Securing Your Legacy with a Lifetime Trust
WESTMINSTER LAW
Wills ~ Estate Planning ~ Probate
If you are over 60 it will only cost you £95* to make or update your Will.
We are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialistsonly £95* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment.
Navigating the uncertainties of life can be challenging both for you and your loved ones, but securing the future of your loved ones need not be. With a Lifetime Trust you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your assets have been safeguarded and will benefit your chosen loved ones exactly as you intend.
Many still believe that Lifetime Trusts are only for the wealthy, but this is no longer the case with ordinary folk now owning their homes and looking to protect their assets. Westminster Law has made Lifetime Trusts an affordable and practical solution and has made it possible for anyone to secure their family’s future with the same protection and foresight that the wealthy have enjoyed for centuries.
Why choose a Lifetime Trust?
• Avoid the cost and delays of probate: Grant immediate access on your death to some or all of your assets held in trust without the need for probate.
• Control and protection: Claim full control over your assets and shield your family’s inheritance from divorce, creditors, and other predatory challenges.
• Ensure future care of your beneficiaries: Guarantee that the trust capital can assist your loved ones for generations; for example, for education, health care, and first homes.
• Retain more of your wealth: Strategically reduce or even eliminate potential inheritance tax liabilities for yourself and future generations.
Many believe setting up a trust means losing control; however, the reality is quite the opposite. With the right planning, a Lifetime Trust allows you to maintain full control over your assets both during your lifetime and after death. A Lifetime Trust ensures that your wishes regarding your assets are meticulously realised with precision and care.
Westminster Law will assess your requirements and arrange the most appropriate solution to meet your needs.
Worried about paying for care?
Long-term care in your own home or in a residential care home is expensive, but with expert advice from independent financial specialists, Carewise can help you to make informed decisions on choosing and paying for the right care. The Carewise care fees specialists are all members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, and can give you peace of mind that you’ve explored all your options. Contact Carewise to find out how you could benefit. carewiseadvice.com carewise@westsussex.gov.uk 0330 222 7000
More than 270 new homes to be built
Crawley Borough Council has been awarded more than £3.85 million from the government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2 to assist in the building of around 270 new homes, with at least 150 of these destined to be affordable homes.
The funding, which is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Local Government Association and One Public Estate (OPE) programme, will meet the costs of preparing three brownfield sites for housing development – the old Town Hall, Longley House and Deerswood Court garages site.
This funding award was one of the largest in the UK and demonstrates the government’s confidence in Crawley Borough Council to deliver these programmes and unlock land to build urgently needed new homes.
The BLRF2 funding helps unlock brownfield land for much needed affordable homes that have been delayed because of water neutrality. It will also enable the allocation of more of the council’s additional capital expenditure towards building housing. It is a big step forward and, particularly with the redevelopment of the old Town Hall, a major help in bringing forward further regeneration of the town centre.
These residential developments will deliver high-quality, new homes and help reduce some of the pressure on the housing waiting list.
It is expected that the council will be in contract for the demolition works by the end of March.
From the leader
As we approach Christmas, the weather gets colder and bills increase.
Crawley Borough Council is particularly encouraging older residents to check again if they might be entitled to claim Pension Credit. For those of us lucky enough to be younger, please encourage pensioners you know to apply too – details can be found on page 13. It’s estimated one in four pensioners in Crawley are eligible but not claiming, so it’s well worth making the effort just in case.
There’s a great deal happening this festive period in Crawley which you can read all about later in this edition, as well as exciting plans for a new cultural quarter in town!
Very best wishes and hopes for a happy start to 2025 from all of us at Crawley Borough Council!
Councillor Michael Jones Leader of Crawley Borough Council
Six months to move to Universal Credit for Tax Credit customers
Tax Credits are closing in April 2025. Anyone affected will be sent a ‘migration notice’ by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to apply for Universal Credit.
Legacy benefits – such as Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and IncomeRelated Employment and Support Allowance – are being phased out to bring government financial support into one place.
Anyone who needs support is encouraged to contact the DWP before their deadline on 0800 169 0328 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm or visit gov.uk
For support with applying for Universal Credit contact citizensadvice.org.uk
co-wheels.org.uk/ crawley
Housing reform report gets council backing
Crawley Borough Council is supporting a major report which aims to improve how council housing is managed and developed.
