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Not content with taking over post offices,Essex CC is now going into banking in a bid to beat the credit crunch. And Sutton LBC is planning free parking to encourage Christmas shoppers to boost local business income over the festive period. These are just some of the measures councils are using to tackle the economic downturn, and SOLACE has unveiled a range of suggestions to tackle the crunch. The ‘Bank of Essex' includes plans to release European Investment Bank funds for small local businesses; developing and supporting ‘Essex Savers', a credit union; and direct financial assistance for vulnerable groups. The council's innovative response came just a week after local government minister, John Healey, called on councils to use the power of wellbeing and be more creative in an attempt to tackle the crisis head on. Essex leader, Lord Hanningfield, said: ‘It's our duty to do whatever we can to assist in countering the effects of the economic downturn.' Sutton LBC's 10-point plan to tackle the recession also included introducing apprenticeships. Leader, Sean Brennan, said: ‘Councils cannot solve the wider economic problems facing the country, but we must ensure that we are doing all we can to help local people and businesses.' SOLACE has recommended a range of measures, including: * pay suppliers on time * provide/publicise advice and support for businesses * procure locally * encourage take up of small business rate relief and consider full rate relief in areas where there are no alternative employers * encourage housing benefit take up * introduce support measures for people facing eviction * adopt a policy of no evictions for rent arrears * provide support for debt counselling * extend time to pay council tax and rent * be ready for the upturn

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BUSINESS

Council takes to banking to battle the credit crunch

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