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Local government is in a position to help alleviate some effects of the economic downturn. Stephen Weigel explains what his authority is doing. So, it's official. The governor of the Bank of England has announced: ‘It now seems likely that the UK economy is entering recession.' He has just confirmed what many already claimed to have known. And, according to all the experts, this one is different. Unpredictable and severe challenges are being faced on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis, both nationally and globally. While much of this is outside local government control, responsibility and, in most cases, ability to assist, we still want to help businesses and communities in our areas. Unlike businesses, we have responsibilities beyond many private sector organisations. Apart from providing our complex range of services, we are key local employers, as well as customers and supporters of many large and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We also have to consider the political dimension, together with our leadership, governance and social-inclusion roles. The need for local government to be transparent and follow bureaucratic rules within a statutory framework means our freedoms, flexibilities and the ability to act quickly are hampered, when swift change is required. It is very likely many will look to their local council for additional support. We are now under even greater pressure, with our limited resources being stretched to accommodate new priorities and higher expectations from all sides. In Tandridge, we are realigning our support and resources to the highest priorities faced in our business community. We already have a number of initiatives which will help businesses, including: * supporting the local chambers of commerce and local businesses, listening to their priorities, and delivering practical outcomes, including enhancing town centre CCTV and signage in partnership with the police * helping set up ‘shop watch' schemes * free four-hour car parking for shoppers, which is reported to have increased trade by up to 25% * being judged in the top 15 local authorities by the South East Federation of Small Business, for our procurement policies, and how they help local businesses secure contracts * employing a high proportion of local people, both directly and indirectly * removing graffiti and fly-tipping quickly * sponsoring an annual business exhibition, in partnership with local businesses and Business Link * providing useful information and contacts on our website and in other council publications, as well as a free, online business directory * considering requests for business rates hardship relief being put forward by businesses. There is currently a debate on how quickly councils pay invoices, and how this impacts on business cashflow. In Tandridge, we have been paying 95% of invoices within 30 days, and 40% within 10 days, for many years. We are working with other public and voluntary sector organisations to maximise benefit take-up and debt and expenditure advice. We and our partners have been doing as much as we can to anticipate and prevent the potential increase in crime, fear of crime and disorder locally, which very often follows economic downturn and recession. This has included enhancing our leisure facilities through the inspection and upgrading of children's play areas. The Government has been doing its best to increase public confidence and stabilise our economy, but it would be useful if there was more help for local government by further relaxing some of the restrictions and reviewing current targets we are expected to meet in light of the recession and new challenges faced. This will allow local government and other public bodies to work together more efficiently and effectively, to target our limited resources to achieve the most positive outcome during this difficult time. After all, we are the ones closest to the people living through this crisis. We are best placed to know what is needed and how to deliver it. Stephen Weigel is chief executive at Tandridge District Council

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WHITEHALL

Home-grown solutions to beat the credit crunch

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