Spring Newsletter

March 2026

Save the date!  The next Midhurst Community Forum will be held on Wednesday 20 May (10.00 am – 1.00pm) by courtesy of the South Downs National Parks Authority in their Memorial Hall, North St Midhurst. This will be a highly participative session continuing to address the two topics of issues affecting older people, and issues affecting children and families in Midhurst as we have not yet got agreement on local initiatives to address these concerns.  

Follow up to November Forum: The Report of Proceedings from the 19 November Forum can be found on our website here:https://www.midhurstcommunityhub.co.uk/services

It includes a full account of the speech by Mark Jefferson, Headteacher of Midhurst Primary School about the community issues faced by the school.  

The follow -up action arising from this November Forum has been that the Cabinet Member (Jacquie Russell) and Executive Director (Daniel Ruaux) for Children Young People and Learning have been asked to consider establishing one of the Government’s new “ Best Centres” ( the successor to the Sure Strat centres ) in Midhurst. Discussion are ongoing. Similarly a meeting about older people’s issues has been held with WSCC ‘s Chichester Community Team. Particular invitations will be extended to both groups of officers and members to attend the 20 May Forum.

Local Government Review: The Government (Department of Communities, Local Government and Housing – Sec.of State Steve Reed MP) is scheduled to make a decision on the re-structuring  of local government in this area by the end of March. The principal options are:

·       A unitary County Council ( ie  district councils abolished)

·       Unitary District Council(s) – a combination of the current Chichester,Arun,Worthing and Adur councils – into a “Coast and Downs” unitary council with the county council abolished. 

 Under both options parish councils are retained and remain unchanged.

Whatever decision is taken will have a significant impact on the funding and structure of the charity sector in West Sussex. It may be an interesting topic for another Forum towards the end of this year once the dust has settled.         

Hub News: 

·       Client numbers: The number of clients helped since our launch (Nov 2022) has now nearly reached 250 and the year on year trend is upwards, sadly. Moreover the cases we deal with are getting more complex. Just as a reminder our teams of Volunteer advisers have helped clients about: Universal Credit, PIP, Carers allowance, Attendance allowance, energy/cost of living issues, debt  (initial advice), Housing issues (damp/mould, tenancy issues, homelessness) , Foodbank referrals, Bus passes, Blue Badge forms, Lasting Power of Attorney forms etc The complexity of client issues is also extending. PICTURE????? 

·       In Touch: This is te telephone befriending service whereby we undertake to make a weekly phone call to a client who might otherwise have limited opportunity for a friendly chat. We have new leaflets and material about this. Contact: Kath Luxton EMAIL ADDRESS???

·       Work Connections: We know that nationally unemployment rates are increasing as are those younger people not in education employment or training (NEET). We can provide specialist one to one coaching to help anyone on the edge of the labour market and needing confidence building or help with CV writing, presentation or interview skills. For info contact Mike@midhurstcommunity hub.co.uk

·       Midhurst Community Lunches: Go from strength to strength with the free weekly lunch number now averaging nearly 50 guests and with opportunity for guests to be brought in by minibus from the villages. PICTURE.

·       Midhurst Primary Clothing Recycling Hub: Held a successful event at the Grange Centre on 1 March for parents to collect freshly launderd and recycled school clothes. FREE. The next events will be in individual Primary Schools – Midhurst , Easebourne and Stedham. For info contact Laura at EMAIL address???

·       Grant: We are very grateful to Chichester District Council for the recent grant award. This, following the fund raising in 2025 by the Cowdray Golf Club, means that we are in a sound financial position for 2026/27 already.

·       Midhurst Town Council – Community (Curfew) Garden: Despite all the wet weather it’s good to see MTC’s Community Garden taking shape – right opposite our Office. PICTURE 

·       Meetings: We recently met with WSCC’s Chichester Community Team (adult social care) and have now established a good link. The Hub had a stand at the Chichester District Council Health and Wellbeing Fair on 20 Feb. We have been asked for literature about the Hub by Chichester DWP making a stronger link to them also.                                                                          

Government legislation

One of the reasons for the growing caseload is the (unintended) effect of current  Government legislation, including:

• Employment Rights Act 2025 (implemented 2026-2027): This landmark Act introduces wide-ranging changes, including:

  • Day One Rights: From 6 April 2026, paternity and unpaid parental leave become rights from the first day of employment.

  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): From 6 April 2026, SSP will be paid from the first day of illness (removing the three-day waiting period) and the lower earnings limit is removed.

  • Zero-Hours Contracts: Measures to ban "exploitative" zero-hours contracts, with workers gaining the right to guaranteed hours if they work regular patterns.

  • Unfair Dismissal: Protection against unfair dismissal becomes a day-one right, implemented from January 2027.

Renters' Rights Act 2025 (1 May 2026): This Act transforms the private rented sector in England by:

• Abolishing "No-Fault" Evictions: Ending Section 21 evictions to provide greater security for tenants.

• Ending Fixed-Term Tenancies: Making all tenancies periodic (rolling month-to-month).

• Limiting Rent Increases: Restricting rent hikes to once a year.

• Pets and Children: Giving tenants the right to request a pet and banning discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024-26: Focuses on child safeguarding, attendance, and school standards. 

SEND: Significant changes are being made to arrangements for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children as published on the Gov.Uk website here:

Schools white paper: What parents need to know about changes to the SEND system  – The Education Hub

NEXT NEWSLETTER – Summer 2026. For comments/contact: Mike Abbott – mike@midhurstcommunityhub.co.uk