Newsletter 24/02/23
24 February 2023
Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.
Arthur Crawfurd
We have been advised that Mr Arthur Crawfurd (great grandson of Charles Crawfurd, the first Chairman of the UDC) passed away on 4th February. Mr Crawfurd along with his brother David, presented the Council with a new cushion for the Chairman’s Chair when Danny Favor was Mayor. For anyone who wants to attend the funeral it is to be held at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium (Tunbridge Wells) at 3.15pm on 9th March. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to the RSPCA.
Business/Retail Crime in East Grinstead – Your Chance to Have Your Say
It has been identified that business/retail crime has increased in Mid Sussex and there are very real concerns in East Grinstead. As a result, there is a wish to understand what local businesses are facing on a daily basis and a commitment to help you with reporting such crime in the future.
On Tuesday 7th March 2023 a meeting is being held of senior Sussex Police Officers, Mid Sussex District Council and East Grinstead Town Council representatives. This meeting has been requested by the Sussex Police Crime Commissioner, who will be in attendance, and West Sussex Association of Local Councils.
The community stakeholders in the town need to hear the business community’s views, concerns and experiences relating to business/retail crime in the Town. There will also be a chance for you to understand what is proposed moving forward to help fight business crime and increase reporting.
To this end, this letter is a formal invitation to attend the meeting, which will take place between 2 and 4 pm in the Council Chamber at East Grinstead Town Council, East Court.
If you wish to attend, please call the number above or email townclerk@eastgrinstead.gov.uk . We do hope that you will take time out of your busy schedule to join us for this very important meeting, it is your chance to make your point of view heard by those who are charged with tackling crime in our town.
St Barnabus EGTC Update
The local search was received on Thursday this week, however, the sellers have not (as of yet) completed the paperwork for the transfer concerning the overage clause. Once we have all of this we should be able to complete. The money has also been received from the PWLB so that we can complete as soon as the papers are signed.
Once signed we will be going in to assess any immediate works that are needed before we can get the paying public in. Our Community and Tourism Manager has been working on the list of hirers and the advertising.
More updates will be reported to the A&T Committee next month.
Felbridge Locals Get Chance To Own Their Homes In A First For Mid Sussex
In a first for Mid Sussex, local people have the chance to become homeowners despite having no savings, thanks to an innovative partnership between Mid Sussex District Council and affordable Rent to Buy providers, Rentplus-UK.
The new partnership means eight new affordable Rent to Buy homes were made available, close to Felbridge on a prestigious Abbey Developments site, known as Martins Mead. Under the model, private finance funds new affordable housing at no cost to the local council.
The tenants started their home ownership journey by moving into their brand-new homes without paying any upfront deposit. They will pay an affordable rent based on the Local Housing Allowance for 5 years living in the home that they will one day own whilst they save up to buy it and build a good credit history.
By paying a below market rent they can save more each month. At the outset, they choose whether to buy their home after 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. They move in with no deposit and when they come to purchase, Rentplus will gift them 10% of their home’s value at that time to add to their savings and reduce the mortgage they need. They will buy their home using a high-street mortgage and then buy 100% of it as if they had bought on the open market.
Local MP Mims Davies MP joined with Councillors from Mid Sussex District Council to welcome new residents into the new homes they will be buying.
The new homes consist of 6 x 2-bedroom Houses and 2 x 3-bedroom houses and all have fenced gardens and a secure bicycle storage unit in the garden. All applicants were required to have previously lived in, or have connections to Mid Sussex
The Rentplus homes saw over 100 applicants and all homes have now been allocated. All tenants are key or essential workers, including working in the NHS and emergency services or local schools. Six were previously living in social housing properties in the district which they have freed up for reallocating. The remaining two were on the Council’s Housing Register.
At the opening, Emma George, Area Director for the South East at Rentplus, said: “Affordability is an issue across the country. We’re excited to be offering Rentplus homes in Mid Sussex, to offer local homes for local people, enabling hard working people to stay living in the communities they grew up in.”
Councillor Salisbury Mid-Sussex District Council added:
“It is wonderful to see new homes being provided to help local people move towards home ownership. In doing so, this will also free up existing social housing for others, which provides another huge benefit to our district.”