Securing the Future of Council Housing, endorsed by more than 100 councils, details the current issues in the system and calls on the government to make changes to safeguard council housing and for an injection of emergency capital funding. Visit southwark.gov.uk and
search for 'housing' to view the full report.
The council unanimously declared a housing emergency in February and one of the factors was the shortage of council and other housing to meet demand.
Homelessness is the council’s single biggest challenge, with more than 1,300 people in temporary and emergency accommodation. There are more than 2,700 households on the housing waiting list, more than 900 of which are priority.
Spend on temporary and emergency accommodation has risen twentyfold over the last five years and now accounts for £1 in every three of the council’s net revenue budget.
Free service to save money and keep warm this winter
The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) is working in partnership with Crawley Borough Council to offer eligible residents a completely free energy and money saving service.
Eligible households are offered a home energy visit, which includes the installation of energy saving measures and an income maximization service.
If you are eligible, a LEAP advisor can:
• check your energy bills to ensure you are not paying too much
• give you hints and tips to reduce the amount of energy you use and ensure your heating system is set up to keep you warm and save money
• provide free, simple energy saving measures, which can save the average household £30 on their bills a year
• refer you for further funded improvements to keep your home warm e.g. insulation and heating systems
Arrange a free appointment to help with benefits, debt and other money problems.
You may be eligible for the LEAP service if one of the below apply:
• you have a low income
• you receive universal credit
• you receive housing benefit
• you receive an income or disability related benefit
Apply or find out more applyforleap.org.uk
Freephone 0800 060 7567 (8.45am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday).
News in brief
Financial wellbeing survey
A consultation for residents in Crawley aimed at providing an understanding of how economic pressures have affected residents over the last couple of years ran in September. This will help the council to shape its services going forward.
Employ Crawley Jobs Fair
Employ Crawley successfully hosted its first jobs fair with more than 200 live vacancies on offer. Around 300 jobseekers were able to speak directly to employers to discuss the various roles available in the local area.
Local employers from a wide range of industries including retail, construction, financial, social care and airport services, were on hand to offer advice to potential applicants alongside the Employ Crawley Team.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants
Seven Crawley community groups have received a total of £46,457 in grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aimed at decreasing the gap in healthy life expectancy and increase opportunities between those in the most and least deprived areas in Crawley.
Funding is provided to support projects that boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards, improve public services, empower local leaders and communities, or restore a sense of community and local pride.
FreeShop Crawley receives grant from UK Shared Prosperity Fund
FreeShop Crawley has received a funding grant of £66,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to continue to deliver the free community café and FreeShop offer at the Bewbush Centre.
The community café is a key part of the local community and helps reduce the impact of the cost of living for those in Crawley. The café, which is open every Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, is free of charge and offers food, charging points and digital inclusion clinics.
The Freeshop Offer provides opportunities for members of the community to get support with a variety of areas including wellbeing programmes, form filling, money management and budgeting advice, as well as bespoke workshops.
Crawley Greentech Business Growth Fund Grant awarded to
Recycle2Trade
The second recipient of the council's Crawley Greentech Business Growth Fund is Recycle2Trade Ltd, a pioneering small local business.
Recycle2Trade has been awarded a grant of £45,100 for the development of a digital prototype to detect and monitor methane gas emissions from landfill sites to provide more accurate data and enhance gas collection efficiency.
The company will develop a digital prototype of a software as a product solution. This innovative methane gas detection system will identify previously undetected emissions, helping landfill operators improve gas collection.
The programme is being managed on behalf of Crawley Borough Council by Carbon Limiting Technologies, a specialist consultancy with experience in designing and delivering climate technology grants and acceleration support.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news at crawley.gov.uk/news
Mayor’s engagements
Some of the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah’s recent engagements have included:
A Crawley Arts dinner in early August
Visiting the St Catherine’s Hospice’s new building in early September
The West Sussex County Council Chairman’s garden party in midSeptember
Attending the Junior Citizen event at The Hawth in mid-September
A visit to the Town Hall from the 7th Crawley (Furnace Green) Scout Group
And an Autism Crawley dinner held at Ifield Golf Club at the end of September
Get Winter Strong campaign
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care, and NHS England have launched the Get Winter Strong campaign to help reduce the impact of winter viruses on those most at risk, as well as ease NHS winter pressures. The campaign urges those eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations when invited, by targeting those at greatest risk and for the first time, will encourage pregnant women to also get their respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough vaccination.
