District Dispatch - 16 November 2022

The campaign has been designed to highlight the support that is available from central government, local councils, and partner organisations. The campaign has gone from strength to strength since we launched it and I would like to thank our partners and the Chichester Observer series for their help and support with this.

There are many grants, discounts, and assistance packages that you may not be aware of, including those offered by utility companies, such as Southern Water and Portsmouth Water. There are different types of support available. For instance, Southern Water offer up to a 50% one-year bill reduction for customers hit temporarily by hard times. They also offer debt write-off of up to £2,000 for customers who have managed to get back on track with payments, but who will never be able to repay their debt; and they offer a grant of up to £1,000 to make improvements to a customer's home. While Portsmouth Water offers debt support, as well as a new tariff for customers who have a low income or are in receipt of certain benefits. You can find out moreon Southern Water's website (opens new window) andon Portmouth Water's website. (opens new window)

You may also be eligible for cheaper phone and broadband packages through social tariffs (opens new window). These are available to people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. They're delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Please also don't forget that our brand new 'Supporting You' team can also signpost you to assistance such as this. They are available to support you if you are struggling with the pressures caused by the rise in the cost of living. You can contact them by emailing supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or by calling 01243 534860.

Many people will also be starting to turn their attention to Christmas. Our partners, Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester, have produced a Christmas on a budget flyer. This includes a range of tips, from saving money on food, through to saving money on presents. We have placed the content of this on our Help with Household Bills web page..

While I'm talking about Christmas, I'm also pleased to tell you that the Chichester Christmas Market (opens new window) will be returning this year, from Saturday 3 December through to Friday 23 December. It will be open on Mondays to Saturdays from 9am until 5.30pm - except Thursday 15 and 22 December when it will stay open until 7pm for Chichester's late night shopping events. On Sundays it will be open from 10am until 4.30pm. Organised and managed by Woodland Crafts Events Management, the market will feature an array of stalls offering an exciting range of quality gifts, beautiful artwork, handmade crafts and seasonal and speciality food and drink stands. 

I also wanted to make you aware that the second set of findings from the 2021 Census, which focus on demography and migration, have been released by the Office for National Statistics (opens new window). This follows results released in June revealing total population changes across England and Wales. The new demography statistics focus on distinct characteristics such as age and the relationships between people with a household.

Across the district the median age was found to be 48 - eight years higher than the average age across England (40). In our area, 38.8% of households were comprised of two people, while one-person households made up 31.1%.

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Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council