Local MP, Mims Davies added: “These homes are life changing for the tenants moving in and are an inspiration for those who are aspiring to buy but may be finding it difficult to save for a deposit. Mid-Sussex District Council and Rentplus are doing something quite forward thinking, in helping local people achieve this. It was good to meet some of the families. Thank you to Sarah and her girls and Marcus for showing me around their homes. They now have the chance to become homeowners and we wish them well in their new homes.”
Mims Davies and Councillor Salisbury joined with the two households to plant a sweet cherry tree, part of the Rentplus commitment to plant trees for the late Queen’s Jubilee Canopy.
Planning Applications and Decisions
Overnight works begin soon to upgrade the road surface on the A264, East Grinstead
Essential resurfacing works to provide a safe and durable travel surface on the A264 between London Road (A22) and Blackwell Farm Road, East Grinstead are due to start on Monday 27 February.
West Sussex County Council have identified that the current road surface is showing signs of significant weakening of the carriageway structure so will be completing overnight works to remove the existing surfacing and lay a replacement resilient surface in its place.
These works will provide a smoother running surface to improve the ride quality and lessen road noise, improve the condition of the road structure and maximise its life through increased durability. The high friction surfacing on the approaches to the pedestrian crossing will also be restored.
The length of the A264 will be closed to all through-traffic while the operations are being carried out, with side roads potentially also being affected. Closures will be clearly signposted, and a signed diversion route will be in place for all vehicles.
A West Sussex Highways officer explained: “To reduce the impact of road closures on the local community, the main resurfacing works will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am each day with all works scheduled to be completed by the 8 March 2023. Please note, this date could change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the further effects of severe weather.
“Whist we cannot complete these works without generating noise, which we understand may disrupt residents’ sleep, every effort will be made to carry out the noisiest operations in the earliest part of the evening and before 11pm.
“Access to all properties will be maintained where possible, however may be delayed or restricted when works are being carried out in the immediate vicinity. Vehicles will not be able to park on the road during closure hours. A Traffic Regulation Order will be in place and any vehicle parked here during this time may be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice.”
If you have any queries on the day regarding how the works are being carried out near you, then please feel free to ask to speak to the on-site Site Supervisor who is normally best placed to address your concerns.
The council will also use this opportunity to complete carriageway patching works on Holtye Road between Blackwell Farm Road and the East Sussex boundary. These works will follow on directly from the resurfacing works, starting in the evening of 8 March 2023 and are due to take 3 nights to complete. This work will utilise an extension of the A264 road closure, with traffic being diverted via the same diversion as the previous scheme.
Budget 2023/2024 Special Edition Invest and Support
(Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC)
Welcome to our Budget Special Edition Residents’ eNewsletter.
A council plan and a £1.86 billion budget which ensures support, investment and essential services continue for all West Sussex residents has been approved by West Sussex County Council.
County councillors voted in favour of both the plan and the budget at a meeting of the Full Council last Friday (17 February).
Budget for the next year includes:
- £883m managing schools and education
- £458m caring for adults and keeping people healthy
- £174m supporting children and young people
- £84m adapting to climate change, recycling and waste disposal
- £80m maintenance of our roads and providing transport
- £56m Fire and Rescue Service and supporting local communities
- £44m supporting the local economy and running our organisation.
A council tax increase was also approved of 2.99% plus an additional 2% for adult social care, making a total increase of 4.99%.
That means an average band D property will see an increase of around £77.67 per year or £1.50 per week.
Leader of the Council Councillor Paul Marshall said:
“As well as the huge task we have of funding day-to-day services for vulnerable adults, children and families, we have successfully managed our finances so we can continue to fund improvements in our highways and infrastructure for the benefit of our residents, communities and businesses.”
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The budget supports the four priorities of the county council’s corporate plan, called Our Council Plan, all of which are underpinned by the theme of tackling climate change.
The priorities are:
- Keeping people safe from vulnerable situations
- A sustainable and prosperous economy
- Helping people and communities to fulfil their potential
- Making best use of resources.
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To find out more about the budget, what we spend, where your money goes, and how to access help and advice, click on the link below.
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County Council approves council plan and budget to deliver investment and support
| 17 February 2023 – WSCC Press Release |
| County Council approves council plan and budget to deliver investment and support |
| A council plan and budget which ensures support, investment and essential services continue for all West Sussex residents has been approved by West Sussex County Council.
Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council, said: “I am delighted that we are going to be able deliver a budget that continues to deliver for those in need whilst also ensuring continued investment in the priority areas set out in Our Council Plan. “As well as the huge task we have of funding day-to-day services for vulnerable adults, children, and families, we have successfully managed our finances so we can continue to fund improvements in our highways and infrastructure for the benefit of our residents, communities, and businesses. “I’m pleased to confirm that this year we will invest an additional £4.5m into our highways and roads that have been impacted so severely by the recent adverse weather.” The council’s budget is integrated into the council’s ambitions, captured each year in a detailed Council Plan, which sets out what we propose to do and the specific targets we use to judge our performance during the year. The business planning of the Council continues to be underpinned by a relentless focus on four priority outcomes, underpinned by a cross cutting theme of tackling climate change. The four priorities are:
A net budget of £708.8m was approved, following debate at a meeting of the full council today (17 February 2023) and forms part of the council’s total spend of £1.86 billion in 2023/24 to deliver day-to-day services to a growing population of 882,676 residents and 37,400 businesses across the county. This spend includes:
The budget includes an increase to the County Council element of council tax of 2.99% – plus an additional 2% for adult social care – making a total increase of 4.99%. This is an increase for an average Band D property of £77.67 per year or around £1.50 per week. Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, Cllr Jeremy Hunt, said: “We know the exceptionally high levels of inflation and increasing costs we are all experiencing have been difficult for our residents. We are also feeling these pressures, alongside an increase in costs due to the complexity of the care required by an increasing number of the adults and children we support. I am therefore pleased that we have been able to deliver a balanced budget during these challenging circumstances. “It is vitally important we spend our funds wisely on the areas which will help people the most, whilst also maintaining continued investment in our services and our infrastructure. For 2023/24 we have been able to achieve this by investing an additional net £60.5m – equal to a 9.5% budget increase – in order to ensure that our key services are not only maintained, but we are also able to continue to improve them, in order to achieve the best outcomes for our residents. A key part of our striving for the best outcomes for our residents is ensuring value for money for every penny we spend.” Cllr Marshall added: “Despite the difficulties we are facing with funding our day-to-day services, we are also acutely aware of the need to continue to invest in our county, our local economy, and our communities. “Over the next five years we will invest £747.2 million in the county’s highways, environment, schools, buildings, and IT & digital infrastructure through our Capital Programme.” The Capital Programme spend will include:
Find out more about the budget and the council’s priorities at www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget Anyone struggling to pay their council tax is advised to contact their local district or borough council to see if they are eligible for a discount or exemption. Further advice about local and national support available for people struggling with the rising cost of living can be found at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/CostOfLiving |
County Council requests new powers to improve road safety and tackle congestion
(Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC)
| West Sussex County Council is planning to use new powers to improve safety and tackle congestion by enforcing moving traffic offences in the county.
The County Council has applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for additional powers to enable it to enforce offences which could previously only be enforced by the police. A public consultation is currently live and we are seeking feedback on the locations where these additional powers are initially proposed to be used. The council has now applied to be allowed to enforce key highway restrictions or prohibitions with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enforcement cameras. If successful, these powers will be used across the county with the aim of:
In addition to meeting these aims, this initial approach will complement work currently being undertaken as part of the West Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan. This plan sets out the council’s ambitions to sustain the bus network and help it flourish through increased passenger numbers, targeted reductions in fares, less pollution, more high-frequency services, improved rural transport and multi-modal ticketing. Should the powers be approved, it is intended that in due course, the council will roll out the use of ANPR to enforce other types of moving traffic contraventions. To comment on the enforcement of moving traffic offences at the two sites proposed, please complete the questions online at: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/enforcing-moving-traffic-offences-in-west-sussex-consultation This consultation will run for a further four weeks, closing on 29 March 2023. If you have any questions about this consultation, or would like to request the information in a different format, please email parking@westsussex.gov.uk or call 0330 222 9303. |
Green light for £17.4million boost for West Sussex bus travel
(Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC)
The green light has been given for a £17.4million boost for bus service improvements in West Sussex. West Sussex County Council successfully bid for the Government cash injection, aimed at increasing bus passenger numbers, which in turn will help support the local economy and reduce traffic congestion – all crucial parts of Our Council Plan .
Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The £17.4million Department for Transport funding is excellent news for the whole of the county – and bus passengers in particular.
“We are working in partnership with the bus companies to do all we can to try to make bus travel as attractive as possible, help increase passenger numbers and thereby make it easier for people to get to essential services, shops and businesses, education and leisure facilities and to leave cars at home in favour of this more sustainable way to travel.”
A range of schemes will now be developed, including:
- A discounted concessionary bus travel scheme to encourage young people, aged 16 to 21, to use the buses
- The introduction of ‘Tap On – Tap Off’ fare technology across busses operating within the county
- Installation of 300 new Real Time Passenger Information displays at countywide locations, providing electronic display screens, which are popular with both passengers and bus operators
- Improved bus stops at countywide sites, with new poles, flags, hardstanding, disabled access, shelters, seating, lighting and nearby crossing points
- Improvements to the bus lanes in Station Way, Crawley and the bus lane priority set up in Manor Royal, Crawley
- Creation of a new transport hub in Crawley, providing a single place to swap between different modes of public transport
The Department for Transport funding news follows the ongoing £2 fare scheme, which has been confirmed to be extended until June, and the recent County Council’s “Bus It” campaign – which encouraged senior residents to consider returning to the buses to take full advantage of their eligible free pass.
Police visibility is a priority
(Sent by Katy Bourne OBE to all major stakeholders)
| Hello
Last week I went on a walkabout with Jeremy Quin MP where we discussed current issues in the Horsham area. We were joined by representatives from Horsham District Council and local licensees to discuss their current concerns alongside Sussex Police’s District Commander for the area. I heard how anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre is making residents feel unsafe despite the fact that Horsham is one of the safest areas in Sussex. I was pleased to hear that Dispersal Orders are being implemented when ASB or criminal activity is reported and that Sussex Police is tackling issues robustly as they arise. It was also good to hear more about the work of the dedicated policing team who are proactively patrolling near Kilnwood Vale where residents of the estate have been seeing illegal activity such as car meets and dangerous driving along the adjoining A264. Under Operation Cruze, the team have been rapidly tackling the criminality which has been happening across many Force areas. For example, giving warnings to anti-social drivers whereby if they or their vehicle are stopped for a second time due to causing alarm, distress or annoyance to the public, their vehicle can be seized. I was glad to hear that this proactive policing is having a beneficial effect within the area and I hope to hear further positive results from Horsham town centre soon. |
| External scrutiny welcomed |
| Last Wednesday evening, I joined two of my Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) as they made an unannounced late night visit to Brighton Custody Centre. ICVs are volunteers with special training who can visit custody at any time of day or night to check on the rights, entitlements and wellbeing of detainees.
Obviously, at the point when people get arrested and detained, they are innocent until proven guilty so it is important that their human rights are upheld. Not only do ICVs support this but they also scrutinise protocols. This oversight and scrutiny has already led to positive changes being made within custody, such as ensuring female detainees are provided with sanitary packs and painting walls with calming colours to help those with mental health problems. Our platinum accredited ICV scheme is one of my statutory responsibilities to maintain as PCC and it is superbly run by our ICV Manager Claire. I know that most people being held in custody are grateful for having someone to check on them. Our ICV volunteers do a brilliant job and their external scrutiny is always welcomed. You can read more about the work of the ICVs on my website. Do you or someone you know work in the retail industry? We know that the harmful impact of crime on shop workers is increasing. It is important that those who have experienced this are able to talk about it to provide an accurate picture of the scale and impact of retail crime. This then helps to form future action plans for the Government and police. If you work in the retail sector, please take a few minutes to complete the ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) Crime Survey. All responses are completely confidential and the deadline for responses is 31st March. Katy Bourne OBE Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner |
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Youth Cabinet raise cost of living concerns for young people in West Sussex |
| (Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC) |
| Members of the County Council’s Youth Cabinet have spoken about the cost of living pressures young people across West Sussex are facing.
