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Sutton Borough Liberal DemocratsWorking for you all year round
Beddington, Belmont, Carshalton, Cheam, Clockhouse, Nonsuch, St Helier, Stonecot, Sutton, The Wrythe, Wallington and Worcester Park. |
Vince Cable, Lib Dem economic wizard, supports Council's action on 'crunch' support
April 30, 2009 2:52 PM
Sutton's Lib Dem Council was one of the first in the country to tackle the problems caused by the credit squeeze on local residents.
Its programme, the 10-point action plan, has been highly praised by the Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, who has emerged from the current economic crisis with his reputation substantially improved. Vince is now widely regarded for his foresight on economic matters and has been a regular visitor Sutton, most recently to speak to the local business community on 27 April.
Sutton's 10-point plan was launched by the Lib Dem leader on Sutton Council, Sean Brennan, shortly after it became obvious that local people were suffering economic hardship and has already benefited thousands of local residents.
The Lib Dem plan includes the following measures of help Sutton residents and businesses:
1. The Council has cut the time for paying invoices to Sutton's small businesses from 30 to 10 working days to help improve their cash flow;
2. It is encouraging the take-up of rate relief for small businesses;
3. It is strongly promoting advice and support for small businesses, and is holding surgeries offering a diagnostic tool service provided by Business Link for London and Business Focus and other advice on support available;
4. It is working closely with the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide a package of support and advice to residents on debt and money matters, and promoting the establishment of a credit union to help those on low incomes or those families who struggle to get credit;
5. Before Christmas it provided free parking in parts of Sutton to attract Christmas shoppers;
6. It has had a strong programme to increase efficiency savings to keep council tax increases to a minimum;
7. It has been encouraging the take-up council tax and housing benefit;
8. It is helping residents save on transport costs through Smarter Travel Sutton;
9. It continues to encourage residents to use lower cost council services such as libraries to rent books, DVDs and music and leisure centres; and
10. Sutton Council is developing an apprenticeship programme at the council and building a local talent pool to help Sutton residents find employment locally.
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