Making a difference to the people of Medway

Cllr Jane Chitty: Measures to beat the recession

Letter posted on Friday, 20 November 2009

Sir, as our country continues to suffer from the longest recession since records began, we are doing what we can in a targeted fashion to help residents and businesses affected by the economic downturn here in Medway.

This month we officially opened our new flagship Employ Medway Advice Centre, located in Chatham High Street, which provides free information and advice to those who have found themselves recently unemployed or are facing redundancy.

To help young people, we are giving them the opportunity to gain valuable experience through our graduate work experience and apprenticeship schemes.

Local businesses can benefit from start up grants and our recently expanded Partners for Growth loan scheme, which now includes the retail sector, as well as having access to professional advice.

For those facing financial problems, the council runs a debt service in partnership with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau as well as working with residents who are struggling to pay their council tax bills.

These schemes are making a difference. They have helped people such as Peter Hegarty, a former Royal Engineer, who was made redundant from his job, but thanks to a Partners for Growth loan has set up his own property maintenance scheme. Mr Hegarty is one of a number of people who have been given assistance and our schemes can also help you find new opportunities in these difficult times.

Cllr Jane Chitty Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth Medway Council