1. MSDC Update
August 2009
Mid Sussex has some fantastic open spaces and play areas, which have recently been
nationally recognised. Beech Hurst Gardens has won a prestigious Green Flag award after
impressing judges with its excellent facilities, whilst MSDC’s three applications for
‘Playbuilder Funding’ have successfully secured £121,000 from Central Government towards
improving outdoor play facilities. Local young people in Haywards Heath are also enjoying the
results of their hard work with the completion of the newly refurbished skate park in Victoria
Park. Mid Sussex District contributed more than £16,000 towards the new park.
Affordable Warmth
We would like your views on the affordable warmth strategy, the aim of which is to ensure that residents
can keep warm and well. The strategy outlines what we can do to improve the energy efficiency of
properties in the district and help residents in difficulty. To comment on the strategy, visit:
www.midsussex.gov.uk/consultation
Free Insulation
We are working with the Mark Group to bring free insulation to those over 70 or in receipt of certain
benefits and discounted insulation to all households. To arrange a free home survey and find out more,
call 0800 616 302.
Climate Change for Councillors Meeting
All Town, Parish, District and County Councillors are invited to find out more about climate change and
what we can do:
Climate Change for Councillors
Wednesday 7th October 2009
6.30pm – 8.30pm
Council Chamber, Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands
Contact: Celia Austin, Sustainability Officer: 01444 477370 / sustainability@midsussex.gov.uk
Empty Homes – What a waste!
Empty properties have been the focus of a recent number of articles in the National press, with MPs from
all parties calling for action to address the housing problem. MSDC is committed to identifying and
working with owners of empty properties to bring them back into use. This can often be a complex and
time consuming process, however, the sooner a property is reported, the sooner it can be brought back
into use. An empty house is not only a waste of an urgently needed home for a local family, but can also
blight an area as it deteriorates and attracts anti social behaviour.
Please report any empty properties you are aware of within your Parish via the Empty Properties Form
on www.midsussex.gov.uk/emptyhomes
Contact: Sarah Inglis, Housing Enabling Officer: 01444 477589 / sarahi@midsussex.gov.uk
SUSTAINABILITY
HOUSING
The quarterly newsletter for Parish & Town Councils in Mid Sussex, focusing
on Mid Sussex District Council’s current work and key issues.

2. Choice-Based Lettings and revised Housing Allocation Scheme
In April 2010, MSDC will be introducing Choice-Based Lettings (CBL) of social, which represents a major
change in the way social housing is allocated. CBL will allow people who are registered on the Mid
Sussex Common Housing Register to express an interest in specific vacancies in affordable housing
which have been widely advertised on a fortnightly basis through an interactive website and paper-
based magazine. Home seekers can see the full range of available properties, including photographs and
property details and then apply for any home they like to which they are matched. The successful
applicant for a particular vacancy will be the home seeker who has the highest housing need under the
Council’s and Downland Housing Association's Joint Housing Allocation Scheme.
The new system has meant the review of the Council’s existing Allocation Scheme, which sets out how
applicants will be prioritised for social housing. The most significant is the replacement of the current
complex points scheme with four broad Bands A, B, C and D.
• Band A – emergency or urgent priority
• Band B – high priority
• Band C – medium priority
• Band D – low priority
As with the current allocations scheme, only homeseekers who are registered on the Mid Sussex
Common Housing Register will be able to apply for Mid Sussex properties, and people who have a local
connection with the district will continue to be given priority over those who do not. The revised scheme
allows for special arrangements to ensure that local people have priority for first lettings of all new
housing developments in their village, town or parish. The revised Allocations Scheme was approved by
Council on 22 July, comes into effect from April 2010, and will shortly be available on
www.midsussex.gov.uk
MSDC are also joining the Sussex Homemove Scheme, www.homemove.org.uk, which is an established
partnership of 11 authorities in East and West Sussex who are operating CBL. Downland Housing
Association will continue to run the Common Housing Register under contract with the Council. From
September, everyone on the Housing Register will be requested to reregister, preferably on-line.
