Council announces ten-point economic action plan

11th November 2008

On Monday Sutton Council is launching a wide-ranging, 10-point package of no-nonsense measures, including free parking for shoppers over Christmas, in an important move to try to support business and residents during the economic downturn.

The economic action plan was announced at a meeting of the council's Executive on 4 November.

Alongside the plan the council is setting up an economic task force,  to be chaired by the council leader, which will include a range of groups and organisations from across the borough, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and business. 

It will help the council monitor the impacts of the downturn and develop effective economic measures to support the community in the months ahead.     

The details of the ten point action plan are as follows:

1. Cut the time to pay invoices to Sutton’s small businesses from 30 to 10 days to help small firms improve cash flow
2. Encourage small business rate relief take up
3. Promote advice and support for small businesses – the council will hold surgeries offering a diagnostic tool service provided by Business Link for London and Business Focus and other advice on support available.
4. Work with the Citizens Advice Bureau to provide a package of support and advice to residents on debt and money matters, and promote the establishment of a credit union to help those on low incomes or those families who struggle to get credit
5. Provide free parking on Thursday night and at the weekend in certain areas of Sutton in December to attract Christmas shoppers
6. Increase efficiency savings to keep council tax increases to a minimum. This week the council has proposed £4.6m of potential savings, of which 85% will be found by transforming the way the council works, whilst protecting front line services
7. Encourage council tax and housing benefit take up
8. Help residents save on transport costs through Smarter Travel Sutton
9. Encourage residents to use lower cost council services such as libraries to rent books, DVDs and music. Residents can save more than £20 a month using gyms in leisure centres, for example.
10. Developing an apprenticeship programme at the council and building a local talent pool to help Sutton residents find employment locally.

The council is particularly keen to support small businesses within Sutton. It is estimated there are around 6,000 businesses in total, with 80% employing four people or less.

Cllr Sean Brennan, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“We know that many of our small businesses and residents are suffering in the current economic climate and we are doing everything we can to help.

“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.

“This ten point plan is a rapid and no nonsense way to help those small businesses and residents in greatest need. By setting up a taskforce, we can also work with our partners to identify where is our help is needed and respond accordingly.”

Ann Kinnahan, Director of Sutton Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB), said:

"The downturn in the economy can create serious challenges for Sutton residents, particularly for people who are self employed or where one partner loses a job. 

“Sutton CAB is well equipped both to help people manage any debts and mounting bills effectively and to help them make the most of their existing income. 

“We are very pleased to be able to work with the council on implementing their ten point action plan."

Paul Cawthorne, Chairman of the Sutton Chamber of Commerce, added:

“I welcome and support the council’s moves to help small businesses in the borough.

“These are difficult times for many small firms and the offer of business rate relief and faster payment of invoices will be hugely beneficial.

“I urge businesses to take advantage of these offers and also call on local residents to support Sutton’s economy, particularly over the festive period, by doing their Christmas shopping and partying in the borough.”

For more information visit www.sutton.gov.uk

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