Response to the Recession

Coventry City Council is helping assist individuals and communities to deal with the impact of the recession in a variety of ways.

Communications and awareness raising

Ease the Squeeze is a one-stop online advice guide that has been added to the Coventry City Council website. The links in the guide provide signposts to a range of advice services including: Where to start for help; Advice (including benefits and money matters); Business; Culture and Leisure; Family; Housing; Local Support; Money; and Work.
The Corporate Research team gathers up-to-date economic information on the recession, using sources such as national data, newspaper reports, JobCentre Plus information and information from frontline services.

At a sub-regional level a 'Say it Loud' forum has been established by senior figures from organisations and businesses through Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. The forum has been set up to provide a loud, assertive voice for the sub-region to discuss the progress, development and actions to help businesses counter the economic downturn.
Coventry City Council is ensuring that as many businesses take advantage of the small business rate relief scheme as possible.
The Investment and Business team within Regeneration Services provides support to businesses experiencing the negative effects of the recession. This includes general help and advice or a focus on financial matters.
Coventry City Council is ensuring that it pays bills to private sector organisations within ten days to improve their cash flow.

'Enterprising Coventry' helps individuals who have been receiving Job Seekers Allowance for up to six months to find sustainable employment.
Where recession leads to redundancy, Enterprising Coventry can provide support to people who want to start their own business.