There will be extensive consultation with those on the Housing Register, housing associations and other
partner organisations over the implementation of the new scheme in the run up to the launch in April
2010.
Contact:
Julian Till, Housing Needs Manager: 01444 477232 / JulianT@midsussex.gov.uk
Planning for the future with business in mind
MSDC has recently launched a new Economic Development Action Plan to support the local economy and
closely involve businesses. The two key objectives of the plan are:
• MSDC should actively champion local business concerns through increased engagement with the
business community, giving a clear understanding of the needs of business, and working
proactively on behalf of business to help those needs to be met.
• MSDC should ensure the voice of local business is heard in its planning and decision-making
processes and work with other agencies in bringing about effective engagement with business,
based on up to date evidence and data.
These objectives reflect the aims of the recently published Sustainable Community Strategy, and
complement the work of the Mid Sussex Partnership. MSDC is currently planning a number of initiatives,
and is also working with business groups, supporting local business events and looking at other ways in
which the Council can work with local firms to support the economy.
Contact:
Steve Tilbury, Economic Development Officer: 01444 477347 / stevet@midsussex.gov.uk
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

3. New opportunities for clubs, groups, societies and charities
The Better Mid Sussex Fund (BMS fund) has been created to support community projects and initiatives
within the District, and help improve the physical environment.
The BMS fund was created as part of the long-term partnership between the Council and Thornfield
Properties plc, and the fund is being entirely provided by Thornfield. In this way, benefits from the
Better Mid Sussex project can be spread throughout the District.
Examples of projects that would be able to apply are improvements to community building, or for
purchasing a piece of equipment. Groups who might be interested include ‘Not-for-profit’ groups,
Charities, Schools, Parish or Town councils, Community groups, Clubs and Societies.
In each case, the BMS fund must be the sole funder and will not replace other, more appropriate,
funding. Applications will be considered for amounts up to £20,000 but smaller amounts have a greater
likelihood of success. Awards will be made on a quarterly basis.
The Better Mid Sussex Board, who is overseeing the multi-million pound regeneration of the three town
centres in the District, will administer the fund.
Download a grant application form at www.midsussex.gov.uk by searching for Better Mid Sussex fund.
Contact: Steve Trice, Community Leisure Officer: 01444 477499 / stevent@midsussex.gov.uk
Face the People
The first Face the People event, giving local residents the chance to tell the CDRP what they think about
anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood, was held on 8th
August and was a great success. More
dates are planned for 5th
September in East Grinstead, and 12th
September in Haywards Heath.
Contact:
Nicolette Russell, Community Safety Officer: 01444 477550 / nicoletter@midsussex.gov.uk
Local Councillor Shadowing
Mid Sussex District Council has taken part in a pilot version of the new Government funded Local
Councillor Shadowing Programme, which gives young people aged 13 -19 the chance to follow the day-
to-day work of their local representatives, with the aim of involving young people in local democracy.
During July, MSDC hosted three young people who shadowed Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Cabinet
Member for Finance and Service Delivery and Vice-Chairman Councillor Sophia Harrison. They joined in
duties such as attending the Princes of Wales Regiment Home Coming, District Planning meetings, the
Mayor's Charity Lunch as well as seeing decisions made by the Council's Cabinet at its July meeting.
Elections
Mid Sussex received a good turnout, compared with other areas, for the County and European elections
that took place in June. The elections service has now moved into the MSDC Customer Contact Centre
which takes calls such as registering to vote. There is always more to be done to encourage people to
vote, and a new initiative, SMS texting, has just been introduced to make it even easier for residents to
confirm their registration details on the Electoral Role.
Contact: David Peake, Elections Officer: 01444 477415 / davidap@midsussex.gov.uk
FUNDING
CRIME AND DISORDER REDUCTION PARTNERSHIP
LOCAL DEMOCRACY

4. A major part of the Mid Sussex Partnership’s (MSP) work has been recognised as 'best practice' by the
Progress Through Partnership (PtP), which is the support programme for Local Strategic Partnerships in
the South East.
