Surrey Liberal Democrats Launch New Action Plan

9.45.00pm GMT Thu 27th Nov 2008

The Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council have today launched a 10 point action plan to support Surrey residents and local businesses adversely affected by the economic downturn.

Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Hazel Watson said:" It is vital that the County Council is prepared to support Surrey residents and businesses adversely affected by the economic downturn.

"Increasing numbers of Surrey residents are struggling to pay their bills. More people will need advice about debt, to avoid loan sharks and how to claim benefits. Fewer parents will be able to afford private education and will therefore opt for state education, leading to more pressure for school places. Less people will be able to self-fund their care which is likely to increase demands for social services. With high energy bills, more vulnerable people will be unable to keep their homes warm this winter. Many Surrey businesses will also struggle to survive the economic downturn and will need advice and support."

In order to help Surrey residents and businesses through these difficult economic times, the Liberal Democrats propose a 10 point action plan of County Council support and plans to protect and maintain the Council's own funds and services:

• Set up an economic task force including local businesses and voluntary organisations to develop a local action plan to support local residents and businesses.

• Work with voluntary organisations to provide support and advice to residents on debt, money matters, obtaining benefits and how to keep their homes warm in winter.

• Act responsibly when recovering arrears from Surrey residents.

• Promote advice and support for small businesses.

• Cut the time to pay invoices to Surrey's small businesses to help improve cash flow.

• Plan for increased demand for school places and social services support.

• Review and monitor the Council's investment policies to protect its investments.

• Monitor its contractors and suppliers of goods and services at potential risk of folding.

• Improve the energy efficiency of its buildings to reduce its energy bills.

• Bring forward planned investment to drive the local economy.

Cllr Watson concluded, "This action plan is the basis for the Council providing much needed support at local level and safeguarding its own funds and services. Surrey residents and businesses need the Council's support now."