Cost of living resources available
With the festive season upon us we wanted to share some local resources that may benefit anyone in need of help.
Help with food
There are a number of local organisations that provide help with food and groceries, and not all need referrals.
WSCC Community Hub
- Funding to support low-income households with the rising cost of living, including energy, food and essential bills.
- Call to check if you are eligible for support or if you have an urgent need, for example if you are going to run out of food, medicine or essential supplies within the next three days.
- 0330 222 7980
St Peter and St Paul's Pantry
- A space where people can top up their food supplies - no referral needed. Fresh, frozen and long life - a mixture of donations and surplus from businesses.
- 1st Wednesday each month - 4pm to 6pm
- 2nd Wednesday - 8.30am to 10am
- 3rd Wednesday - 4pm to 6pm
- 4th Wednesday - 10am to 12pm
- 5th Wednesday - 10am to 12pm
- Rustington Church Hall, 77 The Street, Rustington, BN16 3NR
Littlehampton Community Fridge
- Anyone may take five items per adult per day (plus bread). It costs nothing, all the food is rescued and needs a home to stop it being wasted.
- Call for opening times
- St James' Church Hall, 1 East Ham Road, Littlehampton BN17 7AN
- 0300 030 9376
- littlehamptoncommunityfridge@faredivide.org.uk
Bognor Regis Foodbank
- Bognor Regis Foodbank provides food parcels and support to anyone who is facing a financial crisis and has little or no money. A referral is needed to access the foodbank.
- Opening times: Tuesdays and Fridays 10.30am to 2.30pm
- Argyle Hall, Argyle Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 1DY
Littlehampton District Foodbank
- Littlehampton Foodbank provides food parcels and support to anyone who is facing a financial crisis and has little or no money. A referral is needed to access the foodbank.
- Opening times: Tuesdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm
- Rear hall - Littlehampton United Church, 1 High Street, Littlehampton BN17 5EG
Energy help and advice
Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice
- Independent, impartial, free, confidential advice to provide the advice people need for the problems they face. This can be via phone, via email or in person.
- 0800 145 6879
Arun District Council Home Energy Officer
- Arun District Council Home Energy OfficerIncreasing the energy efficiency in your home will help make it warmer, cheaper to run and help lower your contribution to climate change. If your home is too cold, hot or damp this can harm your health and worsen any existing health conditions.
- We can advise on local and national grants to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Help is also available for those on the lowest incomes and with health conditions if they are without heat and/or hot water.
- 01903 737755
Portsmouth Water
- To discuss your bill or seek if you are entitled to any support
- 02392 249 9888
Southern Water
- To discuss your bill or seek if you are entitled to any support
- 0330 303 0277
Financial help we can provide
Struggling to pay Council Tax?
- If you are in receipt of a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings and investments, you may be eligible for help from Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
- For pensioners, any entitlement will depend on your household income including money from state and private pensions.
- Working age claimants may be eligible for help if they have less than £6,000 in savings and a household income of less than £462.99 per week. Income includes, state benefits, tax credits, earnings, child maintenance and any other incoming money.
- Customers already getting Council Tax Reduction who have severe financial difficulties can apply for a one-time discretionary payment, Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Relief.
- For more information on Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Relief and the online claim forms, please visit our website:
- www.arun.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction
Do you need help paying your rent?
- Housing benefit can help you pay your rent if you have less than £16,000 savings and are on a low income or claiming certain
- benefits. You can only make a new claim if you have either reached State Pension age or you are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
- For more details and to access the online claim form, visit
- www.arun.gov.uk/housing-benefit
Additional discretionary help
- If your rent is more than your housing benefit or housing element of Universal Credit and you can't pay, we may be able to help you for a few months whilst you either seek affordable accommodation or a permanent means of paying your shortfall. This is called Discretionary Housing Payment. It can also help with removal costs and rent in advance if moving within Arun or out of the area.
- For more details and to access the online claim form, please visit www.arun.gov.uk/discretionary-housing-payments
How to get in touch
- If you need to contact the Revenues and Benefits team about any of the above, the quickest way is to email us at the below address, making sure you give us your name and address so that we can get back to you.
Received a summons for Council Tax?
- If you have Council Tax arrears and can't pay in full, please complete our online financial questionnaire. We can work out an affordable payment arrangement, let you know if you are entitled to any discounts or Council Tax Reduction and also provide you with details of independent organisations who can assist with financial problems. For example debt advice, maximising your income, budgeting, benefits and grants.
- https://www.arun.gov.uk/liability-order-for-council-tax/
- Or contact the recovery team on 01903 737546.