A PILOT project has been launched to help protect people from rising levels of poverty.

Adur and Worthing Council have contacted people in the most vulnerable households to offer help and advice about avoiding going further into debt.

The project has been started after concern that poverty levels could rise after the pandemic.

Up to 20 per cent of workers currently furloughed could lose their jobs as the scheme comes to an end.

In this instance, council tax support could rise by 29 per cent in Adur and 32 per cent in Worthing.

The cost of paying the additional benefits monthly would rise by £174,000 in Adur and £249,000 in Worthing.

Adur District Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, councillor Kevin Boram, said: "Our research clearly shows that the pandemic will push more people into poverty and a feeling of helplessness.

"This scheme will deliver early intervention with support and some cases finance, in order to reduce the impact of financial difficulties to mitigate against a potentially bad situation getting worse."

Data worked on by the council identified more than 11,500 residents that were either behind on their council tax payments, rent payments or both.

A small number of people have already been contacted by trained staff and support, some of which were not aware they could claim other benefits.

Other services were also offered to them, such as referrals to wellbeing and mental health services, money advice experts and befriending services.

Worthing Borough Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, councillor Sean McDonald, said: "This is an innovative pilot project which uses the latest data to contact those who might be in danger of drifting further into trouble.

"Primarily, of course, it can help the resident because getting into debt is an incredibly distressing experience, but it also makes economic sense to intervene.

"Revenues we collect are spent providing vital services to our community, so this is something of a virtuous circle."

If the pilot project is successful, more resources and digital solutions to help residents avoid getting into further financial trouble could be invested in.