Local authorities meet to pledge action on Southern Water’s failings
Following a catalogue of issues including flooding, sewage seeping into people’s homes, gardens and roads, and the ongoing problem of discharges into rivers and waterways across Wealden and the wider south east, we have instigated the Southern Water Local Authority Stakeholder Group to hold Southern Water to account for delivering the vital infrastructures that communities need.
An inaugural meeting of local authorities took place at the end of January when the group discussed action and experiences to date across the full Southern Water network.
We co-ordinate and chair the group, which includes representatives from more than 40 councils across the south east including neighbouring Eastbourne, Hastings and Rother councils.
Our Cost of Living hub goes live
Our Cost of Living support hub to help residents, businesses and community groups has been launched.
The hub has been designed to point people in the right direction to receive professional financial advice tailored to the needs of each group.
Free NHS health checks offered to residents in Wealden
Council Tax reduction scheme has been approved
Free NHS health checks are to take place across the Wealden in partnership with One You East Sussex.
Some working age people could receive 80 per cent support in a bid to ease the financial pressures.
£2 single bus journey until 31 March
Household Support Fund
Many bus users in the south east will benefit from three months of reduced fares. Until 31st March, single journeys will be capped at £2.
We have received additional funding from ESCC through the DWP’s Household Support Fund. The funding is limited and will close on 31st March 2023.
Pevensey Bay gets Outreach Day
High quality and affordable furniture
Residents living in Wealden are invited to an Outreach drop-in session in Pevensey Bay on 07/03/23. The event is being held in St Wilfrid’s Church (12pm – 4pm).
Furniture Now supplies high-quality, new and used furniture at affordable prices. Customers who claim financial support, are in low income jobs and students will be able to claim a discount.
EV charging installation has started
Installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points across our public car parks has begun. Our first chargers, in Lower Road, Forest Row, should be available for use within the month, closely followed by our other phase one locations (The Willows, Alfriston; Croft Road, Crowborough; Mill Road, Heathfield; Luxfords, Uckfield; North Road, Pevensey Bay; The Greyhound, Wadhurst: and Horsefields, East Dean)
Connected Kerb, one of the UK’s leading providers of EV charging infrastructure solutions, has worked in partnership with us over the past three months reviewing all council owned and operated car parks for their suitability to develop these first phase of installations. We will continue to work with Connected Kerb on reviewing car parks for subsequent phases.
We have been successful in obtaining a government grant of almost £157,000 to fund this roll out of electric vehicle charging points in our car parks.
Wealden Community Lottery tickets go on sale
Following a successful launch attended by well over 100 people the hotly anticipated tickets for the new Wealden Community Lottery are now on sale, with the first weekly draw taking place on Saturday 25 March.
Tickets are available to buy online at a cost £1 each and winners could scoop up to £25,000.
Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027
We have agreed our new corporate plan for 2023 – 2027. ‘Ambitious for our future’ highlights our ambition as a council, focusing on engaging communities, continuing our work in creating a sustainable environment and ensuring a thriving local economy.
Voter ID is now required to vote in this year's elections
We received £555K to help prevent homelessness
For the first time, residents will need to show photo ID to vote at this year’s local elections. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
£555,000 has been allocated to support vulnerable people at risk of sleeping rough. This is part of a package which will also help tackle homelessness and provide temporary accommodation for victims of domestic abuse.
Employment prospects rise from Wealden Community Grants Programme
A Council Tax increase of £6.05 a year has been approved
Working with People Matter we are providing increased employment opportunities through access to training, volunteering and comprehensive employability support, all provided by the charity.
The decision to increase the amount by 2.99% was approved by our Cabinet Committee and ratified at a meeting of the Full Council this week.
Streets of Wealden: fun for kids and adults!
Mayfield Community and Health Centre plans approved
From an enchanting mermaid gliding through the streets to a dance display, there’s something for all the family in towns across Wealden throughout March.
Members of Wealden District Council’s Planning Committee North unanimously approved permission for the application at a recent meeting.
Help NHS Sussex and ESCC with their survey
Contractor is appointed to develop new homes
Help NHS Sussex and ESCC create better ways to support people to access advice about managing their money by sharing your views in their survey. Complete the survey by 17 March for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher.
Westridge Construction has been awarded the contract to demolish and redevelop Streatfeild House. The project will provide 18 homes for rent and two for purchase on a shared ownership basis.
Decision awaited on A22 package of improvements
Homes in Wealden available for Shared Ownership
A decision is due soon as to whether a multi-million pound package of transport improvements on the A22 Corridor can move to the next stage of development.
We are working with Greymoor Homes to offer two brand new three-bedroom houses available for Shared Ownership. The scheme in Wadhurst is due for handover this spring.
We are a finalist in national awards
New alarm / sensor systems in our homes
We are 2022 finalists for two separate Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards! These awards recognise organisations who are making a difference to the lives of our working population.
An award-winning system that can indicate potential issues with humidity and air quality (as well as excess cold or heat) is being installed in 150 of our properties across the district.
Changing Places unit in Pevensey Bay
Supporting those affected by dementia
Our contractors are currently putting the finishing touches to a new Changing Places unit in the Sea Road Car Park.
Wealden Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) has activities to support everybody on their journey with dementia, ranging from cafes to film screenings.
Conclusion of Community Governance Reviews
Six community groups benefit from funding pot
Last year, we received requests to review the boundaries and electoral arrangements for three parishes, which have recently reached a conclusion.
Six groups have been given a share of a £30,000 funding pot to help increase physical activities and deliver better health outcomes.
Freedom Leisure receives funding to help improve health and wellbeing
Short mat bowls enjoyed by all thanks to our Community Grants Programme
We will be working throughout the spring and summer with Freedom Leisure to deliver a wide range of free activities to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of the community and enable better access to health and leisure facilities.
Our Community Grants Programme has allocated £3,000 to Hailsham Short Mat Bowls Club to purchase an electric storage and winding machine. This will help bowlers with limited mobility to enjoy the sport more.
Take a look at our Community Grants Awarded this Year
Communities invited to join in with celebrations
Meeting with minister to keep housing target pressures
The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6th May, with a bank holiday on Monday 8th May. Parish Councils are encouraged to let us know about any events so we can help promote them.
A meeting with the new Housing and Planning minister is being sought to lobby against the high number of homes the we are required to provide.
Team shortlisted for two national awards
Great British Spring Clean 2023
Our Local Land Charges (LLC) team has made the shortlist for two awards at the 2023 Land Data Awards for Excellence!
We are calling on residents to show pride in their area by pledging to pick at least one bag of litter during the event.
Benefits of joint working wins award
Wealden cab driver has licence revoked
We have won a joint award with ESCC’s Housing Occupational Therapy team, for the Disabled Facilities Grant Home Adaptation Service, as part of the joint working partnership.
A private hire driver has had his licence revoked following a recent meeting of the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee, as it was found that the driver had nine penalty points.