Coronavirus Community & Business Support

We are working in partnership with Citizens Advice to create network of volunteer community champions from EU, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and give up to date information about Covid-19 which can be shared with their communities. We are also seeking feedback on how well messages or resources are working and what the communities need. If you would like to share your views and express an interest in being an community champion or receiving more information please complete the survey here

You can find our more about the project and volunteer to be a Community Champion in Mid Sussex here

If you would like to register your interest to volunteer support through WSCC, please complete the form on the page link  where you will see at the bottom of the page there is a tab saying “Contact WSCC” and underneath a link to COVID-19 volunteering offer form.  Thank you to those who have already volunteered.

Citizens Advice https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/
Age UK West Sussex https://www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussex/
Age UK East Grinstead & District https://www.ageuk.org.uk/eastgrinstead/
Carers Support West Sussex https://www.carerssupport.org.uk/
Foodbank East Grinstead https://eastgrinstead.foodbank.org.uk/
Foodbank Haywards Heath https://haywardsheath.foodbank.org.uk/
Burgess Hill Community Foodbank http://www.burgesshillfoodbank.org.uk/
Mid Sussex Voluntary Action https://www.msva.org.uk/  (support for community groups)
MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/
Sussex Oakleaf https://www.sussexoakleaf.org.uk/

Information on recently announced Government Grants, Mid Sussex Council Grants and other sources of funding can be found here

Business Support

Please visit the GOV.UK website to use the business support finder.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Extended to 30 September 2021

UK-wide. Under the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis.

Find out more information on how to claim under the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate

UK-wide. The Government will bring forward legislation to allow small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for staff sickness absence due to coronavirus.

Find out more about the statutory sick pay rebate.

Time to Pay

UK-wide. All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service.

Find out more about Time to Pay.

VAT Deferral

The VAT deferral new payment scheme is open from 23 February 2021 up to and including 21 June 2021

UK-Wide. Support available for businesses by deferring Valued Added Tax (VAT).

Find out more about VAT deferral.

Coast to Capital

The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Coast to Capital have a range of services available to support businesses during Covid-19.

Find out more from Coast to Capital.

Coronavirus Business Support Hub – GOV.UK

Coronavirus Business Support Hub.

The hub brings together key information for businesses including on funding and support, business closures, your responsibilities as an employer and managing your business during coronavirus.

The hub also includes information for self-employed people and sole traders.

Online Learning Platform – The Skills Toolkit

Free courses are available through The Skills Toolkit. The new platform gives people access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.

Courses on offer cover a range of levels, from everyday maths and tools for using email and social media more effectively at work to more advanced training. All courses are online and flexible, so people can work through them at their own pace.

Find out more information about The Skills Toolkit.

Further Questions

If you are affected by Covid-19 and have further questions or you are having difficulty paying your business rates, please contact us via email at revenue@midsussex.gov.uk. We will try and get back to you as soon as possible.

You can also find additional business rates information at https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/revsandbens/business-rates/

The Government and NHS have updated the advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have a new continuous cough OR high temperature (37.8 degrees or higher) you should stay at home for 7 days. The full guidance is available here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Parking NHS & Social Care Workers  - Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Our Reception is now closed, unless you need emergency support. Please use our website at www.midsussex.gov.uk to access all other services.

We have worked hard to ensure that our Oaklands Campus is a Covid Secure workplace. With the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/903464/staying-covid-19-secure-2020-230720.pdf

The following services are currently operating as normal:

• Garden Waste Collections
• Rubbish Collections
• Recycling Collections
• Clinical Waste Collections
• Bulky Waste Collections

For households using communal rubbish bins please follow Government guidance on cleaning in non-healthcare settings*

If you have a confirmed (positive test) case of Covid-19 you will need to dispose of your waste separately using a special clinical waste collection. Guidance will be provided by your local healthcare provider. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

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If you or someone you know is homeless, at risk of homelessness, in temporary accommodation or is sleeping rough, please complete our Housing Advice contact form for housing advice and assistance.

Benefit Calculator

https://midsussex.entitledto.co.uk/home/start

The Department of Work and Pensions has published advice on it's Understanding Universal Credit website for anyone who needs to claim the benefit.

