Adur & Worthing Councils support low income households with supermarket vouchers
Released: Monday, 26 January 2026
We have supported scores of the least well-off households in the area with supermarket vouchers worth £100.
Our Proactive team recently wrote to 131 households in Adur and Worthing identified as having a low income or impacted by the two-child benefit cap to offer them vouchers to buy groceries or household items.
The money for the grants comes from the government's Household Support Fund, which is distributed by local authorities.
Households were identified by our Proactive team of dedicated caseworkers using data analysis technology developed by social policy software and analytics company Policy In Practice.
The technology allows us to combine data from multiple separate systems into one shared dashboard to provide a clear view of low income households across both districts. This means we can identify and support residents more quickly and effectively.
Designed to help with the impact of the increased cost of living, the vouchers are just one example of our support for some of the most vulnerable residents in Adur and Worthing.
In spring last year we contacted over 600 households claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and living in properties with a low energy efficiency rating to offer them the chance to apply for a cash grant of £150.
We have previously supported residents falling just outside the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit and gave them supermarket vouchers.
As well as offering targeted financial support, the Proactive team used the Household Support Fund to help some of the least well-off residents by providing deposits for housing, rent in advance, white goods and furniture.
Residents identified by the Proactive team have also been able to access support from partner organisations, including reductions on water bills with Southern Water and free swimming lessons from South Downs Leisure, as well as financial support and digital wellbeing checks from Lancing-based organisation TellJO.
Our new homelessness and rough sleeping strategy builds on this approach, representing a further shift away from crisis management to earlier intervention and greater partnership working.
Councillor Sharon Sluman, Adur's cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said:
“We know that cost of living pressures means more of our residents are struggling with household bills and costs. This targeted, proactive approach means we are able to offer support much earlier to help stop issues spiralling.”
Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing's cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said:
“Our Proactive team is in regular contact with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, taking time to offer personalised support that makes a real difference to people's everyday lives.”
To find out more about how we use data to support residents, see:
For resources for anyone struggling with the cost of living, see:
Photo: supermarket trolley
(PR26-012)
Page last updated: 26 January 2026