The recognition was for the risk-based approach to prioritising the Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Working in conjunction with a local consultant, Ellie Broughton, key areas of focus for the next few years
were identified. The risk assessment included interviews with key partners and a workshop session at
the March 2009 MSP Conference.
PtP described the risk assessment as an innovative and successful process that highlights the progress
made of the newly reconstituted MSP. The Partnership Support Team would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone who assisted in the process, through interviews and at MSP Conferences and Board
meetings. Your contribution has gone a long way in helping the partnership develop over the last year
and helped to achieve this subsequent recognition of its work.
The case study can be seen at:
http://www.progressthroughpartnership.org.uk/mid_sussex_partnership_-
_risk_assessing_the_sustainable_communities_strategy__ptp_case_study__april_2009.pdf
Forthcoming MSP Conferences
The next two Conferences will be held on:
Wednesday 30th
September
10am - 2pm
Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill
Wednesday 31st
March 2010
10am - 2pm
Venue TBC
Contact: Paul Turner, Community Planning Officer: 01444 477360 / paulmt@midsussex.gov.uk
The following consultations are currently running:
Consultation Area Closing date Weblink
Park Users and Non Users MSDC 01/01/2010 www.midsussex.gov.uk/consultation
Severe Weather Events MSDC 01/01/2010 www.midsussex.gov.uk/consultation
Affordable Warmth Strategy MSDC 30/09/2010 www.midsussex.gov.uk/consultation
West Sussex County Council will shortly be publishing their consultations online at:
http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/community-and-living/community-
engagement/Consultations.en
As the situation is changing on a daily basis, up-to-date information is available on the home page of
www.midsussex.gov.uk, and the MSDC Customer Contact Team is also able to give advice to anyone
calling in. The forthcoming Communications meeting with the Parish and Town Councils representatives,
will also discuss how to best distribute the information more widely around the district.
MID SUSSEX PARTNERSHIP (MSP)
CONSULTATION
SWINE FLU

5. Press Releases
Here is a short summary of key press releases from the past 3 months. Other releases can be seen at
www.midsussex.gov.uk/pressreleases
June 09
Council forced to comply with excessive Government housing targets
Mid Sussex District Council has sought legal advice over the Government’s housing plans for the District.
The recently published South East Plan requires that 17,100 new homes be built in Mid Sussex by 2026.
Council on budget thanks to savings of £2.2million
Mid Sussex District Council has finished the 2008/9 financial year just under budget thanks to careful
financial management. The full figures have now been detailed in the annual outturn report that was
presented to Mid Sussex District Council's Cabinet Members on Monday 8 June.
Freedom Leisure begins work in Mid Sussex
From Wednesday 1 July, Freedom Leisure will have responsibility for the running of the three Olympos
leisure centres, Clair Hall and Martlets Hall for a five-year period.
July 09
Town centre plans are ready to move forward
A new town centre for East Grinstead is now a step closer to realisation after the formal signing of a
development agreement.
Performance improves despite economic downturn
Mid Sussex District Council has delivered improved services for residents, despite the financial pressures
of operating in a recession.
Awards for Mid Sussex Architecture
An innovative boiler house, a community museum and a green latrine were among the projects
celebrated at the recent Mid Sussex Architecture Awards, presented by the Hon Nicholas Soames MP at
Wakehurst Place.
August 09
Funding secured for new community play facilities
Mid Sussex District Council has successfully secured £121,000 from Central Government towards
improving outdoor play facilities in the District over the next couple of years.
Council invites residents to follow the money after publishing detailed spending online
From the beginning of August, Mid Sussex District Council will publish online a monthly breakdown of
payments of £500 or more and become one of the first local authorities in England to publish such
detailed information about Council spending.
Council lobbies for increased funds to help disabled residents stay in their homes
Mid Sussex District Council has asked Central Government to increase the funding made available to
help disabled people remain in their own homes.
So that we can ensure that we are providing you with information you require, please let us have any
comments regarding this newsletter. Please email janep@midsussex.gov.uk
PRESS RELEASES
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