Economic Downturn Action Plan Kevin Byrne London Councils
Economic Downturn Action Plan Kevin Byrne London Councils Policy Officer’s Network 25 th September 2009 kbyrne 2@hillingdon. gov. uk
Overview • • Hillingdon – Key Issues Monitoring effects of the downturn Strategic approach and actions Next Steps
Hillingdon • 42 sq miles • 2 nd Largest LB • M 4 & M 40 corridors into Thames Valley • North “Metroland” and semi-rural • South Industrial /urban
Indices of multiple deprivation All Children Older people
Hillingdon: Economic Profile • • A strong economy Corporate HQs SME bed-rock - 9, 045 individual businesses Large business sectors: – – – Transport, storage & communication Hotels & restaurants Knowledge Economy Retail Construction
Unemployment • Redundancies EDS, Entertainment UK, BAA, Alitalia, Woolworths • Rising unemployment Job Seekers Allowance - 5, 973 Aug 09 +105% since August 08 3. 7% working age population 28. 5% of unemployed are 16 -24 yr old
Assessing impact • Monitoring key economic and social indicators • Reported to Corporate Management Team and Cabinet and to Hillingdon Partners (LSP) • Providing focus and direction • Uses partner information (CAB, JC+)
Strategic approach to the downturn • LSP lead to bring in business and community • Strong buy in from Cabinet and Council • Internal ‘credit crunch’ group set up, partners included • Council commitment to support residents & businesses • Council and LSP building a coordinated response under four key themes: • Supporting residents; • Protecting the vulnerable; • Supporting businesses; • Preparing for the up-turn
Reducing impacts on residents • • 2 year council tax freeze Additional £ 2. 6 million for services 0% increase in fees and charges for key services also frozen Support for resident having difficulty in paying council tax Council rent increases halved to £ 2 per week Contact centre - minimising avoidable contacts, spotting recession impacts, linking to services and policy A residents’ card – discounted parking, shopping, leisure
Reducing impacts on vulnerable people • • • Fast Track mortgage rescue scheme (1 of 7 in London) West London Housing partnership “Warm Zones” scheme Strengthened advice and support with partners Direct lines for CAB into council tax section Recognise need to support broad range of community support, not just debt/employment advice • Initiatives to maximise benefit entitlement
Reducing impacts on business • • Invoices paid within 10 days Promoting take up of business rate relief Business rate relief – hardest hit ERDF project to open up supply chains “Gateway Heathrow 2012” • JC+ & Business Link Rapid Response service
Preparing for the upturn • Worklessness & unemployment – Local Employment Partnership – Skills and training – Employability programmes – Encouraging Entrepreneurship • Apprenticeships • Volunteering • Supply chains
Key Issues Moving Forward • New ideas: – Google – “speed up during the slowdown” – Hillingdon Interfaith Network • Town Centres and vacant properties • Skills agenda especially 16 -24 • Housing • Health • Outer London Commission • Regeneration opportunities
- Slides: 13