Supporting the local economy & how the Council can help traders in the year ahead

The final shopping days before Christmas will have been a make or break period for many retailers. The money people spend in their high street will dictate what kind of new year local shops can expect.

The council will be redoubling its efforts during 2009 to make sure it's providing the right support for the borough's businesses. We already have the best record in London for paying local suppliers on time.

Our economic development team will be making more grants and interest-free loans available to small traders in our town centres while a special 'beat the credit crunch seminar' will be held at St Mary's Church on January 28.

This event is being run with GLE oneLondon and will offer local traders tips on ways to survive and thrive during the economic downturn. You can find out more from the town centre manager at sdwallace@wandsworth.gov.uk

There's no bigger contribution a council can make to the local economy than keeping its taxes down. Wandsworth's bills are of course the lowest in the country. Now we have a 'low tax' Mayor on board. Boris confirmed earlier this month that he would be holding his charges down in 2009. In a recession this is just the kind of message everyone wants to hear.

For now let's support our excellent Putney shops and look forward to a new year that defies all the gloomy predictions

Edward Lister
elister@wandsworth.gov.uk

December 26, 2008

Edward Lister is the Leader of Wandsworth Council and a member for Putney's Thamesfield ward.