GOLDSWORTHY PRESSES GOVERNMENT OVER RECESSION HELP (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

GOLDSWORTHY PRESSES GOVERNMENT OVER RECESSION HELP

February 2, 2009 2:30 PM

MP Julia Goldsworthy has pressed the government to do more to publicise the help that is out there for people and businesses in Cornwall.

During questions in Parliament, Ms Goldsworthy asked Leader of the House Harriet Harman to hold a debate about the impact recent government measures are having on the ground. Ms Harman agreed that a debate was needed and admitted that it took time for people to understand the help that is available to them.

The Leader of the House pointed to a new document entitled "Real help now: for people and businesses", available on the main government website, which provides information on where to find help with homes, jobs and finances.

But Ms Goldsworthy pressed the point that many of the announcements were not having the intended effect on the ground - many businesses were still finding it impossible to access credit from the banks, while other measures would not be in place for a number of months.

Julia held individual surgeries and a roundtable discussion for small businesses earlier this month to gauge their views on the economic downturn. She also attended a Federation of Small Business meeting in Falmouth on Friday to discuss the continuing impact of the credit crunch.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"In the last few weeks there has been no shortage of government announcements. On the face of it, many of them are welcome. However, I know that there is often a world of difference between warm words from ministers, and the reality for local people.

"A big part of my job as an MP is to help ensure that local people and businesses have access to the information and support they need, especially during the economic downturn. At present too many people either don't know what support is available, or they find out that it isn't applicable to them.

"I'm glad the Minister agrees with me that Parliament needs to discuss the true impact of the government's announcements; and I will be pushing for this to happen as soon as possible."