During a debate at County Hall, senior County Councillors and staff heard the Youth Cabinet outline areas of concern, including access to text books and school uniform, children’s mental health support and the cost of transport to school and college. Held in the Council Chamber on 24 January, it was the latest forum for the cabinet to raise the issues that young people in West Sussex face and to influence and help improve the work the council does to support children and families. Youth Cabinet chair Iffat Rahman led the debate. Iffat said: “It was very exciting to be able to hold our annual discussion in the County Council Chambers for the first time since lockdown, and it was a great opportunity for our youth cabinet to meet and get involved with local councillors. I found the discussion to be insightful and interesting, overall it was a successful evening.” Keeping people safe from vulnerable situations is one of four key priorities within Our Council Plan. The meeting heard about the work West Sussex County Council is doing to support those in financial hardship, including:
Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, said: “It was really important to hear from our Youth Cabinet about the impact the cost of living pressures are having on our young people. We discussed ways we can continue to work together to offer support to those who need it and raise awareness about the help that’s available.” The Council’s website includes dedicated information on the cost of living providing advice and practical support. Find out more about the work of the West Sussex Youth Cabinet. |
Cabinet Member reflects on support for Ukrainians in West Sussex
(Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC)
Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, on the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine:
“Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine began last year, West Sussex County Council has actively engaged with the government led schemes, alongside partner organisations, district and borough councils and voluntary groups, to support those fleeing conflict in Ukraine and seeking safety in West Sussex.
“We have delivered on the local authority requirements on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme, enabling residents to become sponsors and welcome guests into their homes. We have also worked in conjunction with Gatwick airport to deliver a welcome point for Ukrainians arriving into the UK.
“Residents across the county have demonstrated their support and welcome, and the County Council continues to be appreciative of these efforts. Our Ukrainian Support Team and Community Hub also remain available to support Ukrainian families and their hosts.
“As we approach the one-year anniversary tomorrow and join in the one-minute silence at 11am, we will have the opportunity to reflect on the impact the war has had on those who remain in Ukraine and those who have been displaced, whilst also taking the time to remember those who have lost their lives since the war began.”
To find out more about how the County Council is responding to the conflict in Ukraine, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and search for ‘conflict in Ukraine’.
If you or someone you know needs help from the Ukraine Support Team, you can email UkraineSupport@westsussex.gov.uk or call the Community Hub on 033 022 27980. Lines are open 9am – 5pm seven days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Council supports renewal of Manor Royal BID
(Sent to all major stakeholders by WSCC)
West Sussex County Council endorses the renewal of Manor Royal’s Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years.
The Manor Royal Business District is the most strategically significant business park in the county, making a significant contribution to the economy of West Sussex through being home to approximately 500 businesses which support 30,000 jobs.
The Manor Royal Business District is a significant component of the Crawley Growth Programme, which is the delivery arm of the Crawley Growth Deal. Working in partnership with Crawley Borough Council, the Manor Royal BID and West Sussex County Council, the Crawley Growth Programme has allowed for the aggregation and alignment of public and private funds to deliver key infrastructure needs in Crawley.
This partnership has delivered concrete benefits for the businesses in Manor Royal and the residents of Crawley. These include:
- Manor Royal Highways Improvements including the Gatwick Road Roundabout
- Churchill Court, a renovated office space and business campus
- Upgrading of Manor Royal’s busiest access point
- Installation of digital signs in Manor Royal
After each five-year term, businesses must vote again to renew the BID or it will close and stop delivering services. This voting round will ensure the BID continues until 2028.
In line with Our Council Plan to support and grow a sustainable and prosperous economy, West Sussex County Council fully endorses the renewal of the BID for another term and hopes that the majority will vote in favour, allowing the Crawley Growth Programme to continue to deliver for the residents of Crawley and the businesses of Manor Royal.
Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council said: “We are delighted to confirm our support and endorsement for the renewal of the Manor Royal BID. The partnership between West Sussex County Council, the Manor Royal BID and Crawley Borough Council has delivered tremendous benefits to the residents and businesses of Crawley and West Sussex as a whole and we look forward to working with the BID in the long term, further strengthening our partnership and continue delivering growth and opportunities in Crawley.”
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director for the Manor Royal BID said: “We have developed an excellent relationship with the County Council that has delivered tangible improvements for Manor Royal many times over. The list is impressive and includes faster broadband, refurbished pavements, improved public realm, digital screens, transport infrastructure upgrades and support for decarbonising Manor Royal through the creation of a locally owned renewable energy community. I am very grateful to the Leader of the County Council for pledging his support to our new Business Plan and the future of the Manor Royal BID.”
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