Since the coronavirus crisis began, people from across our district have been pulling together and demonstrating a real sense of community, and that’s something we should all be incredibly proud of. Unfortunately, at times such as this, we also see a rise in the exploitation of vulnerable people, and the unease, uncertainty and anxiety that many of us are feeling at this time. This is why we are encouraging people to be on their guard. Thankfully, the majority of the support that is in place across the district is delivered by established community and support groups, but we all need to be cautious, especially with online, email and phone scams.…

Update on our financial positionPlans to cover the costs of a growing demand for services have been reviewed by West Sussex County Council Cabinet Members at a meeting this week (Tuesday 28 January 2020).The draft budget included details of investment in areas which need improvement, with £12m identified for improvements in Children’s Services and £2.6m for improvements in the Fire and Rescue Service.The Cabinet went through the proposed budget for 2020/21, which will now go before a meeting of the full council on 14 February for final approval.Find out more about our financial position by visiting: www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget

Practical fire safety training, led by experts from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, is on offer for everyone working in the county.Fire safety in the workplace is a legal requirement for employers, owners, landlords – or anyone with control of a business or non-domestic premises. Employees will be taught vital information by our and places can be booked by visiting our Learning and Developing Gateway and searching for the keyword ‘frs‘.For more information about the courses, visit our website.

Local groups have until 13 February to apply for county council funding as part of running a crowdfunding campaign via West Sussex Crowd.The West Sussex Crowd allows groups to apply for larger sums of money, and the ability to raise further funds from the local community.Also available in addition to The Crowd, the Micro Fund is an alternative process for projects with total costs totalling up to £750.Anyone expressing an interest in the Micro Fund should contact the CLC Development Team to find out the application deadline for their area. Enquiries are can be made by phoning 033 022 25075 or emailing talkwithus@westsussex.gov.uk.Applications to both funds are considered at County Local Committees (CLC).For more information, visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/CIF.

Free events for parents and carers to learn how to keep children safe online start this month to raise awareness for Safer Internet Day.The Community Safety and Wellbeing team are delivering the digital online safety sessions, offering tips and advice on how to keep children safe online, including: What children are doing online Identifying risks children may face online Showing available help, support and resources How to report concerns Please help support any of your local schools holding these events by publicising them within the local community. More information and ticket registration can be found on Eventbrite.

All West Sussex libraries will be closed on Monday 10 February for the installation of a new IT system.The online catalogue and library app will not be available from 10am on Sunday 9 February to midday on Tuesday 11 February and the telephone renewals line will not be available on Monday 10 February to midday on Tuesday 11 February.All libraries will reopen as usual on 11 February, but some may have limited IT until the new system is up and running.Please can you make residents aware of the closures where possible.Midhurst – Please note that Midhurst Library will be closed on Sunday 9 February as well.

Take a look at three of our latest communication campaigns: #WinterReady Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children Budget 2020/21 Feel free to share these links, and the information contained within, to help keep your residents updated and informed.

Have your say on matters that affect you and your local communities – and get your residents to do the same – by visiting our Have Your Say Consultation Hub. From major road schemes and Joint Area Action Plans, to premises licence applications and safeguarding in our schools; we want to hear your residents’ views to help shape future policy and decisions.Our current consultations are: Table and chairs licence consultation Look out for: School Special Support Centres – due to go live on 3 February Proposed reorganisation of rural and small schools in West Sussex – due to go live on 5 February Go to the Have Your Say Consultation Hub for details of…

Alternatively, encourage your residents to join Your Voice: The People’s Panel where they’ll be regularly consulted about a number of important local issues. Once registered they’ll receive links to surveys, reports and outcomes and occasionally links to other public surveys.Find out more information and subscribe here.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read, or you’d like to share some of the work your town or parish council is doing for us to highlight in future newsletters, email us at: townandparishcouncilnews@westsussex.gov.uk