, home energy. Our friendly team of Wellbeing Advisors can help you make small changes to your lifestyle, which can make a big difference to your wellbeing. If you would like some advice and support, please do get in touch by calling 01243 521041; emailing info@chichesterwellbeing.org.uk; or visiting www.chichester.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk

The Wellbeing team are also involved in home energy; making sure that people have warm homes and helping them to save money on their energy bills. I’m pleased to tell you that the council has successfully bid for funding to extend the Government’s Green Home Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme in the Chichester District. This means that eligible homeowners in the district will receive fully-funded support of up to £10,000 for energy efficiency improvements in their homes. Residents can apply for this funding if they have a household income of less than £30,000 and their home has a low energy efficiency rating. The funding can be used for a range of improvements and low carbon heating measures, including first-time gas central heating and heat pumps; wall insulation; loft insulation; smart heating controls; and, energy efficient double glazing. Private and social landlords will be able to access up to £5,000 with a one-third contribution. People can find out more about the scheme and apply for a grant at www.warmerhomes.org.uk or call 0800 038 5737. To find out more about our free Home Energy service, please visit: www.chichester.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/topics/healthy-home/wellbeing-home

 

While on the topic of grants, I’m also pleased to tell you that we have issued nearly £500,000 in grant funding to businesses and community groups in the district, which has been taken from the council’s reserves, as part of our Covid-19 recovery plan. A total of 190 business grants and 66 community grants have been approved for funding. We launched the scheme in August 2020 to provide support to organisations that were struggling due to the pandemic, but were either not eligible for Government grants or which needed additional support. As I’ve mentioned before, it is vital we all play our part in supporting businesses and community groups – and we will be again encouraging you to support local when our businesses are ready to safely welcome you back and Government restrictions are lifted.

If your business has been affected by coronavirus, Government funding is still available and we would encourage you to check whether you are eligible for any of the grants on offer. You can find details on all of the grants, and apply, here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport New Government business rate grants have been announced. These are known as ‘restart grants’ and will take effect from 1 April 2021. We are waiting for further guidance on these and as soon as we have more details, we will update businesses through our email newsletter, social media channels and on our https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport web page. To date, our team has issued more than £47 million in Government funding through business rate and discretionary grants to businesses in our district.

This weekend is Census Weekend. Run by the Office for National Statistics, the census is a once-in-a-decade survey that helps provide a unique snapshot of the society we live in. The information you give helps all kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, to help plan and provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. By taking part, you will be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future.

Many of you will have already received a letter from the Office for National Statistics inviting you to take part in the Census and providing you with all of the information you need on how to do this. Every letter includes a unique access code that will enable you to complete your form online.

If you have questions about the census or need help completing your form, there is an online help hub — https://census.gov.uk/help — as well as a Census Support Centre, which offers support to people who need assistance in completing their census form. The contact centre is UK-based and free to call, and the number is: 0800 141 2021. There is also language helpline: 0800 587 2021. Paper copies of the Census can be requested online or by phone: 0800 141 2021.

It’s also useful to know that West Sussex Libraries are part of the national Census Support Service and library staff are able to complete the census form online for residents over the phone. You can book an appointment by phone on 0330 222 3455, Monday to Friday between 10am – 4pm. Find out more about this service here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/need-help-completing-the-census

For more information about the census you can visit the designated Census 2021 website — https://census.gov.uk/ — where you will find lots of information about how data is kept safe and how you will be invited to submit your census form.

Please take care and keep safe.

Best Wishes,

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council

Symptom-free Covid-19 community testing now available in West Sussex

10 March 2021

 

Symptom-free Covid-19 community testing now available in West Sussex

 

Nominations sought for West Sussex County Council election and Chichester City Council by-election

Date: 10 March 2021                                               Ref:  3982

 

Nominations sought for West Sussex County Council election and Chichester City Council by-election

Nominations are being sought for both the upcoming West Sussex County Council election and a Chichester City Council by-election to fill a vacancy for the West Ward.

The nomination period for both elections commences on Tuesday 30 March and ends at 4pm on Thursday 8 April 2021.

The polls will take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner Election. All ten County Divisions in the Chichester District will have elections, and poll cards will be sent to all eligible electors at the end of March.

