Councils Take The Lead In Battling The Credit Crunch

摘要

Not content with taking over post offices, Essex CC is now going into banking in a bid to beat the credit crunch. And Sutton LBC is planning free parking to encourage Christmas shoppers to boost local business income over the festive period. These are just some of the measures councils are using to tackle the economic downturn, and SOLACE has unveiled a range of suggestions to tackle the crunch. The 'Bank of Essex' includes plans to release European Investment Bank funds for small local businesses; developing and supporting 'Essex Savers', a credit union; and direct financial assistance for vulnerable groups. The council's innovative response came just a week after local government minister, John Healey, called on councils to use the power of wellbeing and be more creative in an attempt to tackle the crisis head on.