When it comes to the crunch, Sheffield bites back (Paul Scriven)

When it comes to the crunch, Sheffield bites back

August 13, 2009 6:12 PM

money Liberal Democrats on the City Council are helping Sheffield to bite back in the face of the credit crunch according to a report released today.

Independent watchdog The Audit Commission, have praised the Lib Dem run council for showing strong leadership during the economic downturn. It also welcomes the strategies put in place to make sure that the city will attract investment when the economy starts to recover.

Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: We understand that people in Sheffield are feeling the pinch and we want both local residents and businesses to know that we are on their side.

'We've put in place a range of measures to help local people, including delivering the lowest council tax ever to put money back in people's pockets. We've also put money into advice services to help people facing debt, home repossessions or needing advice on benefits to find and access the support that they need.'

'We have set up dedicated support for people starting up businesses, as well as encouraging the public sector and local people to support Sheffield's economy by buying local. We have made the city centre look vibrant by using empty shops as community art spaces and increased visitor numbers in the city by holding high profile events like the music festival.'

The report, 'When it comes to the Crunch', which has assessed councils across England and Wales, reports that some councils are not doing enough to support residents in the current stage of the recession, or to plan for the social effects likely to be caused it.

It also says that many councils are not doing enough to plan for the economic upturn - however Sheffield is not one of them. The report recognises the work done by Liberal Democrats on the city council to make sure that regeneration projects do not fail, and to make Sheffield an ideal place for businesses to invest.

Paul added: 'Our response is not just about what we are doing now - but how we are planning for when the green shoots appear. We want to make Sheffield the number one place to do business.'