Councils have announced a flurry of initiatives to help people survive the economic downturn. Support programmes have been unveiled to help businesses survive. East Sussex CC is providing crisis advice to small firms, Mendip DC has met with local bosses and Sutton LBC has unveiled a 10-point plan, including free parking for shoppers over Christmas in a bid to boost trade. Cllr Sean Brennan, leader of Sutton, 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.' The LGA announced this week a conference on 17 November on how councils can help people who are feeling the effects of the looming recession. It also launched a good-practice report highlighting how town halls can help the recovery from the economic hard times ahead. LGA leader Margaret Eaton said: ‘The economic recession will touch almost everyone in the UK in some shape or form. When things go wrong, councils step in, both to help kick-start the economy when it hits rock bottom and to provide a safety net for people in need.'