Eligible people can now book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the NHS. For their RSV jab, pregnant women and older adults should speak to their maternity service or GP.
You can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment via nhs.uk or in the NHS App, at a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site or some may be able to get vaccinated through a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery, or if you live in a care home.
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.
Making Life Easier
Christmas recycling and rubbish collections
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Rural collections
Monday 23 December
Tuesday 31 December
Tuesday 7 January
Tuesday 24 December
Thursday 2 January
Wednesday 8 January
Friday 27 December
Friday 3 January
Thursday 9 January
Saturday 28 December
Saturday 4 January
Friday 10 January
Monday 30 December
Monday 6 January
Saturday 11 January
Friday 27 December
Friday 3 January
Monday 23 December
Tuesday 7 January
Tuesday 24 December
Wednesday 8 January
Friday 27 December
Thursday 9 January
Saturday 28 December
Friday 10 January
Monday 30 December
Saturday 11 January
Thursday 9 January N/A
Recycling and rubbish collections return to normal from Monday 13 January. If you are subscribed to the GREENbin garden waste collection service, please note there will be no collections from Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January inclusive. Normal collections for this service will resume from Monday 6 January.
Tuesday 31 December
Monday 13 January
Thursday 2 January
Tuesday 14 January
Friday 3 January
Wednesday 15 January
Friday 4 January
Thursday 16 January
Monday 6 January Friday 17 January
Friday 4 January
Thursday 16 January
To check if your recycling collection is week one or week two, please refer to my.crawley.gov.uk or call 01293 438772.
Collections may not be made at the usual time of day during the holiday period, so please ensure your recycling and rubbish bin(s) are placed out at the edge of your property, not blocking pavements, by 7.30am on your collection day, and are clearly visible.
collections
Excess waste
Over bank holidays and Christmas, we will take one additional average sized sack/bag of rubbish for every day your collection is delayed e.g. if your collection day is normally a Monday, but we collect your waste the following day on the Tuesday, you can leave one additional bag for collection.
What can I put in my recycling bin?
Reminder
There will be no recycling and rubbish or GREENbin collection produced again this year. Please refer to my.crawley.gov.uk to find out when your recycling, rubbish or garden waste (if subscribed) is due for collection. Alternatively, you can download and print a copy of your collection calendar(s) from crawley.gov.uk/collectiondays
If you don’t have access to a computer, please call 01293 438772.
Please remember to recycle as much as you can over the festive period. Items for recycling should always be:
Clean
No food and drink leftovers please including greasy pizza boxes. Rinse cans, bottles, jars and plastic containers.
Visit the Recycling Centre at Metcalf Way, County Oak if you can't fit everything in your bin. For opening hours and to book, go to westsussex.gov.uk
To book a bulky waste collection call 01293 438772.
Dry
Empty liquid from all cans, bottles and plastic containers and keep your bin lid shut. If your bin lid is missing or broken, please let us know. Any excess cardboard must be kept dry for collection.
Loose
Not in plastic bags or boxes please.
Missing State Pension payments
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging people to check if they are eligible for an increase in their State Pension.
Some parents who claimed Child Benefit before 2000 are missing out on State Pension payments they are entitled to because of gaps in their National Insurance records.
HMRC is urging those affected, who are mainly women at, or approaching, State Pension age, to check for gaps in their National Insurance record and top up their State Pension for free.
HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions are working to identify those people affected and encourage them to make a claim for Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) so their records can be amended.
HRP was applied to the National Insurance (NI) records of those who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000, to protect their State Pension.
You can check your eligibility and make a claim on gov.uk by searching for ‘missing state pension’ – it takes about 15 minutes, or by post using form CF411.
If you are a low income pensioner, you're struggling and you don't get Pension Credit, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234. They can help you fill in the application. Lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95 and even if you own your home or have savings. Call 0800 99 1234 to check.
People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:
• the Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs
• help with rent and Council Tax
• a free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over
• help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
Visit crawley.gov.uk/help-pensioners to watch a video from the DWP that gives you a step-by-step walk through of how to use the Pension Credit calculator, which works out if you are eligible and gives you an estimate of what you could be entitled to.
