The county council is leading an initiative with district and borough councils to produce a package of measures to beat the credit crunch, including a pledge to keep council tax as low as possible.

Key initiatives in the Joint Local Authority Action Plan, announced by county council leader Henry Smith, are:

• Cutting the time to pay invoices from small and medium-sized businesses to improve cash flow and keep them solvent


• Giving £100,000 worth of additional financial support to Citizens Advice Bureaux to help people who need debt counselling


• Signposting how residents can claim any benefits to which they are entitled


• Publicising support services for businesses, including flagging up opportunities to tender for local authority contracts


• Collaborating with Jobcentre Plus to match-up companies forced to downsize with those seeking new employees


• Supporting the West Sussex Credit Union and Community Banking Partnership to focus resources on individuals most in need


• Working closely with employers to continue to improve the skill levels and employability of young people.

Mr Smith said: "It is vitally important that people know where to go for help.

"For example, the crisis package explains how to contact a Fuel Poverty Adviser to help stay warm without spending a fortune.

"It also provides support for vulnerable individuals like those experiencing domestic violence, mental health problems or other disabilities that prevent them finding work."


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