23 October 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.

Planning

NALC Newsletter

NALC urges the government to reevaluate its proposal for local planning authorities

NALC publishes its quarterly activity report

NALC prepares for committee elections as nomination deadline looms – News

Legionella risk — appointment of contractors for local authorities

Star Council Awards Council of the Year

NALC publishes its quarterly activity report – News

NALC advocates for community wealth funding distribution through local councils – News

East Grinstead Business Association

Networking at Ashdown Park – 2nd November 2023

Gatcom News Bulletin

Parish Liaison Meeting

Parish Liaison meeting notes September 2023

MSDC announces sponsorship of Mid Sussex STEM Challenge

Mid Sussex District Council has announced its continued support for the Mid Sussex STEM Challenge at the launch of the event on Friday 13 October.  

The launch event was held in the Mid Sussex District Council Chamber and was attended by students from local secondary schools, cabinet members from Mid Sussex District Council, all three town Mayors, the local MP, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex. Councillor Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing at Mid Sussex District Council, shared: “The Mid Sussex STEM challenge is a fantastic event and I am thrilled that we are able to support the challenge for another year. STEM skills are in high demand across our district and so it is great to have the opportunity to support initiatives that inspire the next generation.  “I look forward to following the progress of those taking part and can’t wait to see the results of their creativity at Borde Hill Gardens on 28 June. Across the district, we are lucky to have many innovative businesses that use STEM skills to advance the real world every day. It’s terrific that these local businesses are investing their time in developing the skills of the next generation to enable them to build a strong future economy.” This year nine secondary schools have submitted teams that will work to build a hovercraft. Each school is partnered with a STEM ambassador from a local business to help them put their STEM learning into context and bring them into the workplace.  

 

Chairman of Haywards Heath Town Team, Ruth de Mierre, added: “Research shows that, in the South East, we’ll need at least 30,000 engineers a year;  so, when our Haywards Heath Town Team heard of the skills required by many local companies we, with their support, set up our STEM Challenge to inspire our students with the diverse opportunities and excitement which could be their future.  “All types of engineering and medical companies have come together to ensure that students can understand just what a diverse and successful career lies ahead by continuing with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects. I am extremely grateful to the local businesses that are getting involved with this initiative as well as Mid Sussex District Council for their continued support because the students taking part ARE our future; not only for our economy but our environment and for our health. You never know, some of them may well be part of the breakthrough to find a cure to eliminate cancer forever or, follow Professor Hensinger’s example and allow us all to be ‘transported’ without getting in our cars!” 

 

Each team will be charged with designing and assembling a hovercraft to a required specification that meets the challenges. The challenge is organised by the Haywards Heath Town Team and this year local businesses supporting the initiative include Thales, Conti Engineering, Nuffield Hospital, and Balfour Beatty. 

New discounted bus fare for young people in West Sussex

Young people aged 16 to 20 will soon be able to qualify for a discounted bus fare with the launch of a new ‘16 to 20 Bus Saver’ scheme developed by West Sussex County Council alongside bus operators and funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

From Sunday 22 October this year, young people will be able to receive the new discounted bus fares if their journey starts or finishes anywhere within West Sussex. The ’16 to 20 Bus Saver’ means young people can benefit from reduced child rate fares offered by their local bus operator.

For more information on the new ‘16 to 20 Bus Saver’ scheme, visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/16to20BusSaver

Rural Bulletin

Rural Bulletin 17 October 2023

West Sussex County Council’s meals on wheels service

West Sussex County Council’s meals on wheels service has been crowned one of the best in the country after being named joint winner of a prestigious national award.

West Sussex County Council and service provider Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) were one of four joint winners of this year’s Meals On Wheels Service of the Year prize at the National Association of Care Catering Awards, which were held on 5 October.

Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “I am delighted that our meals on wheels service has been recognised as one of the very best in the country. “Throughout the year the service offers more than just a hot meal to our customers. Delivery teams also offer a friendly face, company and someone to check they are safe and well.“Alongside our service provider HILS, we have worked in partnership with other organisations to raise awareness of various wellbeing and care initiatives, as well as share important practical advice. This helps support people to continue to live independently in their own homes, which we know is extremely important to many of our residents. “I’m really proud of everyone in the meals on wheels team and what they have achieved, so many congratulations to them all for being named one of the best in the country.”

Sarah Wren, HILS Chief Executive, said: “We are so proud to have won this award which recognises the 365-day caring service provided by our wonderful team. Meals on wheels is a vital preventative service, but one that no longer exists in many parts of the country. “It is great to work with West Sussex County Council and other partners to support hundreds of local residents to stay healthy, happy, and independent.”

Competition judges recognised the service’s partnership working and interaction with customers. This included communication with new customers, to see how they are finding the service and to answer any queries they might have.

For more information about the meals on wheels service, or to sign up to receive meals in West Sussex contact please call 0330 2000 103, email westsussex@hils-uk.org or visit www.hils-uk.org