You can also drop into the Town Hall on a Tuesday or Wednesday between 9.30am and 3pm during November for staff to check your eligibility and help you apply.
Planning permission granted at Telford Place
A significant milestone has been achieved with outline planning approval being granted to Affordable Housing & Healthcare Group (AHH) for up to 300 affordable homes at Telford Place.
The current approval far exceeds the council’s policy requirement, offering 100 per cent affordable housing, with Crawley Homes to receive about one third of the scheme for affordable rent. The other two thirds of the scheme will be shared-ownership, available to first time buyers and keyworkers, as
well as older persons shared-ownership for over-55s, offering an affordable retirement solution with the provision of care as may be required.
This scheme is expected to start on site in 2025 and will make a significant contribution in regenerating the town centre, bringing a residential presence that will support the town centre economy.
This scheme will be water-neutral, as the Crawley Homes Retrofitting Programme has already allocated almost 1,000 retrofitted properties to support this strategic development.
What's on this WINTER
14 November and 5 December
Woodzy & Friends
An evening of local talent, from music to theatre, films to art installations. Hosted by local spoken word artist and rapper, Woodzy, this is an opportunity to share your ideas and experience the local creative scene. Come along and meet other creatives, find out what’s going on locally and share your talents, thoughts and ideas with likeminded people. creativecrawley.com
16 November
Light
Up Crawley, Queens Square
Celebrate the festive season with carol singing at the bandstand followed by the Christmas tree lights switch-on in Queens Square. Music, dance and family entertainment. crawleytowncentrebid.co.uk/events
23 November to 24
December
Santa's Grotto, County Mall
23 November
A choral concert by Phoenix Choir of Crawley, St Andrew’s Church, Furnace Green, 7.30pm
Featuring ‘A Fancy of Folksongs’ arranged by Cecilia McDowall for choir and harp, and harp solos performed by Alexander Rider. With other folk songs from the UK and abroad, arranged by John Rutter, Simon and Garfunkel and others. Tickets in advance £14 for adults, £1 for under 16s, £6 for full-time students (on the door £15/£1/£7).
Call or text 07821 872666 or email phoenixchoircrawley@gmail.com
Weekends in December
Carol singing, bandstand, Memorial Gardens
On Saturdays throughout December.
Thursday 12 December
Christmas Carol Concert, St Andrew’s Church, Furnace Green, 8pm to 9pm
Join in with some well-known carols and enjoy performances from Phoenix Choir of Crawley at this free concert. With seasonal refreshments and a raffle.
From 10am to 5pm on 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 December and 20 to 23 December
Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas
Christmas spirit is officially in the air at Tilgate Park!
This year’s Magical Christmas event promises to be better than ever, offering a bundle of fun and festive activities. Running over 10 days, Tilgate Park’s Walled Garden will transform into a cosy winter retreat with something for all ages.
This year, you can choose from two enchanting grotto experiences, including a cuddly toy from Santa:
Santa’s Traditional Grotto – Meet
Santa in a personalised, cosy and festive setting
New for 2024, Story Grotto – Meet
Santa as he reads a magical Christmas tale in our enchanting, new story grotto
Book your tickets at tilgateparkchristmas.co.uk
But that’s not all! Throughout the event, enjoy free performances from This Is My Theatre and special appearances by choirs, dance groups, and singers, filling the air with Christmas cheer. And to fuel your festivities, indulge in some delicious Christmas street food and drinks while the kids enjoy the children’s funfair.
And don’t forget our new wreath-making workshops, taking place on 24 November and 1 and 8 December from 10am to 1pm. These two-hour workshops are the perfect way to get hands-on with your holiday décor.
Book at my.crawley.gov.uk
So, mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a Christmas experience to remember at Tilgate Park. Whether you’re visiting the grotto, enjoying the live performances or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, we can’t wait to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with you.
tilgateparkchristmas.co.uk
Keep up-to-date with the events programme at crawley.gov.uk/events or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Success of Crawley Homes’ first tenants conference
Crawley Homes recently held its first tenants conference which included a mix of informative sessions, engaging workshops and the chance to meet staff and other tenants.
The workshops gave tenants the opportunity to give their views on how the council consults with them, hear about the customer care and service vision, find out the results of the tenant satisfaction survey, explore how to keep homes safe and healthy, advice on maintaining their neighbourhood, and discover information about performance.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, joined Crawley Homes' senior staff for the question and answer panel, which saw a wide-ranging discussion from the floor, with lunch providing an opportunity for informal discussions. Colleagues from council contractors Mears Group, Wates and Liberty were also part of this successful day.