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate can ask for nomination forms from the Elections Office at Chichester District Council by calling 01243 521010 or emailing elections@chichester.gov.uk to have them emailed out.

Nomination papers must be submitted by hand to the (Deputy) Returning Officer at Chichester District Council and must be received by 4pm on Thursday 8 April 2021.

The successful candidates will serve on Chichester City Council until May 2023 and on the County Council until May 2025.

Coronavirus update 4th March 2021

4th March 2021 update

Council Tax increase CDC - 5th March 2021

£5 council tax rise plus use of reserves is agreed to protect vital services across Chichester District

Chichester District Councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by £5 for a Band D property and use reserves for the first time in years in order to protect vital services across the district.

The decision was made at Chichester District Council’s Full Council meeting on Tuesday 2 March, where a £5 (3%) rise was agreed. This means that the average Band D council tax payer will pay just over £3 a week for the 80 plus services provided by the council – 47 pence a day.

“Like many other organisations, our council’s finances have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” explains Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council. “During this time we have been working hard to adapt and review what we are doing in order to support our communities, so that we could minimise the financial impact on our residents.

“Over the past year we have delivered significant amounts of support to people across the district. This has included supporting vulnerable residents and keeping them safe to issuing grants to businesses and working to reduce homelessness.

“Council tax is just one of a number of ways in which we fund the services in our district. Fees and charges also help pay for services but these have been badly hit over the past year as a result of the pandemic. While we have managed to access some financial support from the Government to ease the pressure, we’ve also had to dip into council reserves and will be using just over £2 million this year to plug the gap – this is the first time that we have had to do this for many years.

“Councils have a legal duty to deliver a balanced budget which is why we have had to use reserves this time. As part of our Coronavirus Recovery Plan we have put in place a series of measures that will return us to a balanced financial position without the use of reserves over the medium term. This includes further savings and introducing other ways of generating income.

“We are keeping council tax as low as we can, and we still remain one of the lowest charging authorities in the country, but we need to ensure that vital services continue and that we are providing support to those people in our communities who need it the most.

“We are also maintaining our council tax support scheme so that those who are most vulnerable in our communities will not receive any increase.”

Chichester District Council provides more than 80 different services across the district including. During the pandemic, as well as continuing to provide its normal day-to-day services, including collecting waste and recycling and determining planning applications it has carried out a wide range of work to support people and businesses:

•              Reducing rough sleeping, accessing funding for additional rough sleeper accommodation and providing wider support.

•              Starting work on a project to provide 17 extra flats for people who are homeless and working to increase short-stay accommodation.

•              Identifying and addressing gaps in volunteer provision.

•              Supporting West Sussex County Council’s Community Hub.

•              Supporting more than 100 people with essential shopping and medication deliveries.

•              Holding weekly welfare chats with vulnerable residents.

•              Issuing more than £47 million in business rate and discretionary grants.

•              Employing Covid Information Officers and Covid Ambassadors to offer support to businesses so that they are COVID-Secure for staff and customers.

•              Helping businesses adapt the way they work during the pandemic.

•              Providing social distancing signage.

•              Providing £500,000 for grant schemes to help eligible businesses and community groups with their recovery plans.

•              Issuing free pavement licences to eligible hospitality businesses.

•              Extending our £699,000 Council Tax hardship fund to support those who need extra help.

•              Continuing to support Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.

•              Commissioning an economic and social value impact study with the district’s arts organisations.

•              Trebling our funding to Visit Chichester to £150,000 to help boost the tourism sector post-pandemic.

•              Moving forward with the redevelopment of our St James’ Industrial Estate to help boost economic growth.

•              Supporting businesses to convert easily to take-away only and allowing overnight deliveries for food and essential products.

•              Addressing complaints around social distancing and COVID regulations.

•              Making sure that people are well informed of the support that is available.

 

Chichester District Council collects all of the council tax, but only keeps around a  9% share of this. The other 91% is then distributed to West Sussex County Council, The Police and Crime Commissioner, and parish councils.

 

Each of these public service providers makes decisions about its council tax increases independently, and will finalise their amounts for the next financial year in the coming weeks.