Welcome to the latest E-Newsletter from West Sussex County Council...
Don’t let fire take charge
In 2017/18 West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) attended 496 electrical fires, the top three causes of these were faulty wiring, cookers/ovens and other cooking appliances.
It’s important to remember that electrical fires aren’t just confined to kitchens. Other electrical devices in the home such as iPads, mobile phones, E-Cigarettes and hair straighteners are also causing a lot of fires.
The West Sussex Waste Partnership’s recycled plastic bottle Christmas tree is on its way to Chichester and will be taking pride of place outside Jack Wills on North Street.
Brought to you by the West Sussex Waste Partnership, Chichester District Council, Chichester Bid and Jack Wills, the lights will be switched on between 4 and 5pm on Saturday 17 November and we’ll be joined by the Prebendal Choir who will be treating us to some traditional Christmas carolling.
The five-metre-high tree is made from more than 600 reused green plastic bottles and was created by Tracey Graham, known as the ‘Rubbish Artist’. It is the fifth year the tree will have been on display around West Sussex.
If you’re in the area and want to get in the Christmas spirit, pop along for some entertainment and learn how you can reduce the amount of plastic you use, and how to recycle what you do use.
Have your say today
We are carrying out a period of consultation on proposed budget savings which include housing related support, the Local Assistance Network (LAN) and the Minimum Income Guarantee.
Our Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Amanda Jupp, said: “I recognise that opening the debate about funding for these services has caused widespread concern and I fully acknowledge that these services support a number of vulnerable people. Having to look to make savings in this area is not a decision that I will take lightly.
“The County Council is coming under unprecedented pressure to make savings, and we are being asked to make some really difficult decisions when it comes to our ever decreasing finances. Unfortunately the reality is that we cannot continue to deliver the services we currently offer as we have done previously.
“I would like to assure everyone that we will continue to work with our key partners and organisations to find a solution to the financial pressures that we face. We are committed to working together to tackle this very complex issue.”
If you are affected by these proposals and would like more information, or want to have your say – please visit the links below before the closing date of Monday 3 December:
A more effective flu vaccine for the over 65s is being offered this winter in a bid to keep the viral infection at bay.
As well as those over the age of 65, the flu vaccine is also available free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and complications, including children aged 2 to 3, and those in the school vaccination programme, pregnant women, adults and children with underlying health conditions (especially heart and respiratory disease) and carers.
Vaccination is the best protection against the flu. You can find more information on seasonal flu and find out if you are eligible for a free vaccine here.
Are you looking after someone else’s child? Or is someone looking after your child?
When a child or young person under 16 years old (or 18 if they are registered disabled), is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more it’s called private fostering.
We’d like to know about these arrangements so we can ensure that everyone involved, including the child, is happy with what’s happening.
Please get in touch by either emailing MASH@westsussex.gcsx.gov.uk or calling 01403 229900.
Find out more information about this, and what support and advice is available here.
Supported bus services – have your say
If you’re a regular bus user, or you know someone who is, please have your say in our bus user survey on supported bus services.
It’s part of WSCC’s bus strategy review and follows on from an initial round of public consultation over the summer. This second phase aims to understand the impact for passengers and others if any potential changes are made to supported bus services.
Most routes in West Sussex are operated by companies on a commercial basis, however, some routes receive a subsidy from the County Council. Find out more on our website. Closing date: Sunday 18 November.
1. How can I request a birth/marriage/death copy certificate? Order a copy or make amendments here. 2. How do I book a Registrar for my wedding? Click here for details on how to book. 3. How do I report a pothole? You can report it quickly via Love West Sussex. 4. How do I find out where our grass cutting crews are working? Click here.