Comments from tenants who attended on the day included:
“Very informative and rather an eye opener.”
“I felt I was able to speak up and was able to say what I needed to and found it interesting listening to other people and the speakers too.”
“Excellent – really enlightening very pleased that I came and stayed to the end. Thank you all.”
“This was so helpful to me – I feel like I have been heard and I enjoyed joining in.”
Win tickets to The Hawth panto!
Jack and the Beanstalk 13 December to 5 January
Don’t miss The Hawth's fun-filled family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, starring TV legend Steve McFadden as the boo-able baddie Fleshcreep. He will be joining Crawley favourite, Michael J Batchelor, who will be returning for his 11th year as Crawley's best-loved dame!
With stunning sets, hilarious comedy, and breathtaking special effects, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be the ultimate pantomime adventure that you and your family will remember for years to come! So, don't miss out on the Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun...
Book your tickets today at hawth.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01293 553636 (Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm).
For your chance to win a family ticket for four to see Jack and the Beanstalk on Tuesday 17 December at 6pm and receive a goodie bag, answer the following question:
What do Jack's magic beans grow into?
A) Christmas Tree B) Beanstalk C) Brussels sprouts
Send your answer with your name, address and telephone number to:
Crawley Live Competition, The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley RH10 6YZ or email hawthmarketing@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk by Monday 2 December, the winner will be contacted by telephone the next day.
Good luck!
Help at the press of a button
Lifeline is a personal alarm for anyone living in Crawley to use at home in an emergency, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One press of the button connects you to our Alarm Receiving Centre, where an operator will take your call and get you the appropriate help.
The Lifeline service allows you to maintain your independence and feel safe in your own home.
Our GPS tracker is suitable for those who like to get out and about and may need to call for help suddenly. The operator will be able to send help to your exact location.
Additional equipment, such as smoke or heat detectors, that works with a Lifeline and automatically contacts the Alarm Receiving Centre, is also available.
Free installation, small weekly rent
The weekly rental charge for a personal alarm includes a responsive repair and replace service of our equipment, an annual service visit from the Lifeline Team and access to an operator 24 hours a day.
For extra peace of mind, we can offer a key safe as part of your Lifeline package. If you don’t have any
local contacts, a key safe is a good alternative to enable access into your home in an emergency. Your key holders can be family, friends or neighbours who are happy to respond to your calls.
Contact us on 01293 438468 or at lifeline@crawley.gov.uk
Find out more at crawley.gov.uk/lifeline
GPS tracker
White Ribbon Day – It Starts With Men
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
The charity’s work is preventative, by wanting to prevent men’s violence before it can begin. White Ribbon UK work with almost 7,000 individuals and more than 400 organisations to positively change harmful cultures, attitudes and behaviours so that all women and girls can live without the fear of violence or harassment.
To support White Ribbon Day on 25 November, you can:
• wear The White Ribbon
• raise awareness with your colleagues, friends, young people and family
• make a donation
We are committed to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls through promoting gender equality, raising awareness and ensuring that men as well as women are part of the solution.
Councillors and staff will be wearing white ribbons on the day to raise awareness.
Sussex Police's engagement van will be in the town centre on 10 December. Police Community Support Officers and advisors from domestic violence support groups will be available to talk to.
To find out more visit whiteribbon.org.uk
Domestic abuse support services
WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service
07834 968539
domesticabuseservicescentral@ westsussex.gov.uk
Victim Support victimsupport.org.uk
sussexadmin@victimsupport.org.uk 0808 1689274
Safe In Sussex safeinsussex.co.uk
info@safeinsussex.org.uk 03303 337416
Visit westsussex.gov.uk and search for 'domestic violence' for a full list of support services available in the area.
In an emergency or if in immediate danger, always call 999.
Water neutrality impacts housebuilding in Crawley
The number of houses built in Crawley has fallen below the annual target for the first time since 2015 due to water neutrality rules which stop development.
The council traditionally has an enviable record in relation to housebuilding. Since 2015, the number of homes built in Crawley exceeds the Local Plan target by 30 per cent. Of the 1,212 affordable homes were built in Crawley between 2015 and 2016 and 2022 and 20/23 – 47 per cent of all homes built over the period, which exceeds the council’s 40 per cent target.
