On 15 February the council approved a net expenditure of £575.5 million to deliver key services for all the communities of West Sussex. As part of the 2019/20 budget the council also agreed significant investments to support the delivery of the five key priority areas of the West Sussex Plan. Due to a challenging financial gap your council tax has been increased by 4.99%, which includes a dedicated 2% to fund adult social care. This increase means an additional £1.27 per week for the average Band D household.  For more information please visit the budget campaign page.

Since January, the West Sussex Waste Partnership has been asking residents to join them in ‘Tackling Textiles’.

They have focused on how to repair or reuse textiles and now their focus is on recycling.

So what can you do with textiles that are beyond repair or reuse?

• Use them as rags,
• Take old towels and blankets to an animal rescue centre,
• Take them to a textiles bank at your local Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS),
• Take them to your nearest bring bank site.

You can find out more on what can go in the textiles/bring banks on our website.

Slipper Swap events help prevent falls

Many of us are aware how devastating a fall can be for older people and the subsequent impact on health, independence and confidence.

We’re tackling falls prevention in March at Slipper Swap events in selected libraries across the county. If you or a loved one are at risk of falling bring along your old worn-out slippers and swap them for a free new pair. They have thick non-slip soles and Velcro fastening helping to keep you steady.

For locations and dates of Slipper Swap events visit our website.

Doing simple gentle exercises can reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and building muscle strength. Do The Super Six exercises three times a week and see the difference. Watch the video and download a Super Six booklet here.

We are delighted to announce our new Proud to Care website is now live!

Designed as the go to place to search for local care jobs and find out information about working in care plus lots more, we already have over 120 West Sussex care jobs featured on the website.

If you or anyone you know may be considering working in care we would encourage you to visit the website. If you require further information please email proudtocare@westsussex.gov.uk  and one of our dedicated care recruitment team will be in touch.

The following consultations are open for you to have your say:

Soft Sand Review of the West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan - closing date Monday 18 March  

Have Your Say in Chichester on-street parking consultation - closing date Sunday 31 March

Trading Standards: What does 'Trading Standards Approved' mean to you

Join over 50,000 residents who receive daily updates from across the council on our Twitter @WSCCNews or Facebook accounts @WestSussexCC.

#SaveTimeGoOnline

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.