MP MEETS LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS TO DISCUSS CREDIT CRUNCH

2.45.00pm GMT Mon 12th Jan 2009

Julia met with local business leaders last week to hear how the economic downturn was affecting them.

She held individual surgeries with business owners followed by a "round table" meeting to gauge the views of local firms on the credit crunch, Ms Goldsworthy said businesses were facing a wide range of challenges, though most companies felt that the Government's VAT cut had done little to help them.

She said: "The kind of issues they reported to me focused on difficulty in obtaining credit from the banks, and variance of terms, conditions and charges at short notice.

"A number of local businesses also felt that government announcements of support to small businesses were not making an impact on the ground, and were complicated to access and understand. The consensus was that the VAT cut had been little more than a publicity stunt - that ended up costing them money in reprising their goods.

"What would make a real difference is a big cut in income tax to give people more money in their pocket to spend on the high street."

Julia added that local councils could also help by encouraging people to support their local retailers, and keep pride in their towns.

She said: "I plan to have further discussions with the local Federation of Small Business, local Chambers of Commerce and other business groups in the constituency. If anyone wishes to see me to discuss their concerns on an individual basis, please contact my office on 01209 716110 and I will be happy to help."