The council’s Authority Monitoring Report, which details annual performance against planning policies, shows that the delivery of new housing has dropped below the Local Plan target for the first time since it was launched nine years ago.
In 2022/23, 190 homes were completed in the town instead of the target of 340. Only 78 affordable homes were built in that year, which is 57 per cent of the annual target.
The single biggest factor has been the imposition of water neutrality by Natural England because of the impact of water extraction on the local environment. This prevents any development or change of use that increases water usage in Crawley. It requires developers, including the council, to demonstrate water savings elsewhere before development can progress.
This is one of the reasons why the council unanimously declared a housing emergency in February of this year. This constraint on development is at a time when the need for additional housing in the town has never been higher. It's having a significant impact on those in greatest need within the town.
For more information visit crawley.gov.uk/planning and search for planning applications.
Become a Foster Carer with WSCC and make a difference every day. Receive comprehensive training, professional support and up to £30,393k* a year (per child)
*Fee dependent on experience, age of child and duration of time in your care
Town Centre Cultural Quarter
Following the submission of a Town Investment Plan in 2020, Crawley was granted £21.1 million by the government to help boost job creation, business growth and economic recovery. The plan seeks to deliver transformative regeneration schemes and boost economic activity.
Included in the plan is the Town Centre Cultural Quarter project which aims to reduce shop vacancy rates, increase town centre footfall and deliver cultural amenities and infrastructure.
The project has two phases: Pop-Up Culture programme and creation of plans for a cultural hub.
Since March 2023, the Pop-Up programme has supported local groups and developed partnerships to produce 38 events in multiple locations across the town centre, to test activities that work best in Crawley.
events taking place until March 2026.
The second phase of the project will deliver four feasibility studies and two site delivery plans resulting in a masterplan for a town centre cultural quarter. The first feasibility study has taken place, with the project team hearing from many residents, businesses, employees and visitors about their experiences and perceptions of culture in Crawley.
This project is one of the many investments the council is making to help the development of the town centre into a vibrant area.
For more information visit facebook.com and search for Pop-up Culture Crawley
Help with money worries
Crawley Borough Council’s online money worries guide provides residents with all the information they need.
The web page has advice on many different topics, including:
• managing your income
• budgeting and debts
• housing financial support
• pensioners
• help with energy and other household bills
• food and food bills
• employment advice
• health and wellbeing
Help is available from organisations including Crawley Borough Council, Crawley Wellbeing, the Money Advice Service, Moneyhelper, Turn2Us, Crawley Citizens Advice, Boom Community Bank, Crawley Home-Start, Energy Saving Trust, Carers Support, Age UK Crawley, Southern Water, Employ Crawley and many more.
The support and information can be found at
crawley.gov.uk/moneyworries
Local Plan 2023 to 2040
Crawley’s Local Plan for 2023 to 2040 has been formally adopted by Full Council, after confirmation from the independent planning inspectors that the plan is sound and legally compliant.
Adopting the plan means the council will be able to control the types of development in the borough, safeguard its ability to process planning applications and access funds from developers by way of Community Infrastructure Levy and also Section 106 funding to invest in sustainable transport, employment and skills, affordable
housing development, open spaces, tree planting, biodiversity and other infrastructure improvements.
The strategic priorities for Crawley and the planning policies include:
• new homes – in particular affordable, sustainable and good quality housing
• new jobs, including at a new strategic employment site at Gatwick Green
• water efficient and water neutral to comply with Natural England’s requirements
• protection of Crawley’s heritage, environmental and recreation assets
• climate change mitigation and adaptation
• stricter noise thresholds for greater protection of new residential development, particularly from the airport
• a robust defence against unauthorised off-airport parking
• provision of community, social and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities
Documents and supporting evidence can be viewed at crawley.gov.uk/localplan in Crawley Library and the Town Hall.
