 People who live in care homes or supported accommodation may now be able to claim £400 towards their energy costs.
You, or someone you know, can apply if the person:
- Pays some of their care costs, and;
- Does not pay an energy bill directly
You can also apply for this money if you live in a home without a direct relationship with an energy provider where your energy costs are met by a landlord, housing manager or site owner. This may include people in park homes, permanent gypsy or traveller sites, or houseboats.
The new government offer extends the same support already given automatically to people who pay energy bills directly. But in this case it will not be automatic - you must apply for the £400.
More information about the Energy Bills Scheme Alternative Fund, with details of how to apply, is on the government site. There is also a telephone helpline.
If any aspect of the cost of living is a concern, there's lots of practical help in one place in our website. It includes advice and support on money, heating, work and benefits, mental health, food and more.
 The money you pay for East Sussex County Council services will help fund £500m of spending on services in the new financial year beginning on 1 April.
We have reluctantly had to raise council tax slightly (by about £1.55 a week for a typical, Band D, home). This helped the council decide not to make any further cuts for the year ahead: keeping services stable, especially for your family, friends and neighbours who need extra care, protection or support in life.
Anyone who struggles to pay council tax can apply to their borough or district council for a reduction.
If you'd like to know more about how the county council is spending your money, you can read more from council leader Keith Glazier on our website.
 From April, you'll be able to travel all day on buses in East Sussex (with most operators) for just £5. The new ticket is just one of the benefits of a £41 million programme to improve bus travel in the county.
As well as other fare reductions, we'll also be launching a new bookable on-demand transport service, focused on more rural areas.
You can find out more on our website.
 New rules will require photo identification when you vote in local elections in May. If you don't have one of the acceptable forms of photo identification, you can apply now for a free voter ID document.
With elections taking place in Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden on 4 May, now is the time to take a look at the guidance on what ID you can use. If you don't have anything suitable, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
 A new Emergency Alert system from the UK Government will be live from Monday. (20 March).
The system which creates a siren-like sound and a message on your mobile phone will be used to warn people when lives are in danger. The message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond.
Alerts will be sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. Only the emergency services or the UK Government can send them and although they will use your location to identify whether you’re in the area of risk, they don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. You can check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts.
A short video explains more.
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