South Derbyshire District Council is offering to help local people and small businesses struggling to keep their heads above water in the current serious economic climate.

Says Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, “We are acutely aware of the mounting financial pressures on individuals and families, along with small and medium sized businesses. We want to help wherever we can.

“If you are facing financial problems in paying your bills, we have specialist benefits officers who can help you find out if you are eligible for help such as Council Tax and Housing Benefits. They can also advise you how to claim. There’s no need to be fearful of the paperwork involved as our staff are here to help. All you need to do is to phone the Council on 01283 595795.”

Cllr John Harrison, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Finance and Management Committee adds, “We especially want to help small and medium sized businesses, companies with up to 250 employees, which are the majority of employers in South Derbyshire. Council staff are working hard to try to pay these businesses quicker than our normal 30 days from the date of the invoice. We know that small and medium sized businesses are particularly threatened with cash flow problems so we will be doing our best to get the money to them as quickly as possible. These support measures will be a positive contribution to help our residents and small businesses weather the almost unprecedented financial storm in which we all find ourselves”

Cllr Harrison continues, “Residents of South Derbyshire will be relieved to know that the Council has not made any investments in foreign banks.”