Lewes corporate plan

The council has an important role in supporting those in most need in society. Since the pandemic, and the economic challenges that followed it nationally, we have been working hard in particular to support people experiencing hardship due to the cost of living crisis.

This work will continue, especially whilst the national economic situation continues to be difficult. We are taking a holistic approach to this, going above and beyond national government interventions to do everything that we can to support local people, across all departments in the council.

Key areas

We will:

• Maintain our new support regime of 100% council tax reduction for those most in need, whilst reviewing the level of council tax required for second homes and vacant properties.
• Support and build strong relationships with the local voluntary and community sector to ensure joined up support for those in need.
• Support those on lowest incomes through housing benefit, council tax reduction and other assistance schemes, providing local delivery of national schemes as these arise.
• Assist residents to maximise the welfare benefits they are entitled to and remove barriers (such as digital exclusion or lack of understanding) to ensure people are able to take up their entitlements.
• Provide the right advice to residents at the right time, ensuring information and advice is available to those needing extra support, to let them know what is available and how it can be accessed.
• Provide additional support to businesses where national schemes are administered locally.
• Identify and address inequality in our communities and uphold a commitment to the principle of fairness throughout our work.
• Using available data and technology, to help identify those most at risk of falling into debt and who require welfare support, so that targeted offers of support can be provided.
• Make use of the council's extensive communications channels (including District News, email services, social media and conventional media) to inform residents of the range of support available.
• Make advice and services easily available, whether through 24-7 self service channels or by providing direct support to those unable to self-serve.

4 year goals:

• Reduced levels of inequality experienced in the district
• Increased uptake of benefits and assistance schemes provided by the council
• Increased uptake of business support