Understanding Universal Credit

COVID 19 – Community Safety advice to residents

Whilst most people are supporting one another, there is still a small minority who will look to criminally exploit situations like this. If you are self-isolating and require assistance with shopping, cleaning or care services, please use trusted sources – friends, family members or neighbours or a trusted local charity. If you have no support network and are not sure who can help, please contact the West Sussex Community Support Helpline on 03302 227980.

It is ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. If the person is genuine, they will understand.

Always be aware of people and companies who may try to sell items at an increased price in order to profit from Coronavirus

Doorstep offers

Don’t put up any signs on the front of your property which indicates you are vulnerable or in self isolation.

Always ask for ID and be suspicious of requests for money up front. If someone attempts to pressure you into accepting a service, they are unlikely to be genuine.

Don’t provide your banking details to anyone at the door.

Phishing emails

There have been some scammers that are offering virus testing kids or treatments, vaccines or cures for Coronavirus. Vaccines and testing for Coronavirus is only offered by the NHS. Please follow public health advice on what to do if you have symptoms or call NHS 111.

Telephone scammers

With more people self-isolating or working at home, it is possible that you might receive more scam phone calls than usual.

Don’t reveal personal details or provide financial information (such as your bank account details or your PIN) over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from your bank.

Hang up. If you feel harassed or intimidated, or if the caller talks over you without giving you a chance to speak, end the call. It may feel rude to hang up on someone, but you have the right not to be pressurised into anything.

Don’t be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal details. They may say they have time-limited offer or claim your bank account is at risk if you don’t give them the information they need right away.

Online shopping fraud

Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers. If you’re purchasing goods and services from a company you don’t know, carry out some research first. Look up reviews of the company and ask trusted friends and family members of they know of the company. If in doubt, don’t use them.

Be wary of unsolicited emails and texts offering questionably good deals  - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Never respond to messages that ask for your personal and financial details.

Avoid paying for goods and services by bank transfer as that offers you little protection of you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or payment service such as PayPal if possible.

Borrowing money

Only borrow from reputable sources and check to see if your area operates a credit union. Be wary of loan sharks. Key signs to spot include offering a loan without supporting paperwork, extortionate interest rates, refusal to provide details of the loan, threatening behaviour.

Domestic Abuse

Guidance for anyone who is experiencing or knows someone who is experiencing domestic abuse.

www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/domestic-abuse/

Keeping children safe online.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online

Useful numbers:
Advice on scams: Citizen’s advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133
Reporting a scam: Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
Loan Shark Helpline: 0300 555 2222
Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed
Sussex Police: 101 or 999 if an emergency
Mid Sussex District Council: 01444 458166

• Housing standards https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/housing-standards/
• Private renting – tenants https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/private-renting/
• Temporary accommodation https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/temporary-accommodation/
• Social housing – FAQs https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/social-housing-faqs/

• Food delivery information for businesses
• The Advice for Premises Who Plan to Deliver Alcohol https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/media/4830/advice_for_premises_who_plan_to_deliver_alcohol.pdf
• Guidance for Food Businesses on Coronavirus https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-food-businesses/guidance-for-food-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

From 8th June 2020, the charges in the car parks will apply.

Please note enforcement of parking restrictions will continue in accordance with the Traffic Management Act.
On-street parking enforcement will continue albeit with a strict focus on safety and ensuring the free movement of traffic, especially for the emergency services, carers and deliveries. People are strongly advised not to park on yellow lines, loading bays and clearways. Civil Parking Enforcement officers have a key highway safety role in this - their duty is to enforce yellow lines/loading bays etc so that particular vehicles can still travel freely on the network and not have to contend with dangerously parked vehicles.
Those parking in permit bays should make arrangements as indicated on the parking permits page, as vehicles without permits will be subject to enforcement.

NHS & Social Care Workers  - Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Can I use the park?

Yes. In line with Government guidance (from 17 May 2021 onwards):

• You can meet in a group of up to 30 people outdoors
• There is no longer a limit to the number of households within a group of up to 30 people
• You must not interact with anyone outside of your own group (of 30 people)
• People should exercise caution when meeting anyone they don’t live with and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Details of our park facilities can be found here.

As the Country progresses on the roadmap out of lockdown further updates will be made to this page.

Which play areas and outdoor gyms are currently open?

All of our play areas and outdoor gyms are open for use. These facilities will continue to receive a weekly cleanse. Guidance signage has been placed on all entrance gates to ensure safe use for everyone.

Is the equipment in the parks safe to use?

Our play areas are inspected for safety on a regular basis and all equipment has been sanitised before reopening.

