A new team has been set up to make sure everyone pays their fair share.

Adur and Worthing Councils said the new income team will improve the way money owed to them is collected.

It will involve collecting outstanding debts such as overdue council tax, business rates and rent from people who refuse to pay even though they can afford too.

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The idea came about as part of the councils' organisational redesign programme which has been developed to help meet the financial challenges faced in recent years.

The new income team will work closely with the councils' Proactive team, which is made up of dedicated caseworkers who help anyone that is struggling with debts and needs targeted support.

The team will use new software to identify people who may not be coping financially so they can offer appropriate support such as supporting them to claim benefits and get help with food costs.

A spokesman for the councils said: "By ensuring the payment of debts by those who can afford to pay, the councils will also be able to better prioritise help for residents struggling with the cost of living as well as focus spending on essential services."

Councillor Saffa Jan, Adur's cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “As councils for the community, we want to work together to meet the needs of all our citizens.

"We will continue to use our data to identify those who most need us while actively encouraging those who can afford it to pay their fair share.”

Councillor John Turley, Worthing's cabinet member for resources, said: “The financial challenges felt by local government are also being felt by residents, businesses and community organisations.

"Our ongoing organisational changes will help us work better together through projects like Proactive, so that we can meet the needs of our residents.”

The creation of the new team was announced by Adur and Worthing Councils on Tuesday.