Sepsis: Know the signs, save a life
Sepsis affects at least 245,000 people annually, with up to 48,000 deaths. While it primarily affects the very young, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, it can also strike those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
How to spot sepsis:
For adults:
• confusion or slurred speech
• severe breathlessness or shivering
• mottled or discoloured skin
• no urine passed in a day
• extreme pain or the feeling that you might die
For children:
• breathing very fast
• blue, pale, or mottled skin (check forearms or palms)
• rash that doesn’t fade under pressure
• unusually cold to the touch
• difficult to wake or very lethargic
For under-fives:
• not feeding
• vomiting repeatedly
• have not passed urine for 12 hours
If you spot any of these signs, call 111 or your GP immediately. In urgent cases, call 999 or visit A&E.
and
Our goal is to deliver the type of care that we would want for your own loved ones. Somewhere local with a professional care team that provides home cooked food, a clean and safe environment with good company. Plus, a private space that you can call your own.
Whether your needs are Elderly or Dementia Care, we will provide the care you deserve by tailoring your daily support around you in our Crawley services. For more information call us or visit:
Scan Me Scan Me
Deerswood Lodge
Ifield Green, Ifield, Crawley RH11 0HG
Furnace Drive, Furnace Green, Crawley RH10 6HZ
Contacts
01293 438000 during office hours and for out-of-hours emergencies comments@crawley.gov.uk crawley.gov.uk/democracy
Crawley Borough Councillors
Bewbush and North Broadfield
Marion Ayling – Labour 07886 920815
marion.ayling@crawley.gov.uk
Michael Jones – Labour 07944 578872 michael.jones@crawley.gov.uk
Sharmila Sivarajah – Labour 07717 800021 sharmila.sivarajah@crawley.gov.uk
Broadfield
Ian Irvine – Labour 01293 439503 ian.irvine@crawley.gov.uk
Kiran Khan – Labour 07787 222314 kiran.khan@crawley.gov.uk
Tim Lunnon – Labour 07763 735143 tim.lunnon@crawley.gov.uk
Furnace Green
Duncan Crow – Conservative 01293 888564
duncan.crow@crawley.gov.uk
Hazel Hellier – Conservative 07717 800126 hazel.hellier@crawley.gov.uk
Gossops Green and North East Broadfield
Esther Barrott – Labour 07386 698839 esther.barrott@crawley.gov.uk
Chris Mullins – Labour 01293 511069 chris.mullins@crawley.gov.uk
Ifield
Julian Charatan – Labour 07823 326971 julian.charatan@crawley.gov.uk
Jilly Hart – Labour 07717 801008 jilly.hart@crawley.gov.uk
Local services
Beni Yianni – Labour 07386 698836 beni.yianni@crawley.gov.uk
Langley Green and Tushmore
Imran Ashraf – Labour 07823 326974 imran.ashraf@crawley.gov.uk
Shelly Bushnell – Labour 07386 698852 shelly.bushnell@crawley.gov.uk
Tahira Rana – Labour 07385 467631 tahira.rana@crawley.gov.uk
Maidenbower
Kim Jaggard – Conservative 07917 078437 kim.jaggard@crawley.gov.uk
Imtiaz Khan – Conservative 07471 021651 imtiaz.khan@crawley.gov.uk
Dominic Ramsay – Conservative 07386 698855 dominic.ramsay@crawley.gov.uk
Northgate and West Green
Gurinder S. Jhans – Labour 07468 709555 gurinder.jhans@crawley.gov.uk
Sue Mullins – Labour 01293 511069 sue.mullins@crawley.gov.uk
A by-election was held for the third Northgate seat on 24 October. Visit crawley.gov.uk/elections for the result.
Pound Hill North and Forge Wood
Tina Belben – Conservative 01293 884526 tina.belben@crawley.gov.uk
Nick Hilton – Labour 07386 698854 nick.hilton@crawley.gov.uk
A reminder where responsibilities lie for local services.