As social distancing measures are still required by law we have removed some swings from these playgrounds. When the need for social distancing is no longer required and the Government remove all legal limits currently in place, we will replace the swings. Currently this will not be before 21 June.

Please do not remove any tape or safety markings.

Is there a limit on the length of time I can use the play area for?

There isn't a maximum length of time you should stay; but please be mindful that other children will want to use the equipment and other children might be waiting to play.

If the play area is busy will there be a queue or waiting area in place?

There will be no formal queuing or waiting area - we hope that users will be mindful of other children wanting to play. However, we will keep this under review.

Is there a limit to the number of children allowed on play equipment at any one time?

Yes. Equipment which can accommodate multiple children e.g. climbing frames or a basket swing should be used by one family unit at a time.

Is there a limit on the number of parents/carers or guardians supervising those in their care whilst using an item of play equipment?

Yes. In line with Government guidance we request those using the play area to only have one family member/carer accompanying a child in order to enable appropriate social distancing. However, we do recognise that children with additional needs such as physical and sensory disabilities may need greater assistance in order to help them enjoy using the equipment safely.

What should I do if the play area is busy or at capacity?

If you will be unable to safely maintain social distancing or the play area is at capacity you should not enter the play area or use any equipment. Please come back again when there are fewer people using the facilities.

The play area is too full and it is not being used safely or responsibly. Should I report this?

If you find the play area and its facilities are not being used responsibly or you notice some broken equipment you can report your concerns by email to parksopenspaces@midsussex.gov.uk

Which outdoor leisure facilities are open for use?

The following facilities are currently available for use:

• Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA's)
• Skate Parks
• Outdoor Gyms
• Tennis Courts

How do I apply for an event in a park?

When we are allowed to host events in our parks, the request should be made no less than 28 days before the event is planned to take place. Event organisers should provide the following documentation to bookings@midsussex.gov.uk:

• Risk assessment for the operation (and set up/take down of equipment)
• Specific Covid 19 risk assessment for how organisers operations will reflect government guidance for social distancing, reducing the risk of transmission, test and trace and other industry specific guidelines depending on the nature of the event
• Public Liability Insurance to the value of £5m
• Relevant certifications and/ or qualifications to support the safe operational management of the event

For more information please contact us at Bookings@midsussex.gov.uk

Further advice may be found at:

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/the-visitor-economy
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-guidance-for-mass-gatherings
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/return-to-recreational-team-sport-framework
• https://www.eventsindustryforum.co.uk/index.php/11-features/14-keeping-workers-and-audiences-safe-during-covid-19

In line with Government guidance on the easing of restrictions in England, our leisure centres - The Dolphin, Haywards Heath, The Triangle, Burgess Hill and Kings Centre, East Grinstead will all be re-opening from 12 April. Please note that not all facilities are open for use and pre-booking is required. For further re-opening information regarding activities and facilities please visit

https://www.placesleisure.org/reopening/mid-sussex

For more information visit:

• https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/the-dolphin/
• https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/the-triangle/
• https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/kings-centre/

Consideration of Request from Developers to Relax Working Hours Condition

Business and Planning Act 2020 Section 93B ‘Additional Environmental Approval

Test and Trace £500 Self-Isolation Payment

New package to support and enforce Self-Isolation

Mid Sussex District Council is responsible for administering both a national and a discretionary Test and Trace Support Scheme for a £500 (if you are eligible) Self-Isolation Payments for any resident within Mid Sussex district.

This scheme started on 28 September 2020, and on 8 March 2021 was extending to include parents or guardians who have to take time off work in order to care for a child who is self-isolating and is unable to attend their education or childcare setting.

Please do not delay in applying for financial support to self-isolate. Complete the online self- isolation payment application form as soon as possible, but at the latest, within 42 days of the end of your isolation period and we will assess your eligibility under the national scheme or discretionary scheme as appropriate. At the time of your application you will be able to upload any relevant evidence. We may ask for further evidence if the evidence uploaded with the application is not sufficient.

This payment is for those who have been told by the NHS to self-isolate (either because they have tested positive for COVID-19 or they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive) or for parents or guardians of a relevant qualifying child who has been required to self-isolate.

Further information about the new scheme can be found here - New package to support and enforce self-isolation (GOV.UK website) 

Further information about who is eligible in this Local Authority area and how to apply can be found here