SHEFFIELD'S LIB DEM COUNCIL HELPING LOCAL PEOPLE THROUGH THE CREDIT CRUNCH

12.00.00am GMT Thu 29th Jan 2009

Lib Dems running Sheffield City Council have agreed a plan of action designed to help local people and businesses during the recession. Councillor Paul Scriven, Lib Dem Leader of Sheffield City Council said: "I know that many local people are worried about the recession and how it will affect their families at the moment. Although there are clearly tough times ahead, I can assure everyone in Sheffield that as a Council we are doing everything we can to try and help."

Many local people are feeling the impact of rising prices and the credit crunch. But the Council is setting out how it will respond in order to ensure everyone gets the advice, information and support they need.

Cllr Scriven added: - "Although it will take a national and international effort to turn this recession around, we are doing what we can locally to try and minimise the impact on Sheffield and its residents. This plan of action is a good start, but we will continue to keep a close eye on the situation to see if there is anything else extra we can do in the months and years ahead."

Local People are encouraged to take up Council and state benefits available to them to help relieve any financial burden. The Council will signpost people to support including Sheffield Credit Union which can help people through any financial pressures with advice.

In addition to the 'Delivering for Business' programme, the Council is also encouraging over 11,000 small businesses in the city to apply for small business rate relief. This is available for businesses with a rateable value below £15,000. The Council are encouraging businesses who are eligible to take up benefits available to them.

Councillor Scriven continued: "As well as weathering the downturn we are taking measures to ensure that Sheffield is at the front of the pack when the upturn comes."

An Executive Working Group of key officers and members is being set up to continue to monitor the economic downturn. Progress on the proposals will be reported back to Cabinet in six months.

For more information about how the Lib Dem Council can help you during the credit crunch go to: -

www.sheffield.gov.uk/creditcrunch