West Sussex County Council:
• Highways
• Potholes
• Footpaths
• Road maintenance
• Street lighting
• Education
• Children’s services
• Social services
• Trading Standards
• Health
• Libraries
• Recycling centre
In an emergency
The government’s advice is to ‘go in, stay in and tune in':
BBC Radio Sussex
104.8 and 95.3 FM
Heart Sussex
102.4 and 103.5 FM
Justin Russell – Labour 07823 326976 justin.russell@crawley.gov.uk
Pound Hill South and Worth
Thomas Bidwell – Conservative 07386 698853 thomas.bidwell@crawley.gov.uk
Craig Burke – Conservative 07823 326979 craig.burke@crawley.gov.uk
Bob Lanzer – Conservative 01293 884789 bob.lanzer@crawley.gov.uk
Southgate
Yasmin Khan – Labour 07717 801382 yasmin.khan@crawley.gov.uk
Bob Noyce – Labour 07341 887234
bob.noyce@crawley.gov.uk
Dipesh Patel – Labour 07386 698857 dipesh.patel@crawley.gov.uk
Three Bridges
Brenda Burgess – Conservative 01293 441204 brenda.burgess@crawley.gov.uk
Atif Nawaz – Labour 07787 222308 atif.nawaz@crawley.gov.uk
Steve Pritchard – Labour 07717 801403 steve.pritchard@crawley.gov.uk
Tilgate
Olu Adeniyi – Labour 07386 698858 olu.adeniyi@crawley.gov.uk
Maureen Mwagale – Conservative 07557 849286 maureen.mwagale@crawley.gov.uk
County Councillors
Bewbush and Ifield West chris.oxlade@westsussex.gov.uk
Labour 07710 900813
Broadfield brian.quinn@westsussex.gov.uk
Labour 01293 512650
Langley Green and Ifield East alison.cornell@westsussex.gov.uk
Labour 07760 111152
Maidenbower and Worth bob.lanzer@westsussex.gov.uk
Conservative 01293 884789
Northgate and West Green natalie.pudaloff@westsussex.gov.uk
Labour 07763 905279
Pound Hill richard.burrett@westsussex.gov.uk
Conservative 01293 522338
Southgate and Gossops Green zack.ali@westsussex.gov.uk
Conservative 07944 578872
Three Bridges brenda.burgess@crawley.gov.uk
Conservative 01293 441204
Tilgate and Furnace Green duncan.crow@westsussex.gov.uk
Conservative 01293 888564
Council meetings
All meetings take place at 7pm unless stated otherwise.
Live streaming committee meetings: Some committee meetings will be live streamed via the council’s YouTube channel and then stored on the same channel.
Go to youtube.com/crawleybc
• Overview and Scrutiny Commission 25 November
• Cabinet 27 November
• Planning Committee 7.30pm 2 December
• Audit Committee 3 December
• Full Council 7.30pm 11 December
• Overview and Scrutiny Commission 13 January
• Planning Committee 7.30pm 14 January
Crawley Borough Council:
• Waste and recycling collections
• Dog bins and dog fouling
• Social housing
• Environmental Health
• Business rates
• Council Tax
• Open spaces (council-owned)
• Planning
• Economic development
• Car parks (Orchard Street, Town Hall and Kingsgate)
• Grass cutting
• Litter bins
• Play areas (council-owned)
• Parade noticeboards
Peter Lamb MP
To make an appointment, email peter.lamb.mp@parliament.uk and for more informaton visit members.parliament.uk
• Cabinet 15 January
• Licensing Committee 20 January
• Governance Committee 21 January
• Overview and Scrutiny Commission 3 February
• Cabinet 5 February
• Planning Committee 7.30pm 10 February
• Full Council 7.30pm 26 February
Local electrician based in Northgate
All electrical work undertaken
Quality service with satisfaction guaranteed
Electrical inspections (EICR) Rewires
Fuseboard replacements
New kitchen & oven wiring
l keeper talks
l free parking
l coffee shop
l picnic areas
l gift shop
l accessible
Open at weekends & school holidays
Christmas hols open: Sat 21 Dec - Sun 5 Jan (excludes 24, 25, 26 Dec)
Crawley resident wins Council Tax paid for a year
A lucky resident has won their 2024/2025 Council Tax paid for a year, thanks to the fantastic prize draw launched in Crawley Live last year.
Big congratulations go to Sophie Clegg-Hill from Pound Hill, whose name was drawn at random after signing up to e-billing.
Residents can register for electronic billing for several council services, including Council Tax, allotments, GREENbin, leasehold services and Lifeline. By going paperless, you can
manage your account more conveniently online, saving time when paying bills and renewing subscriptions.
Sending out bills electronically instead of by post saves the council costs on paper, printing and mailing as well as supporting its green agenda.
If you’d like to have your 2025/2026 Council Tax bill paid*, sign up to e-billing and one lucky winner will join Sophie in celebrating in April!
* The prize will be up to the equivalent of band D Council Tax for 2025/2026. Terms and conditions apply.
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