Recession Busting Plans Put in Place in Stafford

A new raft of measures aimed at helping residents and businesses during the recession are being introduced by Stafford Borough Council.

Money awarded to the Council because of its success in encouraging business to the area has been set aside for measures aimed at easing the problems caused by the economic downturn.

Funding has now been identified to aid charities, businesses and householders and the measures will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet next week.

Councillor Mike Heenan, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This is the worst recession we have known for a generation. At this time people look to their local authority for assistance and we must deliver in a way which helps the most needy in our community.

“We have also identified where we can help businesses which is important as so many companies are struggling and local jobs are being lost.”

An additional £20,000 is being given to the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in Stafford and Stone, on top of regular funding provided by the Council, to help them cope with a 25% increase in debt, legal and employment related enquiries. More than £40,000 will be used to handle demand for Council Tax and Housing benefits which has trebled in recent months. Other schemes include £20,000 to support start up grants for local businesses with an increase of £30,000 to help households reduce fuel bills through home improvements.

Councillor Heenan added: “These are sensible measures, not knee-jerk reactions, with the aim to providing long term help for our whole community.”

The new measures will be funded through money awarded under the ‘Local Authorities Business Growth Incentives’ scheme which rewards Councils who have attracted business to the area. Stafford Borough Council recently achieved the national ’Beacon Status’ for its work in “creating prosperity” in the area - the only district authority in the country to have been given this award.
Advice for businesses during the recession can be found via the homepage of the Council’s website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk