Adur & Worthing Councils will use the money to continue cost of living support and  homelessness prevention for the most vulnerable residents as well as providing more help for the voluntary and community sector, and additional work to improve inclusion and equality, and support for town and village centres.

The fund will continue to support the work of the council’s Proactive team of dedicated caseworkers, who identify residents who are struggling in our communities.

Since it was set up, the Proactive team has used previous UKSPF funds to support 12,300 Adur and Worthing residents - helping them to save money on their bills, apply for benefits they are entitled to and purchase essential white goods.

The team has also provided supermarket vouchers to hundreds of pensioners affected by the changes to eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments and offered cash grants to over 600 households that are struggling to afford their energy bills. 

Community-led grassroots projects that support Adur and Worthing residents with the cost of living through the councils’ Kitchen Table programme, delivered in partnership with Funding People, was also funded with the previous round of UKSPF money. 

Funding from the 2025/2026 round has been set aside to increase the councils’ homelessness prevention service. This will see work to improve temporary accommodation provision and develop digital tools to make reporting homelessness online easier. 

Money has also been allocated to support accessibility and equalities, with the appointment of an inclusion lead at the councils. There will also be extra funding for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Additionally, work to rejuvenate key public realm spaces in Adur and Worthing, including town and village centres, secondary high streets, parades and community assets, will be supported over the next 12 months.

Adur District Council leader Cllr Jeremy Gardner said: “The last round of funding from UKSPF was able to have a real impact by delivering local solutions to local problems. We are delighted that the focus of this new funding will continue the vital work to support residents struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis or homelessness.”

Worthing Borough Council leader Cllr Sophie Cox said: “There have been some inspirational examples of how this money has been used to support residents, as well as engaging members of the community to come up with innovative solutions to the cost of living through the Kitchen Table programme. This continued support, plus funding for our town centre and public spaces, will continue to ensure Worthing is a great place to live, work and visit.”