Finding it difficult to make ends meet? Here are some of the services provided by Mid Sussex District Council such as discounts, benefits and reduced price services which may be of help.
Free or reduced price travel
Residents of Mid Sussex District Council who are aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled, can apply for a Bus Pass allowing free bus travel anywhere in England. Taxi Vouchers are also available instead of a bus pass for people unable to use public transport.
Senior/Disabled Railcards are also available which entitles the traveller to reduced rail travel.
For further information on the above schemes, please ring 01444 477304, or click on this link http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7512.htm
Need help to pay Rent or Council Tax?
If you have a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit. For more information, or if you want a quick check on benefit that might be payable to you, take a look at the on-line Benefits Calculator, click on this link http://revsandbens.centralsussex.gov.uk/benefits/304.htm or telephone 01444 477264.
The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults livin g in a dwelling. If only one adult lives in a dwelling (as his/her main home) the Council Tax bill is reduced by 25%.&bsp; To get more information click on this link, http://revsandbens.centralsussex.gov.uk/council_tax/245.htm or telephone 01444 477564.
Leisure Activities
Mid Sussex, as an area, provides a superb natural environment from the beautiful South Downs to its northern border. The District has breathtaking green open spaces and views, along with picturesque villages. Take a walk in one of the nature reserves, or for more information on enjoying the outdoors, click on this link http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7735.htm or chose to visit one of the many historical villages in Mid Sussex, click on this link for more details http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7740.htm.
Keeping fit - concessions are available at the three Olympos Leisure Centres. To find out more information, contact the Olympos Leisure Centres direct at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill or East Grinstead, click on this link
www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
There are free play parks and skateparks dotted all around Mid Sussex District, and subsidised sporting facilities available, see webpage http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7840.htm.
Pest Control
Every resident within Mid Sussex may use our Pest Control Service. The department offers treatment for a variety of pests including rats, mice, wasps and some insects. There is a fee for the treatment of pests, although this is reduced for those in receipt of a variety of benefits. For further details please ring 01444 477423 or click on this link http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/8180.htm.
Bulky Waste Removal
If you have a bulky item that you need to dispose of, we can come and remove it for you, hassle free. Prices start at £10 for a small chest of drawers and range up to £25 for a washing machine. Alternatively, we can charge on a time to load basis, where many items of all different sizes can be loaded at £50 per 25 minutes. For those in receipt of Council Tax/Housing Benefit these charges are reduced by 50%.&bsp; For further details or an application form please ring 01444 477440 or visit our bulky waste collections page for more details.
Housing Advice Service
The Council's Housing Needs Team (tel. 01444 477574) holds the following weekly housing advice surgeries on a first come first served basis without an appointment. Please do check that the surgery is being held before you go:-
Our Offices in Haywards Heath
Mon, Tues and Fri 11am-2pm (tel. 01444 477574)
East Grinstead Library (by appointment only)
Wed 1.30-3.30pm (tel. 01444 477574 to book an appointment)
Burgess Hill Town Council
Thu 1-3pm (tel 01444 247726)
The Council also publish a series of 12 Housing Option Booklets (free) also downloadable, click on this link: http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7695.htm.
Further information on Housing Advice can also be found on this link http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/7674.htm.
In addition to above, Shelter (tel.01293 419255) hold free housing advice surgeries in our Oaklands reception every Thursday between 10am-1pm.
You may also wish to contact West Sussex Signpost (01903 705108) who give advice, guidance, information and encouragement to help people in housing difficulties get back on their feet.
Savings and loans
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and good value loans at competitive rates for members, with free insurance and flexible repayment terms. They are run on ethical principles, which means more money staying locally working for the people of Mid Sussex. To join a Credit Union you need to go along to one of the Drop-in sessions listed below.
Central Sussex Credit Union Ltd
Tel: 01444 453780,
Email: info@sussexcreditunion.co.uk
www.sussexcreditunion.co.uk
Burgess Hill Saturday 10am - 12noon,
The Manager's Office, Market Place Shopping Centre
Haywards Heath Thursday 10 - 11.30am,
Saltworkz Café, America Lane
Haywards Heath Friday 10am - 11.30am,
United Reformed Church, South Road
East Grinstead Credit Union
Tel: 01342 312173
Email: Patrick.kiley@homecall.co.uk
East Grinstead Saturday 10am - 12noon,
St Swithin's Church Hall, High Street
