Councils praised for crisis action
COUNCILS in South Yorkshire and north Derbyshire have been praised for their response to the recession in a national report by the Audit Commission.
The 'When it comes to the Crunch' report looked at the effect of the economic crisis on councils, what activities they are undertaking and what they need to do to improve.
Rotherham was chosen to provide a snapshot of how the recession has affected local authorities.
The report said the council's income had fallen 6 million, business tax income fell 0.7 per cent, hous-ing rent arrears increased 0.5 per cent, income from planning application fees fell 550,000, land charge searches fees dropped 150,000, and money from building control inspections fell 175,000.
Income was also hit by falls in property sales and income from commercial property rents.
But there was a 1,200 increase in the number of housing benefit applicants and a rise in problems such as abandoned vehicles.
And there was a 100 per cent increase in jobseekers' allowance claims - although that was covered by the Government rather than the council.
Despite the problems, Rotherham was among the local councils highlighted for good practice for the Dearne Valley Partnership - organised jointly by the borough, Barnsley and Doncaster Councils, to improve transport. The scheme was praised for "using transport improvements to connect the communities into a larger, more viable economic and social unit".
Doncaster Council's decision to set up a deposit loan scheme, providing support to people raising deposits to rent properties, was praised.
And the Audit Commission said Derbyshire County and Derbyshire Dales Councils set a good example by increasing efforts to promote debt advice, including Dales giving 125,000 to support debt advice through the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Sheffield Council was praised for "strong leadership" and initiatives such as its Buy Local scheme, where the council has promised to use suppliers with an 'S' postcode to boost firms in the area.
Sheffield Council leader Coun Paul Scriven said: "We've put in place a range of measures to help local people, including delivering the lowest council tax ever to put money back in people's pockets.
"We have set up dedicated support for people starting up businesses, as well as encouraging the public sector and local people to support Sheffield's economy by buying local.
"We have made the city centre look vibrant by using empty shops as community art spaces and increased visitor numbers in the city by holding high profile events like the music festival."
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