Housing Matters Roadshow brings housing advice to local communities

Residents across the Chichester District are being invited to get free housing advice as part of Chichester District Councils Housing Matters Roadshow, which is visiting communities throughout the summer and autumn.

 The roadshow will make it easy for residents and landlords to speak directly with housing officers, ask questions, and find out about the wide range of housing support available.

 Members of the councils Housing team will be attending a series of local events, markets and community days, offering informal facetoface advice on everything from social housing and private renting to energy efficiency and access to grants to deliver adaptations for disabled residents.

 Access to safe, suitable housing is one of the most important issues facing our district — and one of the most complex. Whether you are a tenant, homeowner, landlord, or someone simply trying to understand your options, knowing where to turn for clear, reliable advice is not always straightforward, says Cllr Oona Hickson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Revenues and Benefits at Chichester District Council.

 That is why we are pleased to be delivering the Housing Matters Roadshow, which is travelling across the Chichester District throughout the summer and autumn. This initiative is all about bringing help directly to residents — making it easier to have conversations, ask questions, and for people to access the support they need without having to navigate the system alone.

 Rather than expecting people to come to us, we are going out into our communities. Our Housing team will be attending local markets, community days and events, offering informal, face-to-face advice in a welcoming and accessible setting. Whether people have a quick question or a more complex issue, our officers will be there to listen and help.

 Housing challenges can take many forms. Someone might be looking to join the housing register, exploring affordable home ownership, or trying to secure a private rental. Others may need advice on damp and mould issues, improving home energy efficiency, or accessing grants for adaptations to support independent living. Landlords, too, can benefit from guidance, including how to work with the council through our free Private Rented Sector Scheme.

 The aim of the roadshow is simple: to connect people with the right support as early as possible. Even if we cannot resolve an issue on the spot, we will ensure enquiries are directed to the appropriate team for follow-up.

 Residents and landlords can speak to the team about a wide range of housing related topics, including joining the housing register and accessing social housing; finding affordable homes to buy; damp and mould advice for private rented tenants; Disabled Facilities Grants and home adaptations; securing private rented accommodation; letting properties through the councils free Private Rented Sector Scheme; reducing energy bills through home energy efficiency; and self and custombuild housing.

 The Housing Matters Roadshow will be visiting the following events over the coming months:

• Southbourne Sussex Day Saturday 13 June, 1pm5pm Southbourne Recreation Ground, Southbourne

 

• Petworth Fete in the Park Saturday 27 June, 12pm5pm Petworth House, Petworth

 

• Chichester Summer Street Party Sunday 5 July, 10am4pm East Street and North Street, Chichester

 

• UK Harvest Community Food Hub Monday 20 July, 3pm4pm The Grange Centre, Midhurst

 

• Emergency Services Family Day Sunday 2 August, 10am4pm Oaklands Park, Chichester

 

• Midhurst Summer Street Party Saturday 29 August, 2pm7pm Market Square and surrounding streets, Midhurst

 

• UK Harvest Community Food Hub Monday 15 September, 10am11am Jubilee Hall, Oving

 

• Chichester Cross Market & More Saturday 4 October, 10am4pm East Street and North Street, Chichester

 

• Loxwood Parish Event Tuesday 13 October, 2pm6pm North Hall, Loxwood

 

• UK Harvest Community Food Hub Tuesday 20 October, 2pm3pm Beacon Church, Selsey

 

• UK Harvest Community Food Hub Monday 9 November, 3pm4pm The Grange Centre, Midhurst

 

• Chichester Farmers Market Friday 20 November and Friday 15 January, 9am2pm East Street and North Street, Chichester

 Residents are invited to pop along to the Housing Matters stand at any time during these events for an informal chat. If an issue cannot be resolved on the day, enquiries will be passed to the appropriate council team for followup.

 The roadshow also provides an opportunity to find out more about recent changes affecting renters, including the Renters Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May. The council has produced guidance for both tenants and landlords to help people understand their rights and responsibilities.

 More information about the Housing Matters Roadshow, downloadable leaflets, renters rights and housing support is available at: www.chichester.gov.uk/housing-...